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Trumpet Ensemble

Various combinations of trumpets have been used together for hundreds of years. The compositions of Biber and Altenburg opened up the potential for natural trumpets to play in choirs to form trumpet ensembles. Transcriptions of more modern pieces for trumpet ensemble have been popular among trumpet players and well-received by audiences. This popularity is growing and the demand is ever-increasing. The ensemble size of the majority of pieces in this collection will be for 6 trumpets and a continuo instrument (bassoon, trombone). Most are for B-flat or C trumpet and there have been extra continuo parts written in different keys so that the piece can be played in B-flat, C, D, etc depending on the abilities of the performers.

The most often performed Christmas piece is now scored for 6 B-flat trumpets. The key has been altered to B-flat concert and is playable by a high school level trumpet ensemble. A great closer to a Christmas concert at a school or church, this will require little rehearsal time and sound terrific! None of the original string lines has been compromised and the key facilitates the high pitches. Everyone has a chance to play some of the melody so all parts are interesting and fun to play!

Rating: Medium

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A very flexible arrangement allows this trumpet standard to be played in several different keys. Arranged for trumpet sextet and a continuo instrument (bassoon or euphonium are suggested), this piece can be performed in B-flat, C or D. This accommodates the level of the performers and the pitch of trumpet selected to allow for this to be played at any occasion.
In three short movements, the work can be altered to allow for timing at a concert. Set in two choirs of three trumpets each, antiphonal spacing is a very effective performance technique. All parts are interesting and none is difficult.

Rating: Easy-Medium

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There have been many recordings of the famous Gabrieli canzoni for various combinations of brass instruments, but there are very few arrangements for trumpet ensemble. Editorial markings have been added to this particular canzon to add dynamic variances as well as articulations for clarity of performance. It breathes fresh new life into these standard pieces in the brass ensemble repertoire. Like most trumpet ensemble arrangements in this catalogue, the ensemble consists of 6 trumpets and one bass clef continuo instrument. Also included are continuo parts in both B-flat and C to allow for the choice of key for performance.

Rating: Easy-Medium

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One of Handel's most often performed works is now available in this new trumpet ensemble setting. There are continuo parts in B-flat, C and D to allow for performance on piccolo trumpets, B-flat trumpets or anything in between. Just 3 movements have been taken from the original to form this suite and each has been set antiphonally in 3 choirs of 2 trumpets each to allow for echo effects. Technique is not demanding so musicality and ornamentation can be brought forward. A great piece for developing trumpet players and professionals alike and sure to please audiences everywhere.

Rating: Easy-Medium

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At the birth of Prince Henry of Britain, Jeff Smallman prepared a copy of this piece which was presented to, and accepted by, the Prince and Princess of Wales as a gift for their son's birth. Written as a typical trumpet fanfare for 6 trumpets, it works well with one player per part of may also be performed with multiple players per part, creating a fuller sound.

Rating: Difficult

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Originally for 4 recorders, this piece was made famous in the brass world by several arrangements by members of the PHILIP JONES BRASS ENSEMBLE of England. The brilliant imitative writing lends itself very well to this new arrangement which has been set for 8 trumpets (set in 2 choirs of 4 trumpets each). Dramatic dynamic contrasts and "echo" writing make this a new found classic for easy trumpet ensemble.

Rating: Easy-Medium

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This Sonata was originally scored for solo trumpet and 2 antiphonal string quartets. In this new setting for 7 trumpets and 2 bassoons, the solo trumpet part remains intact and the treble clef string parts are given to the remaining 6 trumpets. The bass clef parts can be performed by bassoons, euphoniums, bass trumpets or trombones. There are four short movements which could be played individually to facilitate a program of trumpet ensemble music. As with many of the trumpet ensemble arrangements available through Eighth Note Publications, there have been bass clef parts given in the keys of D, C and B-flat to allow for performance in any of those keys depending on the choice of trumpet.

