Review

Jeremiah Clarke
Two Voluntaries:

Arranged by Keith Terrett

2 trumpets in D, Horn in F, Trombone (tenor clef), tuba, optional timpani

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2023
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

In this well-executed and challenging arrangement, Keith Terrett nicely expands our existing festive brass quintet repertoire. The addition of tympani gives this arrangement of Two Voluntaries a more expansive and regal quality than the typical solo trumpet setting. In about 1700, the short-lived Jeremiah Clarke (1674-1707) composed the first of these Voluntaries, which is now commonly known as The Prince of Denmark’s March, or simply as the Trumpet Voluntary. The second work from this set of Two Voluntaries, is derived from a Semi-opera, The Island Princess, composed in the year 1699. Both of these works are frequently played by trumpeters in wedding ceremonies, with the first of them typically used as a processional and the second used as a recessional. 

The arrangement is scored for two D trumpets, F horn, trombone, tuba, and optional tympani. Trumpet 1 is scored up to a concert b2; however, there are optional d3s at the conclusion of each voluntary. Trumpet 2 spells to with some passages and thus covers the same register; however, when playing together in passagework the second trumpet part is generally scored a third or sixth lower and is thus more forgiving. Both trumpet parts contain some virtuosic passagework and ornamentation. The F horn part is conservative in range and ascends no higher than d2, though there is some challenging arpeggiation in the staff. The trombone part is set in tenor clef and ascends to a b, and though the part is not technically challenging, it is sustained and does not feature much rest other than the occasional quarter note for a breath; thus it may be somewhat taxing in terms of endurance. The tuba part is more active and mobile than the trombone part and descends no lower than AA. In the optional tympani part, the first Voluntary is pitched in D, E, and A, and in the second Voluntary the tympani is tuned to D, G, and A.

I highly recommend Two Voluntaries for your brass quintet library. Add it to your collection and bride happy at your next wedding gig.