Jericho: Trumpet(s) & Other Instruments

Albright writes for brass with genuine understanding of the instrument's personality and range. Jericho demands both technical precision and interpretive flexibility, making it a compelling choice for advanced trumpet students and professionals seeking contemporary repertoire that rewards disciplined practice without sacrificing musical substance.

Jericho evokes both biblical narrative and abstract sound exploration, moving between moments of stark intensity and delicate texture. The writing captures brass at its most expressive, from brilliant high passages to resonant, powerful declarations that feel earned rather than merely loud.

Advanced high school trumpet players, college music majors, and professional brass ensembles seeking substantial contemporary chamber repertoire. This work suits performers comfortable with modern notation and compositional language who want to expand beyond standard classical and romantic trumpet literature.

• Establish the rhythmic character early in rehearsal through isolated study of the percussion and trumpet interactions; this piece's power depends on rhythmic clarity and ensemble lock.
• Treat dynamic markings as essential structural signposts rather than cosmetic details. The architecture of the piece relies on careful contrast between sections.
• Explore the score's notational demands thoroughly before rehearsal. Contemporary notation conventions in Albright's writing benefit from private study time.
• Balance the weight of the brass sound against any accompanying instruments; transparency matters as much as projection in this work.

Program Jericho on a contemporary music concert or faculty recital where it can anchor a set of 20th-century brass chamber works. Its thirty-eight pages suggest a substantial solo or small ensemble feature rather than an opening or transition piece.

• Reading and performing contemporary classical notation
• Extended range and articulation techniques on trumpet
• Rhythmic independence in ensemble settings
• Dynamic control across contrasting musical textures
• Collaboration with varied instrumental combinations