Sergei Rachmaninoff's Prelude Op. 3, No. 2 is one of the composer's most famous compositions and is also known as The Bells of Moscow since the introduction seems to reproduce the Kremlin's most solemn carillon chimes. (Wikipedia).

This fantastic arrangement in C minor (the original is in C#) by Kevin Dombrowski for 8-part Trombone Ensemble certainly retains the immense gravity and solemnity of the piano version if not more, with the rich and dramatic sounds of the trombones.

The 4-minute arrangement is appropriate for advanced performers.

Eine Alpensinfonie is Strauss's final and largest scale tone poem. Composed in 1915 (during WWI) Strauss puts into music his feelings of joy and mystery about the glory of nature, especially the mountains. He so loved the mountains that he built a home in the Bavarian Alps with stunning views.

The original work is scored for an enormous orchestra of at least 125 musicians and is about 50 minutes in length. This fantastic 6-minute arrangement by Randall Malmstrom, appropriate for advanced performers is for an 8-part Trombone Ensemble (1 alto, 5 tenors, and 2 bass trombones) and features excerpts from the work that highlight the trombone section's glorious chorals.

Here is what the arranger, Ross Holcombe says about his great scoring of this wonderful and unique work by Ives.

Ives finished the majority of his Concord Sonata, from which this movement is excerpted, in 1915. According to Ives, the piece reflects on the old Alcott house in Concord, MA, but I feel a greater struggle in this work than a mere journal about a piece of architecture. The fact that Ives quotes Beethoven?s 5th Symphony so extensively makes me wonder about his views on destiny, fate, the future, and the creative process.

The piece starts serenely but quickly devolves into uncertainty, doubt, and anger. A floating interlude brings us back to distant memories where we remember that we are shaped by our past, but have control of the direction of our future. Building on that realization and quickly gaining steam, the piece ends with a powerful and joyful climax. The angry Beethoven theme is transformed into one of power, hope, and light. A feeling of calm and contentment ends the piece, finally coming to rest on one simple C major chord.

This work is scored for 10 trombones: 1 alto, 7 tenor, and 2 bass trombones and is appropriate for advanced performers.

Hill Country Miniatures for 8-part Trombone Ensemble was written by Richard J. Lawn in 2002 for the Trombone Choir at the University of Texas and its director Nathaniel Brickens. The work is dedicated to Donald Knaub its former director. It has become a staple in the American Trombone Ensemble repertoire since its original release. Mr. Lawn explains in the notes, his deep emotional connection to the Hill Country land and to his days at the Eastman School of Music, hearing the legendary Trombone Choir led by Emory Remington and following through to his days at the University of Texas with Knaub and Brickens, all of which inspired him to compose this work.

This music is about 15 minutes in length and is for advanced performers.

The four movements of the work are:

Hickory Cove - September 2001 - a lyrical, somber and solemn introductory movement.

Smithwick - a jaunty piece reflecting the Scottish and English heritage of this tiny Texas spot.

The Narrows - As part of the Colorado River narrows, it twists and turns its way through the Texas Hill Country. You can hear the gentle waters winding through the cliffs and slopes.

Blue Bonnet Boogie - The springtime brings a profusion of the Blue Bonnet, the Texas state flower. A sea of these swaying in the breeze brings out the good old down-home boogie-woogie! A jazz solo featuring Bass Trombone (written for Bill Reichenbach in mind) with solo written out or improvised using chord symbols adds a festive finish.

Cherry Classics is proud to be the new distributor of this great work.

Nielsen wrote Symphony No. 4 "The Inextinguishable" in 1916 against the backdrop of the First World War. The work expresses "the spirit of life...everything that moves, that wants to live...just life and motion...very varied...yet connected".

Randall Malmstrom has pulled together a 6-minute extract from this amazing work and arranged it for 7-part Trombone Ensemble, appropriate for advanced performers.

Stuart O'Neil has written a new work entitled "Machinery" in 4 movements for 6-part Trombone ensemble and Percussion. Below is the composer's explanation of his exciting and dramatic work."The four pieces in this collection are written for 6-part trombone ensemble and accompanying percussion; they may be performed together or individually. Each piece is a study in the trombone?s distinct glissando capability and should be approached in a relatively aggressive, but not overly serious, manner: concert music, but with considerable jazz-rock influence, especially in regards to rhythm and dynamics. The pieces are similar, but each has its own character."1. Machine is a well-oiled, highly-functioning machine, with all parts efficiently working together.2. Rush Hour is a hectic, busy traffic scene, but somewhat cartoon-like.3. Suspension Bridge is strong metal under extreme stress, straining but not breaking.4. Assembly Line is a factory conveyor belt: loud, busy, with lots of heavy machinery.This 10 minute work is appropriate for advanced performers.

Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from "The Planets" by Gustav Holst is a lively, buoyant and noble movement from this great suite for orchestra. Randall Malmstrom has defied the rules again and brilliantly arranged this movement for 8-part Trombone Ensemble.

The 3 1/2 minute movement is arranged for advanced performers and will be an outstanding addition to your program.