Sonata "Sancti Polycarpi": Brass Quintet Score & Parts

David Marlatt's arrangement transforms a Baroque trumpet concerto into a fully realized brass quintet that retains the antiphonal character of the original while gaining textural richness. The writing for two choirs creates natural dialogue and interplay between players, giving every voice meaningful material rather than padding. Medium difficulty brass quintets with this kind of structural integrity and Baroque pedigree are less common than they should be.

The sonata unfolds with ceremonial brightness, combining the stately dignity of sacred music with the competitive energy of two choirs trading material. The full brass sound carries depth and warmth while maintaining the articulate clarity essential to Baroque dialogue, creating music that sounds both contemporary to its ensemble and genuinely ancient in spirit.

Brass quintets seeking repertoire with genuine historical weight and compositional substance will find this arrangement a strong addition to their library. It works equally well for advanced high school ensembles and college groups, offering a piece that challenges but doesn't overwhelm and rewards careful preparation with concert success.

• Balance the antiphonal writing by seating the two trumpet choirs where they can hear each other clearly. The melodic exchange between lead trumpets depends on ensemble cohesion and mutual listening.
• Prepare the trumpet parts with baroque ornamentation conventions in mind. Research period-appropriate embellishments and allow soloists space to add their own within rehearsal framework.
• Shape the harmonic motion through the lower voices (horns, trombones, tubas) to support the trumpet dialogue rather than merely sustain. Baroque counterpoint flows through every line.
• Consider articulation choices that reflect baroque style. Shorter note values and lighter tonguing give the piece its period character while maintaining the clarity Biber's original writing demands.

This arrangement sits comfortably in a concert dedicated to Baroque instrumental music or sacred music from the seventeenth century. It can anchor a brass chamber program or pair with other arranged sacred works, and its festival-quality difficulty makes it an intelligent choice for competition or juried performance.

• Baroque articulation and ornamentation conventions
• Antiphonal ensemble balance and listening between separated choirs
• Sustained counterpoint across multiple voice lines
• Period-appropriate phrasing and style navigation