Franz Liszt: Invocation for trombone octet

About the Liszt Invocation for trombone octet

The Liszt Invocation for trombone octet arranged by Aron Simon adapts the opening work of Franz Liszt’s Harmonies poétiques et religieuses (“Poetic and Religious Harmonies”) for large brass ensemble. Originally written for piano, Invocation sets the tone for the entire cycle with its grand, hymn-like gestures and meditative passages. Consequently, this trombone arrangement highlights the work’s solemn character while adding a majestic, resonant brass sonority.

Instrumentation in this trombone octet arrangement

Scored for 7 tenor trombones and 1 bass trombone, the arrangement balances melodic clarity with harmonic depth. The tenor trombones carry the expansive themes, while the bass trombone anchors the harmony with a powerful foundation. Moreover, the distribution of voices ensures a well-blended ensemble sound that captures both the intimacy and grandeur of the original. As a result, the piece is highly effective in both sacred and concert hall settings.

Musical character and interpretation

The music alternates between broad, stately chords and flowing, lyrical sections. For example, the opening measures can be played with a noble, sustained tone, while the central passages require a more fluid phrasing. In addition, performers should shape the dynamics to reflect the contrast between prayerful calm and powerful declarations.

Technical and musical aspects

Although the arrangement is accessible to intermediate ensembles, it demands careful attention to intonation and balance. In particular, the sustained harmonies require steady breath support to maintain tone quality across all voices.

Availability and audio preview

This Liszt Invocation for trombone octet edition is professionally engraved, including full score and individual parts. Available as a digital download or printed edition with priority shipping.

👉 Browse more trombone octet arrangements here
👉 Read more about Liszt on Wikipedia.

🎧 Listen to the live Szeged Trombone Ensemble performance on SoundCloud.