Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 2 is a cornerstone of Mexican contemporary classical music, often called the "second national anthem of Mexico". For brass quintets looking for a performance-ready PDF, several notable arrangements exist that translate the orchestral original's sultry clarinet melodies and driving rhythms into the bold textures of brass. Brass Quintet PDF Options
Chris Van Hof Arrangement: This is one of the most widely cited versions for brass quintet. The score features a Danzón tempo ( ), multiple tempo shifts (accelerandos to ), and sections labeled A through U.
Instrumentation: Standard 1st Trumpet, 2nd Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, and Tuba.
Access: Individual parts and full scores are available for download via Scribd (Full Score).
Oliver Nickel Transcription: Primarily found in symphonic band settings, Nickel's transcriptions are often used as a basis for high-level brass arrangements.
Victor Ewald - Brass Quintet No. 2: While not the Márquez piece, if you are looking for classic repertoire under the same name, Ewald’s Op. 6 is a standard work available on the IMSLP Petrucci Music Library. Interesting Report: The Soul of Danzón No. 2 Danzón No. 2 Brass Quintet Score | PDF - Scribd
Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 2 is a masterpiece of modern Mexican classical music, famously arranged for brass quintet by figures like Chris Van Hof
. This guide covers key performance aspects and where to find the sheet music. Quick Performance Overview Starts at a sultry is approximately equal to 116 BPM (Danzón), with frequent accelerations reaching up to is approximately equal to 180 BPM in the Requires a mix of lyrical and aggressive with heavy syncopation. Instrumentation:
Standard brass quintet (2 Trumpets, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba). Some arrangements may include optional percussion like claves or güiro to maintain the authentic dance feel. Del Mar College Sectional Performance Guide Mood/Style Opening (Danzón) Intimate & Slinky
Focus on the solo trumpet and horn lines; maintain a steady but relaxed The Build (Accel.) Driving & Tense Execute precise accelerando
markings. The tension must build gradually, not all at once. Energetic & Bold High-intensity fortissimo
markings. Tuba and Trombone must provide a rock-solid rhythmic base. Middle Section Lyrical Repose
A brief return to the quieter, more melodic themes before the final push. PDF Sheet Music Resources
You can find full scores and individual parts for the brass quintet arrangement through the following repositories: Danzon No. 2 Brass Quintet Score | PDF - Scribd
Before diving into the brass quintet arrangement, one must understand the source. Arturo Márquez, a Mexican composer, wrote Danzón No. 2 in 1994. It is a musical portrait of the danzón, a traditional Cuban and Mexican dance form that originated in the 19th century. The piece slowly builds from a mysterious, sultry opening into an explosive, syncopated frenzy.
When Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra popularized the piece via YouTube, it became a global hit. Consequently, the demand for transcriptions exploded. The orchestral version requires massive strings, winds, and percussion. The brass quintet version—scored for two trumpets, horn, trombone, and tuba—allows small ensembles to capture that same energy without an 80-piece orchestra.
Stop hunting for a ghost PDF. Here is your three-step battle plan to actually play this masterpiece.
If you are struggling to find a legal PDF for Danzon No 2, or if it is too difficult for your current quintet, consider these similar works available for brass quintet:
“Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 2 has become a symbol of Mexican national identity since its premiere in 1994. This brass quintet arrangement distills the orchestral epic down to its rhythmic and melodic core. The ensemble captures the sultry, dance-like conversation of the danzón, moving from a melancholy opening monologue to a frenetic, joyous climax. Listen for the intricate interplay between the Tuba’s driving pulse and the Trumpet’s soaring melodies.”
