Edvard Grieg: Ave Maris Stella for trombone sextet

About the Grieg Ave Maris Stella for trombone sextet

The Grieg Ave Maris Stella for trombone sextet arranged by Aron Simon transforms a serene choral work into a warm, resonant brass setting. Composed by Edvard Grieg, Ave Maris Stella (“Hail, Star of the Sea”) is a traditional hymn to the Virgin Mary. In its original form, Grieg wrote it for choir, capturing a devotional and contemplative atmosphere. This trombone version maintains that spiritual depth while introducing a richer, more sonorous timbre.

Instrumentation and scoring

This arrangement features 4 tenor trombones and 2 bass trombones. The tenor voices sustain the flowing melodic lines, while the bass trombones add gravity and warmth to the harmonic foundation. In addition, the trombone choir’s unified tone offers a blend reminiscent of the human voice, making it a natural fit for choral transcriptions.

Musical character and interpretation

Grieg’s harmonies are gentle yet full of colour. The slow tempo and sustained chords invite the listener into a meditative sound world. Moreover, the trombone sextet’s ability to sustain long, even phrases mirrors the choral origins of the work. The piece is ideal for sacred concerts, memorial services, or moments in performance that require stillness and reverence.

Technical and musical aspects

Players must maintain precise intonation, especially in close harmonies. Breath control and dynamic balance are essential to achieve a seamless blend. Although technically straightforward, the expressive demands are high, requiring a disciplined, sensitive ensemble approach.

Availability

This Grieg Ave Maris Stella for trombone sextet edition is professionally engraved and comes with a full score and individual parts. It is available as a digital download or a printed edition with priority shipping. As a bonus for search visibility, this arrangement is also suitable for trombone ensemble performance.

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