Sonata for 2 Trumpets and Brass: Brass Quintet Score & Parts

David Marlatt's arrangement opens up authentic Baroque brass writing to modern quintets without requiring specialized historical instruments or extensive study of natural trumpet technique. The harmonic language is genuinely interesting for the ensemble to work through, moving beyond the predictable voice-leading that often limits this repertoire. Contest and festival judges consistently reward performances that demonstrate both historical awareness and musical substance, and this score delivers both.

Elegant and intelligent, with the courtly restraint of Baroque brass music but a harmonic richness that keeps the ear engaged throughout. The piece has formal structure and architectural clarity, yet the writing for natural trumpet creates moments of unexpected color and sonority that feel fresh even when the material is centuries old.

Brass quintet ensembles at the medium-difficult level who want substantial Baroque repertoire with real harmonic interest. This works equally well for quintets preparing for festival competition, university ensembles studying historical brass writing, or professional groups looking to add an authentic but accessible piece to their recital program.

• Balance the trumpet parts carefully; their dialogue should feel conversational rather than hierarchical, even when one player has the primary melodic material.
• Approach articulation with clarity and precision. The harmonic movement will feel muddled if attacks aren't clean and releases aren't coordinated across the quintet.
• If you perform this on natural trumpets or piccolos as the description suggests, begin rehearsals with valve trumpet to build security in the parts, then transition to the historical alternatives once intonation and ensemble blend are solid.
• Pay attention to the unique harmonic colors Franceschini creates by favoring the upper and lower partials of the harmonic series. These moments often need slightly different balancing than conventional Baroque brass writing.

Pair this with other Baroque brass works to create a thematic set, or program it as a contrasting centerpiece alongside Romantic or contemporary quintet repertoire. It's a natural fit for educational concerts, festival competitions, and chamber recitals where authentic historical styling matters to your audience.

• Reading and performing from the natural trumpet's harmonic series
• Ensemble intonation across extended harmonic territories
• Historical brass articulation and phrasing conventions
• Coordinate balance and blend when harmonic parts lie outside the conventional range
• Performing with and without modern valves (if using natural trumpets or piccolos)