The Music of George Gershwin for Brass Quintet: 2nd B-flat Trumpet
Music and lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin / arr. Zachary Smith
Grade: 3 (Medium)
Item: 00-PC-0016302_T2
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Description
Brass quintet instrumentation is two B-flat trumpets, French horn, trombone, and tuba. Featuring three Gershwin compositions, "Love Is Here to Stay," "Embraceable You," and "I Got Rhythm." (6:26)
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Jazz Small Ensemble
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
36
SKU:
00-PC-0016302_T2
More about this title
About the Composer: George Gershwin
George Gershwin (1898-1937) was an American composer who built a singular career bridging concert music and popular song. His gift for memorable melody, sophisticated harmonies rooted in both jazz and classical traditions, and instinctive sense of orchestration made him one of the most performed composers of the twentieth century. Works like Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris remain standards in the concert repertoire, while his songs with lyricist brother Ira became foundational to the American songbook.
For music educators, Gershwin's output offers immediate engagement: his melodies are instantly recognizable, his harmonic language is accessible yet never simplistic, and his music invites performers to explore the intersection of jazz vocabulary and classical technique. These three songs represent some of his most enduring creations, each a window into the wit, charm, and sophistication that defined his artistic voice.
Why we love this
Zachary Smith's brass quintet arrangement captures the sophisticated swing and harmonic richness of three Gershwin standards without sacrificing the intimacy that makes these songs so affecting. The Grade 3 level opens these masterworks to ensembles that might otherwise never play Gershwin, yet the writing respects the originals' melodic integrity and jazz character. This is repertoire that sounds polished and musically mature in performance, rewarding both the ensemble and their audience.
What to expect
These songs shimmer with the sophistication and charm of 1930s New York. 'Love Is Here to Stay' unfolds with romantic warmth and harmonic subtlety. 'Embraceable You' glows with affection and lyrical beauty. 'I Got Rhythm' bounces with irrepressible energy and rhythmic vitality. Collectively, they feel like a master class in American melody.
Who it's for
Brass quintets at the intermediate level (high school through early college) looking to expand beyond traditional classical and contemporary concert music into the American songbook. This package works for ensembles that have solid foundational skills and are ready to explore jazz phrasing and interpretation.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melody lines with attention to Gershwin's gift for phrase contour. Resist rushing into accents; instead, let the natural arc of each song's signature tune breathe and sing.
- Balance the supporting harmonies so the lead voice reads clearly. In a brass quintet, the French horn and trombone often carry inner voices that ground the sound—make sure they support rather than overshadow the trumpets.
- Swing the eighth notes with the style appropriate to jazz ballads and uptempo standards. 'I Got Rhythm' especially demands loose, conversational rhythmic phrasing rather than strict metronomic precision.
- Use dynamic contrast to shape phrases and highlight harmonic movement. Gershwin's progressions are sophisticated; small changes in volume will help the ensemble hear the harmonic journey.
How to use it
Program this collection as a bridge between classical and popular repertoire on a concert featuring diverse styles. Alternatively, use it as a complete set to showcase your ensemble's versatility and ability to swing. The six-minute duration fits nicely as a standalone segment or as a vehicle for student musicians to experience the jazz idiom within a chamber ensemble context.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing melody and harmony in small ensemble texture
- Interpreting jazz articulation and swing in a classical ensemble setting
- Phrasing and shaping Gershwin's signature melodic contours
- Reading and understanding jazz harmonic progressions in concert music
- Collaborative ensemble balance across mixed brass voicings