Offstage parts for Verdi Requiem

Thomas2516 · Regular Member Joined: 23 Jul 2015 Posts: 16

What is the standard trumpet used for the offstage parts in Verdi's Requiem? A quick YouTube search leads me to believe they are normally played on C or Bb, but the parts are written for Eb.

Thanks.

Thomas Lee

Danbassin

Thomas2516 · Regular Member Joined: 23 Jul 2015 Posts: 16

They are typically played on whatever horns are typically played in that region...i.e. C pistons in the USA, Bb pistons in the UK, either Bb or C rotaries in Germany/Austria, etc...

Thank you! Just what I wanted to know.

jaylward · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 7:57 am Post subject:

I'll echo what people say here. Even though it's written in Eb, the Eb sound would be a bit too small. A good rule of thumb is (if you're subbing with pros) play what the rest of the people in the section are playing. Don't stick out.

If you're worried about being able to transpose, use this as a great opportunity to learn that skill! You should be able to play whatever's in front of you with relative ease on any trumpet you have in front of you. (Granted, I certainly wouldn't play the Requiem on D trumpet, but I could if i needed to.)

TL;DR- probably just play it on C.

Turkle · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 11:37 am Post subject:

When I performed it years ago everyone was on C trumpets.
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Denny Schreffler · Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 11:55 pm Post subject:

Yes, basically, whatever works (and is agreed upon), but keep in mind that the valved, orchestral trumpet of the 19th C was originally in (low) G and then in (low) F with crooks lowering the key to E♭ (and below) -- natural, Baroque trumpet lengths. This is the trumpet for which Verdi was writing.

So we're talking alto-trumpet length with a bore about the same as modern B♭ trumpets.

Timbre-wise, B♭ (rotary, perhaps, especially) might be the best choice.

Certainly high E♭ trumpets would be a generally poor and an uninformed choice.

And, the historicity of this situation is being lost to an extent by players, teachers, and conductors. Don't be surprised if you encounter an argument or two.

-Denny

johntpt · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2018 2:29 pm Post subject:

Just a couple of thoughts here. The "offstage" parts of this piece are not usually played backstage as the banda parts are in Verdi operas. Usually the 4 extra trumpets are played in a balcony or some other interesting spot in the hall for a sort of surround sound effect, as is normally done for the extra brass parts in Pines of Rome.

As far as which instrument to use, C or Bb would be common, although I would argue that the first entrance in the first offstage part is difficult and delicate, and is very easy to crack on a Bb or C, as I heard once in a live performance with a top 5 major USA orchestra. Personally I would use a large bell Eb for that part if had to play it. That first entrance comes 10-15 minutes into the piece, and the added security of the Eb can really help for coming in cold.

JU