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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This Intrada has been scored for 5 natural trumpets and timpani from the original single line of music. Alternate parts for trombones have been included for the two low voices. This work was premiered at the 1998 International Trumpet Guild Conference in Kentucky. An extended introduction leads to the First Imperial March where the soprano (clarino) voice enters with melodic material. There are many optional repeats which can be used to facilitate timing in a concert and make this a great fanfare opening on either Baroque or modern instruments.

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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Luca Marenzio was best known for his writing of madrigals and this is a fine example of Marenzio's choral writing. This piece has been arranged for 5 trumpets (with a piccolo playing the uppermost line). This is an ideal piece to demonstrate the lyrical side of the trumpet ensemble. It is also available for brass quintet.

Rating: Medium

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The famous Art of the Fugue has been arranged here for 5 trumpets and a bass clef instrument (bass trumpet, baritone, etc.) The fugue, with its contrapuntal lines, works well for a like-instrument ensemble such as a trumpet ensemble. This is an exciting addition to the repertoire.

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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Canzoni were pieces composed for various combinations of instruments and various sizes of ensembles. This particular work was originally for four oboes and four bassoons. It has been adapted for 6 trumpets and this new instrumentation allows for further performances of this piece. Antiphonal spacing is always a successful performance practice allowing 3 pairs of trumpets to imitate and pass melodic material between them.

Rating: Medium

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J.S. Bach's Wachet Auf has been arranged almost as many times as Pachelbel's Canon. What makes this version different is that the melody appears in all voices rather than the standard solo with accompaniment. It has been scored for 4 trumpets and 2 flugelhorns and none of the parts is unreasonably taxing.

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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This arrangement for 6 trumpets was taken from a collection of short pieces for five voices. It was written in the early 1600s for Christmas time but is well suited for performances at any time of year. A call and response between a soloist and the rest of the ensemble adds to the interest of this work.

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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This original composition adapted for trumpet sextet is the composer¹s way of paying homage to some of his favourite compositions and composers such as John Cheetham, John Barnes Chance and the great Alfred Reed. Short musical quotations and suggestive melodic or rhythmic passages are included in the framework of this piece.

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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There have been many recordings of the famous Gabrieli canzoni for various combinations of brass instruments. This arrangement for 6 trumpets is a welcome addition to this repertoire. Antiphonal spacing is always a successful performance practice allowing the passing of melodic material to be enhanced by the spatial distance.

Rating: Medium

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This incredible famous trumpet solo is now even better for 5 trumpets! The melody passes between all players and therefore all have breaks. This would be an impressive opener to a concert or would also work as a massed trumpet piece.

Rating: Medium

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The melody is found throughout the ensemble and all parts are interesting. Each of the movements has its own character or mood and this allows for expressive playing as well as brilliant fanfares. This would also make an excellent contest piece at a festival to show off the musical capabilities of a 5 part trumpet ensemble.

Rating: Medium

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This is the most famous section from Bach¹s Cantata No. 208. It has been arranged here for 5 trumpets and 1 bass clef instrument (bass trumpet or baritone are suggested). Are parts are interesting and none are too difficult.

Rating: Medium

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The Stars and Stripes Forever is one of the most recognizable melodies of the 20th century. This arrangement for 5 trumpets would make a terrific addition to a high school or college concert. The brilliant writing of the ³March King² has never been heard like this before!

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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Men of Harlech is a folksong from Wales. It is a stirring and bold march that shows off the power of this ensemble consisting of 12 trumpets and timpani. It opens with 4 offstage trumpets playing some calls which moves into an onstage chorale setting of the piece. It gradually builds to a terrific ending with all 12 trumpets heralding. This piece is not too difficult (range is only to Bb) and would be well received on a high school or college level concert.

Rating: Medium

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This, the first fugue from the famous Art of the Fugue, has been arranged here for 5 trumpets and a bass clef instrument (bass trumpet or baritone) The fugue, with its contrapuntal lines, works well for a like-instrument ensemble such as a trumpet ensemble.

