Review

George Frideric Handel
Ouverture from Musick for the Royal Fireworks:

Arranged by Ralph Sauer

4 trumpets in C, 4 horns, 2 trombones, 2 tubas with an optional single tuba part and timpani

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 1989 / 2010
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

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

In 1749, Great Britain celebrated the end of the War of Austrian Succession. King George II contracted G.F. Handel to compose a piece to accompany a fireworks display, commemorating the event. Ralph Sauer has transcribed the work for 4 trumpets in C, 4 horns, 2 trombones, 2 tubas with an optional single tuba part and timpani. The publisher’s website lists an optional piccolo trumpet part in place of Trumpet 1, but this was not the version reviewed here. This option is perhaps desirable for the second trumpet part, as well. This arrangement is aimed at advanced level players and is quite physically demanding. Ranges (in written pitch): combined trumpets—a to d3, combined horns—e to a2, combined trombones—DD to d1, Tuba—BB-flat to c. Summit Brass recorded the work on their Delights album, which, of course proves to be brilliant. 
 
-Cory Mixdorf
University of Arkansas