This is a flashy trumpet solo that is often heard in concert, recital and competition situations. The brisk tempo combined with bursts of double tonguing have made this a popular technical showpiece with trumpet players all over the world.
This work is on many contest and festival lists and many high school players choose to perform this as an audition piece for college / university. Originally scored for trumpet and piano, the use of a full concert band rather than piano adds a whole new depth, timbre and color to the sound.
Discover MakeMusic Cloud: thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Alexander Goedicke (1877–1957) was a Russian pianist, composer, and pedagogue whose works for brass instruments remain standards in the concert band and solo trumpet repertoire. His compositions combine the harmonic language of late Romanticism with virtuosic writing that showcases the technical possibilities of wind instruments, earning him lasting respect in music education circles across Europe and North America.
Why we love this
This arrangement transforms a beloved recital piece into a full concert band experience without sacrificing the solo trumpet's spotlight. The orchestration by David Marlatt adds genuine musical substance rather than simply padding the original, giving your entire ensemble something genuinely engaging to perform while your trumpet soloist commands attention.
What to expect
Brilliant and buoyant, with the trumpet dancing through rapid passages that sparkle against the band's warm, supporting sonority. There's theatrical energy in the writing, a sense of display that's joyful rather than aggressive, with moments where the ensemble's harmonic color deepens the work's emotional landscape.
Who it's for
High school trumpet soloists preparing for auditions, solo competitions, or concert features will find an excellent vehicle that impresses without requiring unrealistic technical demands. Band directors seeking a Grade 3 solo-with-ensemble work that gives the full ensemble real musical work, not just background support, have a winner here.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the solo trumpet's rapid articulations against the band's foundation by keeping the ensemble's dynamic support steady and slightly behind the soloist's energy; double tonguing passages demand clarity, and a solid harmonic backdrop prevents the technical display from becoming thin.
Shape the solo line through the brisk tempo by thinking in longer musical phrases rather than individual runs; momentum comes from directional playing, not just speed.
Coordinate the conductor's preparatory gestures with the trumpet soloist so entrances after rests land cleanly; eye contact during the double-tongued sections helps everyone track the rhythmic momentum together.
Bring out moments where the band provides harmonic color beneath the trumpet's figure work; these aren't accompaniment moments, they're essential to the arrangement's depth.
How to use it
Feature this as a mid-concert spotlight piece that showcases your trumpet section's leading voice while letting the entire band demonstrate ensemble control and balance. It works equally well as a spring concert feature or as a regional honor band audition showpiece; the brisk tempo and crowd-pleasing brilliance make it a natural crowd-energizer.
Skills your students will build
Double-tonguing articulation and control
Playing rapid scalar passages with rhythmic precision
Balancing a solo line against ensemble accompaniment
Sustaining musical direction through technically demanding passages
Ensemble intonation and blend while supporting a moving solo line
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