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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This famous folksong was brilliantly arranged as a concert band showpiece and has been adapted here for trumpet quintet. Melody is found throughout the ensemble and rhythmic variety keeps the piece interesting and exciting for both players and the audience. Creative writing and a popular melody make this an ideal piece for concert or contest use.

Rating: Medium

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This is a truly unique arrangement for trumpets. This is a traditional South African folksong that has been adapted and arranged for trumpet ensemble and percussion. The original a capella version seemed a little thin for just 8 trumpets so 5 percussion instruments were added to create the authentic rhythmic backgrounds. This would be an exciting way to open your next concert.

Rating: Medium

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Originally this work was scored for 8 natural or Baroque trumpets, timpani and basso continuo. Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber wrote this piece for choirs of trumpets that were instructed to stand separate to make the best use of the antiphonal effect. This piece was intended for natural trumpets (in C). This arrangement has altered some pitches to allow for better performance on modern trumpets (notes are included that are impossible to play on a natural instrument). There are organ cues in Trumpets 3,4 and 7,8 to allow this piece to be performed without an organ. There must be a bass trumpet (baritone or bassoon) playing to provide the crucial bass line. Also provided in this edition are optional organ and bass trumpet parts in several keys to allow this work to be performed in Bb, C or D. This allows for greater flexibility of performing opportunities ranging from B-flat trumpets to Piccolo and D trumpets in the brilliant key of D.

Rating: Medium

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The national anthem of Canada is performed in schools, sporting events and many other places. This arrangement is a modern fanfare version for 5 trumpets. It is very flashy with contemporary chords and driving rhythms.

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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There have been many recordings of the famous Gabrieli canzoni for various combinations of brass and woodwind instruments. Several of these canzons have been arranged for a like-instrument ensemble. Specific instrumentation has been listed below. Antiphonal spacing is always a successful performance practice allowing the passing of melodic material to be enhanced by the spatial distance. These pieces are a welcome addition to this repertoire.

Rating: Medium

CANZON PER SONARE #1 - La Spiritata Catalogue Number: TE2379 Instrumentation: 6 trumpets




CANZON PER SONARE #2 Catalogue Number: TE9936 Instrumentation: 6 trumpets.




CANZON PER SONARE #4 Catalogue Number: TE9946 Instrumentation: 6 trumpets.




CANZON VI Catalogue Number: TE2390 Instrumentation: 6 trumpets.


CANZON VI
Catalogue Number: TE963
Instrumentation: 6 trumpets and a bass trumpet.

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This is piece that requires no introduction to trumpet players. The famous Canadian Brass quintet arrangement has been played by quintets all over the world for years. This arrangement, for trumpet ensemble, makes this famous piece available in a new setting. This arrangement for 5 trumpets allows Trumpet 1 and 2 to play the famous alternating parts with the remaining trumpets play a supportive role.The flashy scales and the great antiphonal writing can now be played at church or on a recital or concert.

Rating: Medium

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Holiday Fanfare was commissioned by the University of Tennessee Trumpet Ensemble, Cathy Leach, Director. Holiday Fanfare for 6 trumpets combines fragments and figures from several holiday songs, including Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Joy to the World, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Angels We Have Heard on High (with a mariachi feel!) and Away in a Manger.

Rating: Difficult

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This very popular piece has been arranged many times for various instruments. This version for 2 trumpets and 4 flugel horns alternates between the chorale theme and the wandering counter-melody that has made this piece so famous. All parts get a chance at both the counter-melody and the chorale.

Rating: Medium

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This famous and exciting piece would make a great opening to a concert. The technical parts flow very nicely and sound more difficult than they are! Scored here for 4 trumpets and 2 flugel horns, this edition is sure to come in handy for various events.

