for brass quintet . . .
Roger Grupp has written these arrangements and performs them all with Classic Brass Inc.
Allegro from Piano Concerto No. 20 in d minor, K. 466 (2:20) ($25) -
listen to this mp3 (0.7 Mb)
Wolfgang Mozart wrote this concerto in 1785. It's a masterfully gorgeous and
passionate work. This version is a reduction of the orchestral beginning and
ending of the first movement.
Arioso in F from Cantata BWV 156, "Ich steh mit einem Fuss im
Grabe” (3:15) ($25) - listen to this mp3
(1.6Mb)
This is is one of the most beautiful melodies ever written -- as beautiful and
graceful as 'Jesu, Joy...," though much less well known. Bach also used
it as the middle movement of his Harpsichord Concerto, BWV 1056.
Ballet and Scherzo from “West Side Story” (2:10) ($20)
This complex -- yet light and graceful -- piece segues into “America”
in the very popular Jack Gale suite of arrangements. It has an alternate Fine
ending.
“La Plus que Lente” (4:10) ($20)
Claude Debussy’s title means “very slowly.” Adapted from a piano
piece, with some idiomatic changes for brass. Beautiful with cornet and flugelhorn
playing the high parts.
“East St. Louis Toodle-oo” (2:50) ($20)
Written by Duke Ellington and his trumpeter of the ’20s, Bubber Miley.
Trumpet or cornet feature. This is based on the version in Steely Dan’s
1974 album, “Pretzel Logic.”
“Passarella D’Addio” (I call it “Guido’s
Parade of Characters”) (4:10) ($20)
The main theme from Federico Fellini’s movie, “8-1/2.” The composer
is Nino Rota, who wrote for many of Fellini’s movies. Haunting, yet gay
melody.
“My Love Song Must Be a Waltz” (3:00) ($20)
Beautiful, lilting melody by Vienna’s Robert Stolz. Arrangement is adapted
from a performance by a European string group.
“Pathetique” (3:40) ($25)
This is the beautiful second movement, adagio cantabile, from Beethoven's famed
piano concerto. Excellent wedding prelude music, and even suitable for a processional,
in the manner of “Kanon in D” or “Jesu, Joy....”
“Star Trek” Themes (1:10) ($10)
The “final frontier” intro from the original TV series by Alexander
Courage, coupled with the “Star Trek Next Generation” TV theme by
Jerry Goldsmith.
“Through the Eyes of Love” (2:50) ($15) - hear
QuickTime MIDI
The Marvin Hamlisch tune from the movie, “Ice Castles.” Very good
for weddings, as prelude or during unity candle lighting.
“All I Ask of You” (3:30) ($20) - hear
this .mp3 (1.5Mb)
This arrangement is for brass quintet.
“All I Ask of You” (3:30) ($15)
This arrangement is for brass quintet with soprano and baritone vocal duet.
From Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera.”
“All I Ask of You” (3:30) ($25)
This arrangement is for brass quintet with string quartet.
for wind ensemble . . .
“Allègre” movement from “Toot Suite” (7:00)
($60)
This piece is Claude Bolling’s wonderful intermediate-to-advanced-level
trumpet solo, with an accompaniment adapted for wind ensemble. Bolling’s
original accompaniment was written for jazz piano, bass, and drums. The ensemble
arrangement is written to be played after minimal rehearsal. There is room for
a 16- or 32-bar ad lib solo by another instrument.
“Pavanne” movement from Symphonette No. 2 (3:20) ($40) -
hear .mp3 excerpt
Morton Gould wrote this arresting little number in 1938. It was heard often
on the radio in the 1940s. Its slow, bouncy style is both simple and elegant.
The theme is introduced by a muted trumpet and it blossoms into a range of instrumental
colors as the whole ensemble joins in. (Can you tell I stole that description?)
Medium-easy.
for big band with female vocalist . . .
“Fly Me to the Moon” (2:30) ($45) - hear
QuickTime MIDI
Everyone knows Bart Howard’s “In Other Words” by its informal
title, “Fly Me to the Moon.” This moderate-level big band chart
takes its cue from the lyric, ”And let me play among the stars,”
occasionally interjecting a whole-tone scale motif that gives the feeling of
seeing a shooting star.
“For Once In My Life” (2:27) ($45) - hear
.mp3 excerpt
Michael Buble's version of Stevie Wonder's hit is rearranged and put in the
key of G. It works just great for a female vocalist, and there's lots going
on in this arrangement. Take a listen to this excerpt.
If you’re interested in any of these arrangements, you may contact me, Roger Grupp, at 651-482-TRPT.