Symphony (from The Fairy Queen): 4 Trumpets, Organ & Timpani Score & Parts

Purcell's trumpet writing is brilliant without being showy, and David Marlatt's arrangement captures the ceremonial grandeur of the original while making it accessible to intermediate players. The contrasting sections keep the piece engaging and give your ensemble room to shape character, and the organ part transforms four trumpets into a genuinely powerful sound that works as an unforgettable concert opener.

Ceremonial and festive, with the brightness of Baroque trumpet writing supported by the warmth and weight of organ. The piece moves between energetic fanfare-like passages and moments of genuine lyrical reflection, never losing its sense of occasion.

Brass quintets and small trumpet ensembles with organ access who want repertoire that sounds substantial without requiring advanced technical facility. This works equally well for festival performances, church services, or concert programming where impact matters.

• Balance the trumpet lines carefully in the opening sections so the organ foundation remains audible; the weight of four trumpets plus organ can easily obscure the harmonic movement.
• Treat the slow organ section as a genuine moment of repose rather than filler; let the organist establish a clear harmonic foundation that the trumpets will return to with renewed energy.
• Shape the phrasing across the four contrasting sections to highlight their individual character; each shift should feel intentional, not abrupt.
• Coordinate attacks precisely with the timpani, especially in the opening and closing sections where rhythmic clarity defines the piece's ceremonial character.

Open a concert or CD with this piece; its compact length and memorable structure make it ideal for setting a strong first impression. It also works beautifully in liturgical settings or as part of a Baroque-focused program where you want to showcase English rather than Italian or German composers.

• Baroque articulation and ornamentation appropriate to Purcell's style
• Balanced blend and intonation in small ensemble settings
• Phrasing across contrasting sections and tempo changes
• Coordination with organ accompaniment and timpani
• Dynamic control in both fanfare and lyrical contexts