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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This is a Scott Joplin rag which has been arranged for 3 trumpets and 3 flugel horns. The various parts alternate playing the famous melodic lines and playing the idiomatic rag accompaniment. There have been some newly composed, stylistically accurate counter melodies inserted to add interest and excitement.

Rating: Medium

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Spirituals have found their way into the standard repertoire of vocalists and instrumentalists. The lyrical tunes combined with the powerful message they tell affect us all. This is a simple and beautiful melody that is kept in the traditional chorale-style in this arrangement for 5 trumpets. This is not very difficult at all and the lowest voice has some interesting moving lines to propel the work along.

Rating: Easy-Medium

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Volunteer Fanfare was commissioned by the University of Tennessee to celebrate and commemorate the Department of Music's 50th Anniversary. This work composed for 4 trumpets, bass trumpet and timpani was premiered at the Department's 50th Anniversary celebration gala in 1998 by the University of Tennessee Trumpet Ensemble, Cathy Leach, Director and was subsequently performed at the 1999 International Trumpet Guild Conference.

Rating: Difficult

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This classic Latin piece has become a favourite with audiences all over the world. The great groove of the tune will quickly catch the audience and transport them to a warmer climate. This is a trumpet feature top to bottom with some great optional high licks to add excitement. This arrangement has been scored for solo trumpet, piccolo trumpet (optional) 4 trumpets, 4 flugel horns, tuba and percussion. With a good lead trumpet, this would not take much time to put together and you'll be guaranteed standing ovations!

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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Rondo Energico is the fourth and final movement of Four Pieces for Trumpet Ensemble. This work was commissioned by Richard B. Lehman, who at the time, was the Trumpet Professor at Illinois State University and the person with whom the composer studied while in Graduate school. It was premiered by the I.S.U. Trumpet Ensemble in the fall of 1982. It is written for 5 trumpets.

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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La Virgin de la Macarena is a traditional bullfighting song made famous by the great trumpet virtuoso Raphael Mendez. This version features a solo trumpet accompanied by 3 trumpets and 2 flugel horns and percussion. All the flashy pyrotechnics in the original solo part are present with the supporting sound being trumpets rather than brass quintet, band or orchestra. In setting the tone for this arrangement a short introduction is included which quotes Bizet’s Carmen and features a short cadenza and some requisite high notes. A guaranteed audience favourite!

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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This tune is a fun piece for 6 trumpets built upon simple jazz backgrounds gradually layering more and more voices. It is not too difficult and would require a minimum of rehearsal to put together (you will need a decent lead player on the top line). It is suggested by the composer to have Trumpet 6 perform on flugel horn. This would add a different colour to the bass line. Groovy Vamp can be performed with or without percussion and a full drum set could also be used rather than just a high hat.

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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This is a new edition of one of the most popular pieces for 2 trumpets. Arranged here for 6 trumpets, this standard of the repertoire makes a great concert or occasion piece and can now be performed in an all-trumpet version. The original solo parts are intact and the string parts have been distributed amongst the other trumpets. The original key of the work is C major but, with transposing, this version can be played in B-flat, C or even D.

Rating: Medium

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This is the most famous section from Delibes’ Lakmé. Originally written as a duet for soprano and alto, it is now a great piece for 6 trumpets.The original duet is performed on trumpets, the next 2 voices perform on cup muted trumpets and the last 2 parts are performed on flugel horns. This creates 3 sets of duets which introduces some very interesting colours to the trumpet ensemble. The flowing duet lines and graceful and elegant phrases make this an great addition to the repertoire.

Rating: Medium

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De Colores, or All the Colours, is a traditional Mexican Folk tune often performed by the famous Mariachi bands. This simple and elegant waltz has been arranged as a flugel horn feature. This arrangement is for 2 flugelhorns and 5 trumpets. The flugels play the folk song melody as a duet while the trumpets play their traditional roll in a Mariachi band which is to add colour and fill gaps in the melody.

