Sergei Rachmaninoff's Vocalise is a captivating and hauntingly beautiful musical composition that transcends the boundaries of words. Originally written for voice and piano, it stands as one of Rachmaninoff's most beloved works. The Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14 flows with enchanting melodies and lush harmonies, creating an ethereal atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners. Its wordless nature allows for a universal emotional connection, as each individual can interpret its poignant expression in their own way. With soaring lines that soar and delicate accompaniment, Rachmaninoff's Vocalise casts a spell of sheer musical enchantment, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience its breathtaking serenade.

This marvelous arrangement of 4.5 minutes in length for 8-part Trombone Ensemble by Randall Malmstrom is appropriate for advanced performers on the 1st part (high d-sharps_ and 8th part (many pedal notes) and advanced intermediate on the other parts.

Rachmaninoff - Vocalise for 8-part Trombone Ensemble

growth is sometimes unhealthy for want of air

Sea Drift by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor is an a cappella choir piece written in 1908 based on a poem by the American writer Thomas Bailey Aldrich. The music is dark and ominous, perfectly suited for the arranger Richard Decker to set for an 8-part Trombone Ensemble of moderately advanced performers.

The instrumentation of this 5-minute work is for 6 Tenor Trombones (part 1 optional alto) and 2 Bass Trombones (part 8 optional contrabass).

Sea Drift

Gustav Holst composed this sublime piece of music in 1900 in memory of his later mother. Ave Maria, written in 1900 for 8 separate voices originally for woman's chous, combines ancient modality and dissonanes within a diatonic framework.

David Fetter has arranged this lovely devotional work for 8-part Trombone ensemble, appropriate for advanced-intermediate performers.

Holst - Ave Maria for 8-part Trombone Ensemble

Christus Factus Est is a Motet by Bruckner originally for choir, written in the year 1884, just after he wrote the 7th Symphony. It is usually performed during Holy Week as part of Mass services.
Bruckner dedicated his life to God and in the process wrote over thirty Motets and three Masses. His instrument, the Organ helped shape his concept of sound, building "cathedrals of sound".
This beautiful arrangement by Randy Malmstrom for 8-part Trombone Ensemble is rich, serious, dramatic and religious in spirit.
The work is about five minutes in length and is suitable for advanced performers featuring an instrumentation of 2 alto trombones, 4 tenor trombones, bass trombone and contrabass trombone.

Bruckner - Christus Factus Est Motet for 8-part Trombone Ensemble

The Creation by Franz Joseph Haydn was first premiered in Vienna in 1798 and quickly became famous across Europe. The Overture, nicknamed "The Representation of Chaos" is a 6-minute work of genius where Haydn paints the dark, frightening void just prior to creation by using snippets of melody, vague rhythms, strange harmonies, awkward dissonances and sudden outbursts (Toronto Mendelssohn Choir notes).
Randall Malmstrom's excellent arrangement of this work for 8-part Trombone Ensemble is scored for alto, 5 tenors, bass and contrabass trombones and is appropriate for advanced performers.

Haydn Overture to The Creation for Trombone Ensemble

La Péri is a ballet in one act by Paul Dukas, written in 1912 and first performed in Paris. The Fanfare was originally scored for orchestral brass ensemble, however this great arrangement for 8-part Trombone Ensemble by Randall Malmstrom is spectacular sounding.
For advanced performers, the work is about 2 minutes in length.
Instrumentation is for alto trombone, 5 tenor trombones, bass trombone and contrabass trombone.

Dukas - Fanfare from La Peri for Trombone Ensemble

Michael Mills composes music that addresses topics of the human condition through an extremely personal lens. Utilizing a unique compositional voice that often mixes contemporary and traditional practices, Michael explores and embraces the paradox of universality amongst our highly individualistic lives. Through his music, he asks questions and offers a singular perspective in both an act of and an invitation to reflection.

Growing up in a small town in southern West Virginia, Michael taught himself both piano and composition until beginning his undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech. Under the mentorship of Dr. Charles Nichols and Dr. Eric Lyon, Michael began using the idiosyncrasies that emerged from years of self-teaching as a foundation through which his musical expression has developed. Enthusiastically composing across an immense range of styles, mediums, and skill levels, Michael’s music has garnered performances throughout the American Mid-Atlantic region, on public radio, and across Europe.

Michael is currently in his second year of an MM in Composition degree at The Peabody Institute where he studies with Dr. Felipe Lara. He earned a B.A. in Music: Composition and Technology along with a minor in Psychology from Virginia Tech in 2019.

Professional Musician, Trombonist, Teacher, Arranger, Publisher.
Graduate of Eastman School of Music
Retired Principal Trombonist of Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and CBC Radio Orchestra. Formerly National Arts Centre Orchestra.
Retired University of British Columbia Department of Music

New tracks tagged #Trombone Octet