Brass Quintet Arrangements
Medley of Rhymes
This arrangement of familiar nursery rhymes was intended as a means of introducing younger children to the medium of the brass quintet. Each rhyme is dressed in a musical identity, with each player given plenty of note activity. The work opens and closes with the rhyme ‘Oranges and Lemons’ and the medley runs logically lasting for 5 to 6 minutes. It is an ideal encore item or light alternative to follow a quintet that might have challenged both performer and listener. ‘A Medley of Rhymes for Five Brass’ is a popular addition to serious concert programmes.
Listen to a short sample played by Mainstreet Brass
Parts and score available from Broadbent & Dunn
Beethoven Symphony No.5 movement 4
This arrangement for brass quintet by Alan Danson conveys the triumph and celebration of the finale of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony. The writing is idiomatic and melodic interest is shared between all parts, with rare moments of a contemporary approach to the work here and there. An ideal opener to the second half of a concert. For schools, studios and professionals.
Listen to a short sample
Parts and score available from Broadbent & Dunn
Wind Trio Arrangements
Three Winds in a Boat (Sea Shanties)
Arranged for Oboe doubling Cor Anglais, Clarinet and Bassoon
Five sea shanties arranged by Alan Danson, each presented with a little twist. The clarinet provides a stomach lurching rolling motion in ‘Blow the Man Down’ while bended tones on the cor anglais and bassoon provide a quasi queasiness to the arrangement. Set in a stoic march mood ‘The Mermaid’ has the members in antiphonal fanfares at the close of the setting, along with the occasional (intended) mis-pitched flattened 7th on the Clarinet, while ‘Drunken sailor’ is given an up tempo treatment with horn call references to the chase. ‘Bobby Shaftoe’ is in true dancing mood, with a beguine feel to the middle section before ending the shanty with toe tapping togetherness.
Listen to a sample
Parts and score available from Broadbent & Dunn
Three Winds on The Rocks (Drinking Songs)
Arranged for Cor Anglais, Clarinet and Bassoon
Four English drinking songs in a rollicking medley – perfect for schools and professionals.
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Score and parts available from Alan Danson
I Got Plenty of Nothin (Gershwin)
Arranged for Oboe, Clarinet and Bassoon
This arrangement opens with what appears to be the opening of ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, but progresses to an ostinato line of support upon which the oboe and bassoon open this wonderful tune by Gershwin. Great interplay is made between the parts, and there is an allusion to Copland before returning to the home key. A brief ‘Religioso’ reflection is provided before the setting romps home to a sprightly finish.
Listen to a sample
Parts and score available from Broadbent & Dunn