Review

Georges Bizet
Habanera from the opera "Carmen": for Brass Quartet

Arranged by Ray Kirkham edited by Gordon Cherry

Brass Quartet B-flat trumpet, horn in F, trombone, bass trombone

Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2021
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 4 brass

Georges Bizet Habanera from the opera “Carmen” for Brass Quartet arranged by Ray Kirkham, edited by Gordon Cherry (2021). Playing time 3min. Score and parts.

This arrangement is scored for a quartet comprised of Trumpet in B-flat, Horn in F, Trombone, and Bass Trombone. The 1st section is in F major, the 2nd in D. Tempo indication is Allegretto quasi Andantino, quarter = 68. All parts are of intermediate difficulty.

The trombone has a prominent role, and in measures 4-19 and 48-64 it plays the main melody and its part is marked “solo”; there is no indication however that more than one player per part might be intended. Range for trombone is A - fsharp1; its part is given in bass clef throughout. Both trumpet parts top out at a2. The 3 upper parts each have 7 measures of rest; bass trombone (range D-a) is kept fully occupied throughout playing the signature tresillo dotted rhythmic pattern. This piece is sure to be enjoyed by both players and audience.

Ray Kirkham played trumpet for over 40 years with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.