About the Arrangements

These arrangements of the works of Beethoven and others are dedicated to all the trumpet players around the world who have spent countless hours in the back of an orchestra counting an endless number of rests.  Then when it is finally time to play, they have been greeted with unending tonics and dominants.  It is time for trumpet players to enjoy playing the melodies.  In these arrangements, the trumpet plays the melody  .  .  .  all the time!

Parts are available for both the C and Bb Trumpet.  They are both at the original pitch of the scores so that players who might want to play along with recording will be able to do so.  If you want to play a lower part, purchase the C part and play it on the Bb trumpet.  The ranges are as follows:  C Trumpet parts have a range from low F#/Gb to High C,  Bb Trumpet parts have a range from low G#/Ab to High D.  Both Bb and C parts have octave options when the part either leaps over an octave or stays consistently above G in the high register.

The arrangements favor keeping the pitch of the original instrument as much as possible.  However, since most of the melodies are in string and woodwind parts, this is often not possible.  Shifts in the octave of the main part have been made where it seemed most comfortable for the player.  Additionally, octave choices are included in many places in the parts.  There are many additional parts that the player may choose from.  These are interesting accompaniments, counter melodies, or melodic/technical lines that have been deemed interesting for the player.  These occur as a second part in the main staff or in "ossia" parts included either above or below the main staff.

All tempo markings, articulations, dynamics and other markings in the scores come from the original scores.  

Since the trumpet plays the melody...all the time, fatigue is a factor in playing these arrangements.  However, there are lower parts to choose from in places, and the player can choose to stop whenever he/she likes and stopping often is highly recommended.  If playing with a recording, take a break when you need to, you can easily follow the recording in the part and come back in when well rested.  Remember also that the tempo marking favor strings and woodwinds so practicing at slower tempos is going to often be necessary.

The arrangements have many features that are common to the etudes trumpeters play daily such as rapid passages, octave leaps, difficult rhythms and key signatures, espressive melodies and technically difficult passages, and unusual meters.  They will challenge even the most advanced player but also accommodate the lesser  players and will certainly improve the technical and melodic performance of all players.