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Concerto for Trumpet and Concert Band

 

This is a concert band transcription of the original work for trumpet and orchestra also available at this website. Advanced high school or college level.

Duration: approximately 22 minutes. (I. 10 min., II. 5 min, III. 7 min.)

 

FIRST MOVEMENT:

Download a score sample      Download the trumpet part

Download a recording

 

SECOND MOVEMENT:

Download a score sample      Download the trumpet part

Download a recording

 

THIRD MOVEMENT:

Download a score sample      Download the trumpet part

Download a recording

 

The recordings linked above are of the premiere performance: Mark Baldin and the Rockford Wind Ensemble at the Sullivan Theater, Kevin Jensen conducting; April 13, 2014.

 

The following is taken from the program notes which appeared in the program for the premiere performance:

Like many concertos this one begins with a slow introduction and then progresses in a three movement scheme: fast/slow/fast. While the Concerto for Trumpet was not really conceived as a programmatic piece per se, I will admit it was partly inspired by experiences in my own life and reflections upon them....

One might imagine that this music progresses like a life journey. The first movement begins with introduction of the soloist via the initial theme, moves into youthful exuberance, then turns to a time of trial and conflict among various experiences. It then closes in doubt, maybe wondering if the spoils of life are indeed worth the cost of the hunt.

The second movement, introduced by solo bassoon, reflects on all that has happened so far, as the bassoon and orchestra interject thoughts which the soloist considers. This middle movement is really a nocturne, with music which attempts to explore the depths of the soul in a nighttime atmosphere of solitary reflection.

As the brighter finale tune appears in the trumpet after the last echo of the bassoon, resolve builds and exuberance returns in a new guise. We were once adrift; now we are led back toward home. The opening theme returns but the familiar ground we had hoped to find is not the same. We discover that it has been altered by the passing of time and realize that we must decide, after having come all this way, whether to accept it or to travel on.

I would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Mark Baldin, Kevin Jensen, and the Rockford Wind Ensemble for taking on this piece and performing it so wonderfully!