Duet (from Cantata 78): 2 Trumpets & Keyboard Part(s)

Marlatt's arrangement preserves the original key for B-flat trumpets while capturing the conversational energy that makes this cantata movement so engaging. The contrapuntal writing sits naturally for brass players, and the light articulated passages give your section a chance to demonstrate clarity and control without the demands of more densely orchestrated Baroque works.

Spirited and conversational, with two voices dancing around each other in elegant agreement and gentle disagreement. The rhythmic articulation gives the piece a lift that belies its sacred origins, while the contrapuntal lines create the intellectual satisfaction Bach's music always delivers.

This arrangement serves trumpet duets at the medium-difficult level who want to explore Baroque counterpoint without the technical extremes of other Bach arrangements. It works equally well in a contest/festival setting or as part of a concert program where you need repertoire that sounds substantial without requiring virtuosic chops.

• Balance the dialogue evenly between first and second trumpet; Bach writes these voices as true equals, and allowing one to dominate flattens the conversation.
• Shape the scale passages with light articulation rather than uniform staccato. Each passage has a direction, so tail it toward its target note.
• Lock in with the keyboard player on the harmonic rhythm. The keyboard part anchors the harmonic movement, so your entrances and phrase endings should feel supported by those structural moments.
• Breathe at Bach's phrase endings, not in the middle of contrapuntal passages. Sacrificing a breath for melodic continuity pays off in clarity.

Pair this with other Baroque duets or smaller chamber works to create a coherent concert section that shows your trumpet section's versatility. It also makes an excellent choice for a festival that values musicianship and stylistic understanding over sheer virtuosity.

• Baroque counterpoint and equal voice balancing in duet texture
• Light articulation and phrase shaping in scale passages
• Ensemble listening and alignment with keyboard harmony
• Stylistic interpretation of sacred Baroque material in secular instrumentation