Hi, I've been listening to the Triton Quartet's recording of Derek Bourgeois' trombone quartet and it sounds like they're playing everything a minor third than every other recording that I have heard. Does anyone know why this might be or could it be that they are just playing a different version?

Thanks.

I hear that too - might be an alto version for Olaf Ott, cause he sounds absolutely great on those high notes.

There used to be a Youtube video of them playing it live (maybe in Japan?). I also remember it being a minor third higher and Olaf Ott playing on alto.

The following link confirms this and also tells the exact instruments that are played:

<LINK_TEXT text="https://www.musik-sammler.de/release/tr ... d-1128795/">https://www.musik-sammler.de/release/triton-trombone-quartet-tritons-journey-cd-1128795/</LINK_TEXT>

As Hermann Bäumer I think played a single valve bass, the Bourgeois also certainly got a bit easier this way.

BTW that CD is really worth listening!

That's the original version of the Bourgeois Quartet, I believe. He did a second version in a lower key because there were so few groups that could pull that version off, particularly as part of a full concert. That recording is fantastic, as are all of the Triton Quartet recordings. What a fantastic group. Olaf Ott is great - especially on alto, and Hermann Baumer has such a great sound! I know he played various German horns on their later recordings, but he was using a Bach 50 with the 10.5" bell on the first one or two CD's.

In a slightly related matter, I would love to purchase a copy of Baumer's arrangement of the Dukas - Fanfare from La Peri for 4 trombones. It's a completely convincing version of the piece (originally for a full orchestral brass section) and the pitch of the Triton players makes those harmonies come to life! I've looked for it before with no success.

Jim Scott