Sound The Trumpet: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Purcell's fanfare energy translates powerfully to young choirs without demanding virtuosic singers. Steven Rickards' 2-part arrangement preserves the ceremonial character of the original while opening the piece to ensembles still developing their harmonic range and independence; the result feels ceremonial and fun in equal measure.

Festive and ceremonial, with the bright character of a trumpet call that invites attention. The piece carries an almost processional quality, celebratory in tone while remaining economical in its musical statement.

Choirs at the intermediate level looking for a showpiece that sounds assured without requiring advanced vocal technique. This works equally well for high school ensembles, community choirs, and upper elementary singers ready to tackle period style with confidence.

• Shape the opening fanfare figures as declarative statements rather than rushing through them; clear articulation in the trumpet-like passages distinguishes Baroque style from romantic phrasing.
• Balance the two parts so neither drowns out the other during moments of close harmony, particularly where the voices move in similar motion.
• Lean into the Baroque dotted rhythms without flattening them into modern interpretations; the rhythmic lift gives the piece its character.
• Consider whether your recorded accompaniment or live piano support suits the piece better; the fanfare context works equally well with either approach.

Pair this with other ceremonial or fanfare-based works to build a thematic concert section, or slot it into a program that needs a bright transitional piece between heavier selections. Its 10 pages make it substantial enough to anchor a secular concert while brief enough to fit flexibly into longer programs.

• Phrasing and articulation in Baroque style
• Rhythmic independence in close 2-part writing
• Dotted rhythms and their relationship to written notation
• Maintaining line integrity while balancing with a second voice