Bach – Two Fugues (Brass Quintet) – Score Digital Download

Difficult but rewarding arrangements that require trumpet players who can change from the B flat trumpet to the piccolo trumpet with ease. The trombone plays 'second horn' in all the horn call type figures and the tuba part requires some nimble playing. Stephen Wick's excellent arrangements have been heard around the world in his performances with the English Brass Ensemble. For advanced student groups, studios and professionals.

The Swan is the most famous movement from The Carnival of the Animals, usually represented by the 'cello which emulates the swan elegantly gliding over the water with only its reflection for company. In this arrangement for brass quintet it is the trombone with its lush tenor sound, that should be played in the style of Tommy Dorsey, that gives the swan its grace. The other instruments accompany the trombone with rolling chords which represent the feet of the swan hidden beneath the water propelling it along. This powerful melody will leave your hair standing up and a tear in your eye.

This attractive brass quintet based on the traditional sea shanty What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor opens with a fanfare followed by a main theme, first on trumpets and then on the horn. A series of linked variations follow, with the tune passed between the instruments in constantly changing tempos and styles. A strong rhythmic accompaniment keeps the sea shanty mood and the piece finishes with a showy flourish. Arranged by Eileen Clews, this light hearted work gives each player the chance to show off their instrument, so making it an ideal concert piece or a study piece for brass workshops.

These ingenious arrangements by Ian Lawrence combine the original instrumental and choral lines to create full and varied textures for brass.