Contrapunctus I - From The Art Of The Fugue ~ BWV 1080 by Johann Sebastian Bach Brass Ensemble - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1488249

Brass Ensemble: 3 trumpets and 2 trombones - Grade 3.5

I transcribed Contrapunctus I from the Art Of The Fugue by Johann Sebastian Bach, faithfully respecting the work of the Great Maestro, intervening only to distribute the voices when impracticable by the individual instruments and to give some breathing space to the various performers. In fact, from 4 parts, I obtained 5 using a small doubling only in the final part.

The choice to use 3 trumpets and 2 trombones, and not the more typical brass quintet (2 trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba), was dictated by the lineup I had available at the time I made the transcription. Luckily, the second trombone part fits perfectly with the original fourth voice (…except for one very brief point…).

However, in the future, I don't rule out creating a version for the standard quintet too!

On a didactic level, the choice of this piece was certainly ambitious, but the extraordinary thing is that through Bach's music (!!!) it was possible to address an enormous amount of musical nuances. This immediately fascinated my students, both young and old, who did not hesitate to get involved with all their strength and I must say that, at the end of the study path, each of them achieved a clear improvement both technically and, above all, expressive.

But then it's no surprise, Bach's music is always extraordinary and surprising!

The structure of the transcription is therefore the original one and the duration is around 2 minutes and 45 seconds. To the expected parts I also added that of the horn in F, replacing the 3rd trumpet. At your discretion, of course, decide whether to replace it or double it directly.

Also in this case, the audio is made with the synthetic sounds of midi, therefore not particularly captivating, but it should still be useful for getting an idea of ​​the arrangement and for studying the individual parts.

Good music!

am.