Songs without Words

All trombone and tuba players strive to make their performances “sing,” so what better way than to practice Songs Without Words? These vocalises by Gabriel Fauré follow a long tradition of using vocal exercises as study material for low brass.

This edition is based on the excellent critical work (Edition Peters - EP 11385 used by permission) of Roy Howat and Emily Kilpatrick, noted Fauré scholars, who discovered the songs from ear-training exercises, test pieces, and entrance audition material used at the Paris Conservatory.

The original intents of these songs are not so removed from us today, and can provide multiple uses for the modern trombone or tuba player including ear-training (both on and off the instrument), sight-reading, and musical expression within rather condensed material.