Stephenson – Call

Title Call for Solo Trumpet (2003) By James Stephenson Biographical Info Jim has composed a considerable amount of fantastic material for trumpet; sonatas, concerti, etude books, chamber music and unaccompanied solos.  I have heard that he has even composed music that involves instruments other than the trumpet.  I know … hard to believe, but you can find a complete listing of his compositions…

Sampson – Litany of Breath

Title Litany of Breath For Unaccompanied Trumpet By David Sampson Biographical Info David Sampson is a trumpet player, teacher and composer living in New Jersey.  He has made considerable contributions to 20th and 21st Century trumpet literature by composing more than fifteen works featuring the trumpet as well as works for wind ensemble, brass ensembles of various instrumentation and choirs.…

Sampson – Solo

Title Solo For unaccompanied flugel horn or Bb trumpet by David Sampson Biographical Info David Sampson (b. 1951, Charlottesville, Virginia) has emerged as one of the truly unique voices of his generation achieving rapidly growing attention from major orchestras, soloists and ensembles.  He holds degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music, Hunter College, Manhattan School of Music, and…

Bernofsky – Fantasia

Title Fantasia for Solo Trumpet (2008) By Lauren Bernofsky Biographical Info Although Lauren Bernofsky was trained as a violinist, she has contributed a substantial amount to the brass repertory.  Her list of compositions can be found here. The Fantasia for solo trumpet was commissioned by John W. Cain. Suggested Equipment Lauren composed this for Bb or C trumpet.  Except for the high E…

Williams – Concerto

Title Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra For Bb or C trumpet and piano (1996) By John Williams Biographical Info “Given a background of playing trombone and trumpet as a teen, and after writing so much brass music for films and for ceremonial pieces, you can imagine my pleasure when the Cleveland Orchestra asked me to write a concerto for their newly appointed principal trumpeter, Michael…

Bach – the Unaccompanied Suites

Title Unaccompanied Suites originally for CelloJohann Sebastian BachEdited and Arranged by David Cooper Biographical Info Bach composed the cello suites while he was employed at the court of Cöthen (1717-1723) as capellmeister and director of chamber music.  At this time, he devoted his efforts to instrumental music in which he set up perfect models and guides to professional musicians,…

Jazz Break: It Could Happen To You

I’m going to break from the norm of this site for a moment and offer up a musical selection.  I know this may not be following the educational and informational direction of this blog but I came across this mp3 the other day and just thought I would share it. The Setup A few years ago saxophonist Tom Gullion, called some musicians together to play on a recording project of his.  The night…

Gillingham – The Tempest

Title Sonata no.1 “The Tempest” For C trumpet and piano By David Gillingham Biographical Info The first sonata of David Gillingham bears the nickname, “The Tempest” because of the stormy and turbulent nature of the first movement, the somber aftermath of the second movement and the whirlwind drive of the third. Suggested Equipment C trumpet is preferred because of the extreme endurance…

Bernofsky – Concerto for Trumpet

Title Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra (1997)By Lauren BernofskyPiano reduction by the composer (2001) Biographical Info Although Lauren Bernofsky was trained as a violinist, she has contributed a substantial amount to the brass repertory.  Among these pieces is her Trumpet Concerto (1997), a full-length work cast in the traditional formal plan of the classical concerto, but in a more modern…

Handel – Aria con Variazioni

Title Aria con Variazioni For Bb trumpet/cornet and piano By G. F. Handel (trans. Bernard Fitzgerald) Biographical Info Aria con Variazioni began life as one of Handel’s many works for solo keyboard; specifically his 5th Harpsichord Suite.  Bernard Fitzgerald was a pioneer in transcribing music for brass instruments, primarily trumpet.  Our repertoire has increased tremendously thanks to his…