Trombone quartet SKU: P2.80179
Composed by Jacques Offenbach. Arranged by James Meador. Chamber music, 20th century. Published by Potenza Music (P2.80179). The boisterous can-can is a highly energetic, physically demanding dance made popular in French cabarets in the mid to late 1800's and continues to be popular today. Flashy, bawdy, and provocative, the dance can include such acrobatic movements as high kicks, splits, cartwheels, and even flying jumps. Many composers have written music for the can-can, but undoubtedly, the most famous example is the in 1858, and although it shocked some audiences early on, it quickly became extremely popular and spread outside Paris.
This version for trombone quartet was arranged for Bones Apart, the internationally acclaimed trombone quartet comprised of all females from the U.K. After hearing their inspirational second CD, Enigma, and writing a review of the recording for the ITA Journal, Meador was compelled to arrange a flashy, crowd-pleasing piece for the group to perform. In keeping with the flamboyant style of the piece, this arrangement goes high, low, soft, loud, fast, and faster. It challenges the extremes of register, technique, and flexibility, and is sure to evoke a standing ovation from the toughest of crowds. (And, there is no place to breathe. Enjoy!).
