Shadows of the Pyramids, Movement I: 20 Trumpets & Percussion Score & Parts

Marlatt crafted this movement to unlock the full sonic palette of the trumpet ensemble, moving far beyond unison attacks and block harmonies. The strategic use of mutes and five flugel horns creates textural shifts that keep 20 players engaged and listeners invested, making it a substantial addition to repertoire that actually justifies its length and instrumentation.

Ancient, shimmering, and cinematic. Muted passages evoke desert heat and mystery, while open trumpet writing breaks through with the power of Ra's journey across the sky. The movement builds from intrigue toward confrontation, grounded in Egyptian mythology that gives the music narrative weight beyond pure technical display.

Trumpet ensembles at the medium-difficult level, particularly those seeking a single substantial work with real dramatic arc and instrumentation depth. This suits college-level groups and advanced high school ensembles ready to tackle ensemble balancing and mute technique across a large section.

• Coordinate mute changes across all 20 players well in advance of rehearsals. Assign specific stand partners to double-check entries after each switch to prevent the kind of stragglers that fog the texture.
• Balance the flugel horn voices carefully during their exposed passages. They should anchor the harmony without overwhelming the trumpet colors that define the movement.
• Work the percussion section as a rhythmic and textural partner, not accompaniment. Their writing supports the Egyptian narrative and should drive phrasing alongside the brass.

Feature this as a centerpiece on a brass ensemble or festival program where its 13-minute scope across three movements justifies a full suite performance. The Egyptian theme pairs naturally with other world-inspired compositions or can anchor a concert dedicated to commissioned works for ensemble.

• Mute technique and rapid mute changes across ensemble
• Trumpet and flugel horn differentiation within a single ensemble
• Large ensemble balance and intonation across 20 players
• Stylistic articulation reflecting non-Western musical narrative
• Sectional independence while maintaining collective phrasing
• Reading percussion cues and coordinating with non-brass instrumentation