Rating: Medium

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There have been many recordings of the famous Gabrieli canzoni for various combinations of brass and woodwind instruments. Several of these canzons have been arranged for a like-instrument ensemble. Specific instrumentation has been listed below. Antiphonal spacing is always a successful performance practice allowing the passing of melodic material to be enhanced by the spatial distance. This arrangement is for 8 trumpets.

Rating: Medium-Difficult

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There have been many recordings of the famous Gabrieli canzoni for various combinations of brass and woodwind instruments. Several of these canzons have been arranged for a like-instrument ensemble. Specific instrumentation has been listed below. Antiphonal spacing is always a successful performance practice allowing the passing of melodic material to be enhanced by the spatial distance. This arrangement is for 8 trumpets.

Rating: Medium

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Festival Fanfare is set for 3 antiphonal choirs of 5 trumpets each with percussion adding colour and drama. It is melodic and rhythmic with the 3 choirs passing different fanfare motifs between them. All players come together with a powerful statement of the theme which is reminiscent of a big movie fanfare such as those found in Ben Hur and the movies of John Williams.

Rating: Medium

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This vocal showpiece for soprano has been adapted for a trumpet showpiece within a trumpet ensemble. The string accompaniment has been simplified and divided between the remaining players. This is a great piece to show off a trumpet player and demonstrate the subtlety of the music of Mozart by 5 trumpets.

Rating: Medium

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Samuel Scheidt is best known in the brass world for his Canzon Bergamasque and Galliard Battaglia. This work was originally written for five voices and organ. It is lyrical and simple in form. All instruments get an opportunity for some duet playing in this lovely melodic piece arranged for 5 trumpets.

Rating: Medium

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This is truly beautiful music ideal for weddings, church services or a recital to demonstrate lyrical playing. The key has been altered from the original to allow for performance with 5 trumpets. The range is very limited which allows for maximum musicality and beauty of sound to be brought forward.

Rating: Easy-Medium

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Miles, as the name implies, is inspired by the improvisations and compositional style of Miles Davis during his “modal period”. With one masked exception, none of the themes presented here are taken from Miles Davis’ recordings. Instead, the piece is constructed (like Miles’ solos) around clearly defined rhythmic and melodic motives. This piece requires a good deal of rhythmic independence from players and each person is featured in short solo and lead roles at various points throughout the piece. Range considerations in the piece are minimal to facilitate performances by trumpeters at the high school, collegiate or professional levels.

Rating: Medium

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This incredibly famous Trumpet Voluntary (often attributed to Henry Purcell) is one of the most popular trumpet pieces of all times. This arrangement for 6 trumpets and optional timpani will prove to be very useful for trumpet players of all levels since it can be performed on either B-flat trumpets or on piccolos.

Rating: Easy-Medium

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This is an exciting piece based on the Welsh hymn Cwm Rhondda. Fanfares and descants in the trumpets float over the stately tune. The melody flows throughout the ensemble ranging from a smooth lyrical statement of the theme to a brilliant marcato feel. This would make a great opener to a concert. It has been scored for a trumpet ensemble of 7 trumpets (including an optional piccolo part), 2 flugel horns and percussion.

Rating: Medium

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This colourful title aptly combines the basis for the piece and the person it was written for. Tenth grade trumpet player Alex McCarthy would come to quintet rehearsals and, rather than warming up, he would play excerpts from the Denis Di Blasio tune Coconut Champagne which was written for the Maynard Ferguson band. This piece uses the melodic material as a base for this upbeat tune for 4 trumpets, 4 flugel horns, bass and drum set. A written solo has been provided for trumpet.

Rating: Medium

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This is a solo for flugel horn. The use of cup mutes throughout the piece provides a unique colour under the soloist. Pairs of players alternate playing their duet of arpeggios. This arrangement is for 6 trumpets (flugel + 5).

Rating: Easy-Medium

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