Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612), son of an organist, was born in Nuremberg and received his initial training in music from his father. As a young man he studied in Venice and became close friends with Giovanni Gabrieli, both eventually studying composition with Giovanni's Uncle Andrea. Hassler gained a reputation as an innovative composer and also traveled throughout Germany as a consultant in the construction of pipe organs.

Dr. Palmer has transcribed this exciting 3 minute work for 6-part Trombone Ensemble. It will work well for intermediate performers.

Verbum caro factum est is a beautiful choral work written in antiphonal style. The text has been taken by Hassler from the first chapter of the St. John Gospel and is considered an ancient carol of Christmas based on the text.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)
And we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

And we have beheld His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
And we have beheld His glory,
glory as of the only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Hear a choral rendition of this work on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80lkSRHhDyQ

Wagner began writing the opera Parsifal in 1857 but didn't complete it until 1882. It's first performance was given at Bayreuth just 4 months before his death. It is loosely based on a 13th-century epic poem of King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail.

Randall Malmstrom's beautiful arrangement of the music for 8-part Trombone Ensemble is noble and spiritual.

This 4-minute excerpt contains much of the Introduction or Vorspiel and is appropriate for advanced performers.

The instrumentation is for: 2 alto trombones, 4 tenor trombones, 2 bass trombones