Review

George F. Händel
The Trumpet Shall Sound:

Arranged by Michael Stewart


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Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 2004
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

Michael Stewart has enhanced the brass choir repertoire with this thoughtful and effective setting of “The Trumpet Shall Sound” from Messiah. Stewart precedes the actual aria with the eight measure recitative, “Behold, I tell you a Mystery.” The piece includes the traditional trumpet solo and is indicated as piccolo trumpet and the bass solo is given to tenor trombone. From there, the score reads from top to bottom, piccolo trumpet 2, trumpet in C 1, horn in F 1, trumpet in C 2, horn in F 2, horn in F 3, trombone 2, trombone 3, euphonium. The grouping of instrument lines is rather irregular, but makes sense when the score is studied and the instrumental groupings are taken into consideration. Stewart stays true to the original ranges by use of euphonium alternating with third trombone on the bass lines. It is perhaps unfortunate that he did not choose to include tuba and thereby expand the lower register while completing the sound of a traditional brass choir. Nevertheless, this is cleverly scored and will sound exciting in a large space like a church or concert hall. There are no particular range difficulties in this piece and a competent high school group could likely approach it, provided that two of the four trumpet players can play piccolo; Stewart seems to deem that tone color to be particularly important. A high school or college brass choir will find this a useful selection should they wish to highlight outstanding trombone and trumpet students. As a seasonal selection, this arrangement will interest a music minister or orchestra leader in a church that has suitable players.

-David Johansen
Southeastern Louisiana University