Quintet for Two Trumpets, Horn, Trombone and Tuba

From Wind Repertory Project
Malcolm Arnold

Malcolm Arnold


This work bears the designation Opus 73.


General Info

Year: 1961 / 2004
Duration: c. 11:15
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Paterson's Publications, through The Music Room
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - £8.99


Movements

1. Allegro vivace – 4:00
2. Chaconne – 4:05
3. Con brio – 3:05


Instrumentation

Full Score
B-flat Trumpet I-II
Horn in F
Trombone
Tuba


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Composed in 1961, the Quintet, Op. 73, provides moments of extrovert exuberance for all the members of the ensemble, and has become a popular piece with audiences and musicians alike.

The first movement starts with a frisky trumpet duet, commented upon by the more laconic lower voices. These soon liberate themselves from the strict homophony, however, and become equally excited. The following Chaconne, built on a seven-bar period which more or less explicitly returns over and over again, is far more sombre. Midway through is an impassioned outburst in the trombone, after which peace -- or rather resignation -- is restored.

The final Con brio is exactly that -- a dazzling rondo which begins with the refrain as a light-hearted duel between the trumpets. The first, contrasting episode acquires its strong jazz atmosphere from the use of syncopation, acciaccaturas and glissandi in the trombone, after which the horn and the tuba reintroduces the refrain, picking up the glove thrown down by the trumpets. The horn continues with a sultry melody, accompanied by a Latin-sounding rhythm, after which it is the trombone’s turn to present the principal theme. During the final episode the trumpets (now muted) chase each other like two bumble-bees in full flight, before the final appearance of the refrain, which accelerates into an even more exuberant coda.

- Program Note from liner notes of BIS CD Foliations


Commercial Discography


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Eastern Illinois University (Charleston) Wind Symphony (Alicia Neal, conductor) - 4 May 2021
  • Berlin Brass Quintet - 2016


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources