Two Aequals

Aequale (also Equale, Lat. aequalis - equal) is the name given to a composition for several equal instruments, especially for trombones. In the first half of the 18th century, this tradition of short chorale-like works for 3 or 4 trombones with a solemn-serious character arose in the Linz area. The compositions were mainly played at funerals or memorial services for the deceased on All Souls' Day.

Anton Bruckner probably composed his two "Aequales" in 1847 in the monastery of St. Florian near Linz for the funeral of his great-aunt Rosalia Mayrhofer. The three "Equale" for four trombones by Ludwig van Beethoven were also composed in Linz, at the suggestion of the cathedral conductor Franz Xaver Glöggl, who is said to have invented the term "Aequale".

Over time, this kind of serious music acquired a timeless character and can nowadays be played on all kinds of solemn occasions.

The present edition is set a minor third lower than the original, so that the composition is easily playable for three trombones (or two trombones and bass trombone). The tempo indications, the phrasings as well as the dynamic signs were added by the arranger they are not present in the autograph.