Sterling

I've been hired to play principal trumpet for a performance of Brahm's requiem in March. I've sung it before (34 years ago!) but have not played the trumpet part. Is it in C or B flat? I don't mind either way, but I was wondering if I should play it on my Bflat rotary or my Bach C ? Any ideas? It will probably be a small orchestra with a chorus of 60 to 80 singers.

robertwhite

Trumpets play in mvts. 2, 3, and 6. 2 is in Bb, 3 is in D, and 6 is in C.

Personally, I'd prefer C trumpet throughout. Rotary might be fun, but unless the 2nd player also has one, there's probably not much point. Chances are good you're just going to be told to play everything softer anyway.

Have fun!

Sterling

Thanks for your response Robertwhite. Your answers were exactly what I was thinking. Play C throughout, because no one else has a rotary and play softer. I guess that I'll have to dust off my C. My ears work better in Bflat, though.

Vulgano Brother

The Requiem begs for Bb rotaries; failing that, then I would reccomend a piston Bb--the second part has some low g's, and will need to be played on a Bb anyway. Try to match that "woofy" trombone sound, and it should work just fine.

SeanP

Thanks very much for this - I too have been booked to play this and was wondering the same thing. I will play it on my Bb rotary then (after checking that the second player has one).

rowuk

I agree with Vulgano Brother. The Bb is very (most in my opinion) suitable. If you have a rotary Bb, try and organize one for the second player. In spite of the notation, this was probably originally performed on a deep F trumpet (back then the Bb rotary was known as the "high Bb" trumpet and frowned upon by many german orchestral players) with a more "regal" sound.

TooHot

I don't have a big problem playing rotary if the second player is playing on a piston. It's not ideal, but I think it sounds better on rotary regardless of what the 2nd trp plays.

The rotary sounds lets you play out a bit more without cutting through the texture so it can be a lot more comfortable. Conductors generally don't get on your case if you've got one in your hands.

Vulgano Brother

Except sometimes in Germany, but if you yell back the conductors are pretty good about backing off. Sort of like strange dogs establishing turf, but without the sniffing.

tatakata

its a great piece. enjoy!

Sterling

Thanks for all the advise. I would much rather play it on the Bflat rotary. I'm not sure, but I'll bet the second trumpet player will use a Bflat piston. I did bring both my rotary B flat and my Bach C to school today to play along with my sixth grade students. I always get a kick out of them sneaking a look at my valves when they forget certain fingerings. Boy do they get mad! Good for them!