Review

Traditional
What Do You Do With a Drunken Sailor?:

Arranged by Joshua D. Britt


Massapequa, NY, United States
Publisher: Cor Publishing Company
Date of Publication: 2010

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

Mr. Britt’s brass quintet arrangement of this well-known sea shanty appears designed for talented high school and college chamber musicians. Its melodic range is manageable for each instrument, trumpet 1 to b2, trumpet 2 to f-sharp2, horn to e2, trombone to f1, tuba to c1, and everyone has the opportunity to shine on the famous tune as it works its way through a variety of styles and key changes. 

In ABA form, the piece begins in 2/4 with a march-like fanfare based on the melody. The tune is then stated in the trumpet parts and passes to the trombone for a version that is marked “Deep, Dark, and Mysterious.” Tempo remains the same for the B section but the meter switches to 6/8 for a smoother, legato, and busier variation of the melody in the trumpets. The climactic finish returns to the 2/4 martial style with everyone playing fortissimo. Parts are clearly marked with exact articulations and novel dynamic moments. Photocopies will be needed to facilitate page turns and the horn part is written in bass clef for sixteen bars. Taken as a whole, the arrangement is well crafted with plenty of contrasts and rest for all five members of the group. It’s sure to get a few smiles or chuckles from your audience.

-Eric High
St. Norbert College