Solo Trumpet
Australian music for trumpet
From big bands, military bands, concert bands to solo performances, chamber music and symphony orchestras, the trumpet has been an integral presence in Australian art music.
Australia’s state symphony orchestras have inspired the commissioning of concertos to showcase the virtuosity of the principal trumpet in these orchestras. These concertos include works by Raymond Hanson, Nigel Westlake, Graeme Koehne, John Carmichael, Alan Holley, Richard Mills and in recent years Holly Harrison, Jim Coyle and Lachlan Skipworth.
In addition to performing in large ensembles the trumpet features in brass quintets which are important to chamber music repertoire in Australia. Maria Grenfell, Barry McKim, Cathy Milliken and Catherine Likhuta to name only a few have written works for this ensemble.
Much of the solo repertoire for trumpet has been written by composers who are either trumpet players or brass players themselves. These include Brendan Collins, Greg Butcher, Chris Moran, Adrian Hallam, Alan Holley and Nadje Noordhuis who has led the way for jazz compositions featuring the trumpet.
Representative works
| Work | Notes | |
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| Green leaf prelude (2004) by Elena Kats-Chernin | This piece comes from the ballet Wild Swans, as does another work entitled Eliza Aria. Both are quite difficult in places due to the fact that they sit in the middle to high register and require some delicate tonguing and good endurance. The beautiful soaring melodies and rhythmic figures give you a very good impression of dancing swans. Suitable for recitals, HSC and 8th grade AMEB extra lists. |
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| Arabesque (2001) by Richard Meale | This solo work was composed in 2001, and whilst the part does not stipulate what pitch of instrument to use, C or Bb trumpets would both be suitable (C trumpet would be a little more taxing in the higher register). It is fairly challenging work that explores interesting trilling techniques in the form of ‘bird calls’ as well as long flowing phrases utilising the full register of the instrument. It is an excellent piece by one of Australia’s foremost composers. |
| Summer bird (1990) by Alan Holley | A piece inspired by a visit to Lady Elliot Island, off the North Queensland Coast, and its birdlife. The three sections have contrasting tempos and moods. The first section applies very descriptive motifs (‘bird call’ type of effect), the second section is a slow and beautiful melody, similar to another piece by Holley for solo trumpet, Alone. The final section is a restatement of the original theme with a final resounding flourish. Suitable for recitals, AMEB exams and HSC. | |
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| Sennet (2000) by Gordon Kerry | A very impressive piece for solo trumpet with lots of changing time signatures and contrasts in dynamic range. Most of the tempos are slow with the notation jumping around in quite challenging motifs, with the middle section requiring a cup mute for 11 bars. This piece is of a good standard for recitals, HSC and an extra list for AMEB 6th or 7th Grade. |
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| Silken weave (1993) by Andrew Schultz | The title is a very good description of the way the trumpet and piano intertwine in a very effective manner in this piece. The piano part is very virtuosic and requires excellent communication with the trumpet. The trumpet part is no less virtuosic, with lovely long melodic phrases, interval leaps exploring the lower and higher register and extensive tonguing passages. The piece would be suitable for recitals, HSC and 7th or 8th grade AMEB extra list. |
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| In memoriam (1995) by Colin Brumby | In memoriam, along with another work for Bb trumpet and piano by Brumby, Song of the bard, is relatively easy and suited for AMEB extra lists for 3rd or 4th grade standard. Both works are enjoyable pieces to play and excellent additions to the easier repertoire for trumpet and piano. |
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| Air for trumpet (2005) by Greg Butcher | An easy work, suitable for Grade 2 AMEB. |
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| Ancient Voices (2024) by Adrian Hallam | The program note starts: "The hustle and bustle of modern day Turkey sits upon the remnants of ancient civilisations..." |
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| Black Rock (2024) by Chris Moran | A short work for trumpet and piano. |
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| Concerto for trumpet and orchestra (1972) by John Carmichael | A 24 minute, 3 movement work. |
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| Wen Yora Way (2010) by Nadje Noordhuis | A simple duo piece that can also be performed by small jazz ensembles. |
| Psyche (2023) by Nigel Westlake | The concerto is an imaginary fantasy which uses the idea of the NASA expedition as a departure point with which to explore a dialogue between trumpet and chamber orchestra. | |
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| Concerto for trumpet and orchestra by Richard Mills | A work of advanced difficulty. |
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| Concerto for trumpet and orchestra, op. 27 (1948) by Raymond Hanson | An 18 minute work written in 1948. |
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| Creatures of Norse (2016) by Maria Grenfell | Inspired by Viking mythology - full of tales of the gods and their great virtues and deeds. |
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| Jose Suite (2018) by Brendan Collins | Jose Suite has a youthful energy and is sure to be a hit with any audience. |
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| Altiora Peto (2021) by Lachlan Skipworth | The concerto unfolds in three contrasting movements, each a distinct chapter of brightness and motion. |
| Hellbent by Holly Harrison | Commissioned by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and first performed in 2021. | |
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| The Bright Seraphim (2016) by Jim Coyle | An advanced work, dedicated to Anthony Heinrichs. |
