Sans Souci Rag: Brass Quintet Score & Parts

Buoyant and witty, with the infectious bounce of early 20th-century ragtime filtered through modern brass writing. The piece invites performers and listeners alike into a carefree musical conversation where rhythmic precision and playful character dance hand in hand.

Brass quintets at the intermediate to advanced level who want to step beyond standard classical and contemporary concert repertoire. This is an excellent fit for groups preparing for festivals and competitions, as well as ensembles looking to expand their stylistic range with an American vernacular tradition.

• Shape the syncopation without dragging; ragtime thrives on rhythmic precision paired with a relaxed feel. The trick is locking the groove tight while keeping the character buoyant.
• Balance the inner voices carefully. In a quintet, every part registers, so secondary melodic ideas and harmonic support need clear articulation without overwhelming the lead.
• Pay attention to the style markings and phrasing Kaisershot provides. Ragtime arrangements of this caliber reward directors who honor the composer's specific rhythmic notation rather than generalizing the feel.

Pair this with a mixed concert program to showcase your ensemble's stylistic versatility. It works especially well as a festival selection that demonstrates both technical control and interpretive maturity, or as a crowd-pleasing closer that leaves the audience smiling.

• Syncopation and jazz-influenced rhythmic phrasing
• Balancing articulation across five parts with distinct roles
• Interpreting ragtime style and feel within notated music
• Intonation control in chromatic and blues-inflected harmony