Solo Title: Blue Bells of Scotland
Composer and Arranger: Arthur Pryor (1870-1942)
Publisher Code: Carl Fischer, Inc., W2490
Date Published: 1904
Clef: Bass
Purchase Link: Sheet Music Plus
Recording: Joseph Alessi, Illuminations, Summit Records
Blue Bells of Scotland is one of the most familiar solos in the trombone repertoire. Written by Arthur Pryor, a virtuoso trombonist in his own right, this work has been interpreted and recorded by the great trombonists including Joseph Alessi, Christian Lindberg, and Ian Bousfield. Smart, physical pacing is necessary to perform this work well as it is easy to begin too fast and gradually increase the tempo in each variation faster than the soloist may want. Range will also be an issue as the soloist has to play C5 multiple times. This solo, while challenging with its many sixteenth passages, should be played with a light, effortless feel in order to maintain stamina and style. There are not many long-held notes, therefore playing on the softer side of the dynamics will lead to a successful performance. The use of alternate positions will also encourage quick but effortless slide motion.
| Movements and Tempo Markings | Duration | |||||||
| Andante “Theme” (q=110) Vivace “Variation 3” (q=141) [1] | 6' | |||||||
| Organization’s Class and Grade Levels | FMEA | ISSMA | ITA | NYSSMA | OMEA | PMEA | UIL | |
| (What is This?) | 6 | Yes | 5 | 6 | A | NL | 1 | |
| Grading Points Scale | Level | Total Points | Range | Rhythm | Tempo | Duration | Bonus | |
| (What is This?) | - | - | G1 to C5 | 16th | 126 bpm | 6' | See Footnote [2] | |
| 4 (4.3) | 21.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 3 | ||
- The tempi in this “Theme & Variations” solo are taken at subjective speeds that are suitable to each performer.
- Multiple Tonguing (1), Syncopation (1), Interval Jump (1)