Adagio for Strings, arr. for Trombone Octet

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Adagio for Strings, written by Samuel Barber
Arranged, performed, and edited by John Romero, Principal Trombone - Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
I arranged this back in 2012 for the Baylor Trombone Choir. At the time, I envisioned it as a doubled octet, since there is so much sustain in the piece. It's helpful to have a double on each part just for breathing. But for this performance, I only doubled the two bass parts, since they both need to play louder to be heard and need more air on the low notes, so it's a 10 part ensemble in the recording. I didn't show the two extra bass parts though, since that would mess with the symmetry of the PiP.
Anyway, this was a really fun project to work on! Much harder of a video editing challenge than the Beethoven Sonata Pathetique video since there were so many more moving parts, literally. I hope you enjoy it!
If you're interested in buying the arrangement or taking lessons with me, or just need to contact me in general, please visit the contact page of my website at johnromeromusi...

[@karlkutac1800]

I have never played a trombone. But what struck me -- beyond the aching beauty of the piece -- was that it almost sounded like a whole brass choir. Like, trumpets, french horns, trombones, baritone, and even some tuba sounds. How versatile is the trombone! I wish now I had learned how to play one. An excellent and inspiring arrangement and performance.

[@hatorihanzo92]

Superb in every way. Thank you, John. I look forward to showing this to students, for many reasons but certainly to reinforce the importance of long tones, slide technique, and phrasing. Hope you are well.

[@SashaRomeroMusic]

Thanks James! I was thinking about that just the other day, how concrete examples of why long tones are important are often sorely lacking in the Texas band system.

[@hatorihanzo92]

John Romero Good ole tone and tuning :) can’t beat it

[@genedoo1ey]

John, good grief, man. What an amazing job. All round. Wow.

[@sybcnoops7527]

This would definitely make my playlist if it were on spotify. Then the replay button would be hit multiple times. Absolutely magnificent!

[@86thdj]

I was happy to see a trombone arrangement of this! And man, I was blown away! Thank you for arranging snd sharing this with the world!

[@markuswil-fart1901]

Just makes every bone in my body melt, as well as my heart!

[@kristoffokietyevitch]

One of my all-time favorite pieces . . . and with a veritable Trombone Choir! Mesmerizing. Gets that knot in my chest, then melts it away . . . Thank you!

[@elijahgilbert1285]

This is beyond impressive and such a moving piece. I love the trombone

[@trmbtrmb]

Thank you!

[@BassboneNelson]

Beautiful

[@adamrainey4633]

Aw, you’ve gone and me cry. Very nice playing btw

[@BrianJohnstonTrombone]

Awesome.

[@thabangsithole7648]

Absolutely magnificent! 🎉

[@efrainsain945]

Awesome!

[@kieranconrau5866]

fantastic

[@martindavenport1876]

This is beautiful John, I strive to be like you everyday.

[@idiotburns]

best thing on your channel, solid work here.

[@tewbaguy]

Gorgeous

[@ieattoomanyclementines2372]

love this!!

[@nestorluna947]

Hi John! I’m Mexican trombon student and I’m really interested in the sheet music of your Claire de lune duet and the adagio for strings arrangements. Could you tell me how much they cost? Thanks!

[@SashaRomeroMusic]

Hi Néstor! Please email me at [e-mail] and we can discuss prices.

[@onegreenghost3351]

Do you still have sheet music for this? I'm very interested in playing it

[@SashaRomeroMusic]

Yes! It’s on imbrassworks.com

[@laurentaylor9623]

💙🤍💙

[@philosophicallyspeaking6463]

Despite showcasing impressive ability and facility (in terms of translating it to the trombone), it doesn't quite work musically 'as it is meant to 'at this faster tempo' (its far too fast for an actual 'molto' adagio, in the 'damn the notated tempo' Solitesque fashion). Having said that, many modern conductors make the same mistake. However, it is a testament to the pieces tuneful authority that it still works 'after a fashion'.