INTERNATIONAL TROMBONE ASSOCIATION JOURNAL LITERATURE REVIEWS

combinations and slide positions into the

major, minor, and chromatic scales. Also of
interest is the "quick warm-up" section that
includes the method's main exercises in a
condensed form. One note of caution; Mr.
Faulise describes trigger register positions
exclusively in terms of lowered standard
positions, regardless of which valves are used:
'2, '3, '4, "5, and "7. Other texts often use
positions that give a closer approximation
to where notes are actually located: a5, "7,
etc. However with practice and a tuner, this
can be worked through in a short amount
of time. Consult Mr. Faulise's other books.
The BasicsF G-flat D In-line Double Valve
Bass Trombone and F & D Double Valve Bass
Trombone for additional study materials by
one of New York's most legendary studio bass
trombonists.

no key signature at first, then progressing

it is somewhat difficult to perform these as
by adding a flat or sharp until all keys are
anything more than etudes. The material is
covered. Range is further expanded upwards
presented in clear print with no awkward
from that used in the School, frequently
page turns, on good quality paper with
extending to the high P, and there are
adequate binding.
^Wayne Groves greater upper tessitura demands as well.
Orquesta Sinfnica de AguascalientesThirteen studies have notes that extend
below the range of the alto trombone,
A-flat through E and one pedal BB-flat
Vladislav Mikhailovitch Blazhevich.
(available, but unusual), and three studies
School for Trombone in Clefs Including the
include clef changes (No.2 tenor. Nos.32
All New Alto Studies. Edited by Andrey
& 38 bass). These incongruities suggest
Kharlamov and Michael Deryugin. Annotated
that the pieces are primarily intended as
by Ward Stare. Chicago: East-West Music
advanced tenor trombone studies, many of
Intemational, Inc., 2007. Second edition,
which may be performed on the alto with
revised, 2008. Grade 3-6. (Ensemble
some modification. A useful glossary of
Publications)
musical terms can be found at the end of
the book with Itahan, English, and Russian
This edition is
translations.
based upon the

Eric High 1939 edition

St. Norbert College of the work,
restoring the
composer's
J. Ausfahl, editor.
intentions without
Arias for tuba or bass trombone. Teaneck, NJ:
the editorialized
Puna Music Company, 1999.
additions of
dynamics,
This is a collection of 25 operatic and
articulations,
oratorio arias by Mozart, Handel, Verdi,
positions, and
Haydn, Vivaldi, Purcell, and Meyerbeer. With
other indications found in other modern
a few exceptions most of the arias presented
editions. This is a welcome sight, as it is
in this collection are not particularly well
impossible to determine from the other
known. They are not presented in any
editions exactly what is the composer's and
sort of chronological manner but rather in
what is not. The paper is clean and white
order of presumed difficulty, such as one
and the music and staves are generally wellwould encounter in an etude book, which
spaced and easy to read. A few exceptions
is essentially how the collection functions.
to this are noted in the errata below. In over
Aside from tempo indications and phrase
half the etudes an unusual problem occurs
lines, few other performance indications are
with the dots placed on dotted notes that
given, so that the performer is challenged to
appear on a line: in sixty-three etudes, these
provide personalized interpretation.
dots appear below the Une rather than in
The arranger's stated goal is the "development their usual place above, which can be quite
distracting. Also confusing are the numerous
of legato style . . . and breath control,"
"courtesy" cancelling of accidentals,
somewhat in the same manner as the
sometimes measures after the fact. Ward
transcriptions of Bordogni and Concone
vocalise for low brass instruments. Aside from Stare's commentary is provided for each
section and for many etudes in the book.
the intrinsic value of playing the music of
While this commentary is well-intentioned
great composers, these arias provide musical
and provides useful insights to the performer,
challenges to students of instruments that
it might have been better presented intact in
don't generally get such melodic material.
a separate "Performance Guide" section so as
The tessitura and overall character of most
to preserve the integrity of the restored 1939
of the material suggests the editor probably
edition. The spiral binding that was added
had tuba more in mind. However, the bass
with the second edition helps the book lie flat
trombonist who possesses a modern double
when opened.
valve instrument will derive considerable
benefit from this collection. It should be
noted that there is no piano accompaniment
Part Three includes the forty-one Alto
currently provided by the publisher, and
Trombone Suies, which are a welcome
since the editor has taken some license
addition to the advanced repertoire for
in adapting these works to the range and
trombone. These are presented much in the
technical capabilities of these instruments
same manner as in Part Two of the School:

-46-

International Trombone Association Journal / www.trombone.net

The release of this edition of the Blazhevich

studies is a welcome sight after a decade of
the American editions being unavailable.
Kharlamov is to be commended for
establishing intellectual property rights for
the Blazhevich estate using the GATT trade
agreement of 1985, which now enables the
Blazhevich family to receive royalties for his
work. There is no doubt that this tome will
once again become a staple in pedagogical
repertoire for trombone.
J. Mark Thompson
Northwestern State University
In this edition, there are a number of
recommended edits to correct obvious
mistakes and oversights. A few suggestions
are also included to make the etudes more
consistent and accurate and to provide
additional clarity.
Editions used for comparison:
Vladislav Blazhevich. Studies in Clefs for
Trombone. Edited by Allen Ostrander. New
York: International Music Co., 1957.
Vladislav Blazhevich. Clef Studies for
Trombone. Edited by Donald Hunsberger.
Milwaukee: MCA Music Publishing, 1965.
Vladislav Blazhevich. Clef Studies for
Trombone. Edited by Jacob Raichman. New
York: Leeds Music Corp., 1948.
Vladislav Blazhevich. Advanced Musical Etudes
for Trombone and Euphonium in Bass Clef.
Edited by Reginald H. Fink. Athens, OH:
Accura Music, 1991.

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