Aria (from Cantata 51, BWV 51): Brass Quintet Score & Parts

This arrangement solves a persistent programming problem: how to bring Bach's soprano-trumpet duets into the standard brass quintet repertoire without sacrificing the character that makes these works sing. David Marlatt's instrumentation choice (flugel horn on second trumpet) preserves the bright, soaring quality of the original while creating genuine ensemble blend. It's an elegant solution that opens Baroque masterworks to brass quintet players and audiences who might never encounter them otherwise.

Intimate and luminous. The soprano's voice floats above the brass choir in a dialogue that feels both sacred and personal, backed by the warm harmonic cushion of the quintet. There's an undeniable elegance in hearing these famous duets emerge from an ensemble context, with the bright trumpet cutting through a velvety brass texture.

Brass quintets with a soprano soloist who want to expand beyond the standard repertoire into Baroque masterworks. Players comfortable with baroque style and the particular demands of balanced ensemble playing at the medium-difficult level will find this arrangement both musically rewarding and technically manageable.

• Balance the soprano line with the first trumpet so both voices carry equal weight in the duet; the quintet's role is to support and frame, not overwhelm.
• Shape phrases according to the vocal text and natural speech rhythms Bach implied, even though the quintet is singing through instruments.
• Use the flugel horn's rounder, warmer tone to anchor the harmonic foundation, allowing the piccolo trumpet sound to project freely above.
• Attend to the organ reduction's implied articulation and phrasing; these guide where the original strings breathed and shaped musical lines.

Program this as a centerpiece for a concert exploring Baroque vocal and instrumental writing, or pair it with other arranged Bach works to create a mini-suite. It works equally well as a festival entry or recital feature, bridging the gap between chamber brass and art song traditions.

• Baroque phrasing and articulation conventions
• Balancing solo and ensemble roles within a small group
• Reading figured bass harmonies through modern instrumentation
• Adapting vocal style principles to instrumental performance