The most prominent brass quintet arrangement of Arturo Márquez's Danzón No. 2 is by Chris Van Hof
. This version was popularized by the Emerald Brass Quintet and is frequently used in university and professional repertoire. Sheet Music & PDF Resources
You can find the score and individual parts through several digital and physical publishers: Scribd (Digital PDF): Various parts for the Chris Van Hof
arrangement (Trombone, Tuba, Horn, and 1st Trumpet) are available as PDF downloads on Scribd .
Del Mar College (Sample/Reference PDF): A public PDF containing parts for F Horn and Bb Trumpet transcribed by Oliver Nickel is hosted by Del Mar College Hebu Musikverlag (Physical/Retail): A version arranged by Stephen Roberts
for brass ensemble/concert band is available through retailers like Hebu Musikverlag .
MuseScore: User-contributed versions for brass quintet and other brass ensembles can be found on MuseScore . Arrangement Details
"Danzón No. 2" Brass Quintet Version /// Emerald Brass Quintet
Arturo Márquez's Danzón No. 2 is a cornerstone of Mexican contemporary classical music, celebrated for its sultry rhythms and vibrant energy. While originally composed for full orchestra, several brass quintet arrangements allow chamber ensembles to capture its "second national anthem" spirit. cdn.prod.website-files.com Popular Brass Quintet Arrangements
The most prominent professional-grade arrangement for this instrumentation was created by Chris Van Hof Chris Van Hof (as performed by the Emerald Brass Quintet) Instrumentation: danzon no 2 brass quintet pdf work
Standard brass quintet (2 Trumpets, Horn, Trombone, Tuba) often supplemented by optional percussion (Claves, Guiro, Tom-Toms, Bass Drum) to maintain the authentic "danzón" feel. Availability: Direct Purchase: The sheet music is available for approximately by contacting the arranger directly. PDF Previews:
Scores and individual parts (such as 1st Trumpet, Horn, and Trombone) are often hosted on platforms like for digital viewing. Other Versions: A transcription by Oliver Nickel
exists, though it is frequently associated with symphonic band or larger brass ensembles rather than strict quintets. Performance & Technical Guide
Performing this work in a quintet setting requires high technical proficiency and rhythmic precision.
Arturo Márquez's Danzón No. 2 is a masterpiece of contemporary Mexican classical music, and its adaptations for brass quintet are widely celebrated for capturing the piece's sultry, dance-like energy. While multiple arrangements exist in PDF format, the most recognized version for this ensemble is by Chris Van Hof , famously recorded by the Emerald Brass Quintet. Performance & Arrangement Quality
Musical Integrity: Reviewers and performers note that these arrangements successfully translate the original orchestral "dance competition" feel—where different sections "compete" for attention—into the intimate setting of a quintet.
Difficulty Level: This is generally considered a difficult (Grade 7+) work. It features complex chord structures, novel progressions, and high "Chord-Melody Tension".
Solo Highlights: The arrangement preserves critical moments, such as the exultant trumpet solos and the driving low-brass rhythmic episodes that lead to an exuberant final crescendo.
Dynamic Range: Performances are praised for handling the piece's frequent shifts in dynamics, moving from very soft, seductive sections to raucous, "mighty" motifs. Notable Brass Quintet Arrangements The most prominent brass quintet arrangement of Arturo
If you are listening to Danzón No. 2 at home, don't just put it on headphones while doing the dishes.
The Lifestyle Curation:
The search for a Danzon No 2 brass quintet PDF work is popular for a reason. The original orchestration uses strings, woodwinds, percussion, and brass. So why reduce it to just five players?
Originally composed in 1994, Danzón No. 2 was inspired by a trip Márquez took to Veracruz, where he witnessed the intimate, elegant dance halls where the danzón tradition thrives. The piece is a fusion of Mexican folk dance rhythms and orchestral virtuosity.
For brass players, this piece offers a unique opportunity. The brass quintet format (2 Trumpets, Horn, Trombone, Tuba) naturally replicates the sonic weight of an orchestra, making it an ideal vehicle for Márquez’s rich harmonies and powerful climaxes. It has become a staple of modern brass repertoire, often requested in recitals, international competitions, and street performances (notably by groups like the German brass ensemble Blechbläser).
The brass quintet arrangement of Danzón No. 2 is a masterpiece of transcription. It captures the fire and romance of Márquez’s original vision while utilizing the brilliance of brass instruments. For musicians seeking the PDF score, investing in an official, licensed edition is the professional choice, ensuring that the music is presented as the composer and arranger intended—clear, accurate, and ready for the stage.
Arturo Márquez's Danzón No. 2 is a masterpiece of contemporary Mexican music that translates brilliantly to the brass quintet medium. While originally composed for full orchestra, several high-quality arrangements allow brass ensembles to capture its seductive rhythms and fiery energy. Top Recommended Arrangements
Arrangement by Chris Van Hof: This version is widely regarded for its faithful adaptation of the original orchestral colors to five brass voices. It is often performed with an optional percussionist to maintain the critical clave rhythm.
Instrumentation: Typical brass quintet (2 Trumpets, Horn, Trombone, Tuba) plus optional percussion. Curating Your Space (The Vibe) If you are
Availability: You can find this arrangement and listen to professional recordings by the Emerald Brass Quintet on Albany Records .
Transcription by Oliver Nickel: Originally for concert band or brass ensemble, portions of these parts are often adapted for smaller groups.
Sheet Music: Sample scores and parts are available for review via Del Mar College . Key Musical Features
"Danzón No. 2" Brass Quintet Version /// Emerald Brass Quintet
Why do quintets love this piece? Because it changes the entertainment dynamic of a gig.
Most quintet gigs involve playing polite Mozart divertimentos at weddings while people ignore you. Danzón No. 2 demands attention. It is a narrative:
Entertainment Value: This piece proves that "classical" music can sweat. For the lifestyle of a freelance musician, having Danzón No. 2 in your back pocket is the ultimate "set-closer." It turns a stuffy art gallery opening into a dance floor.
A frequent search query among university professors, military band musicians, and professional brass quintets is: "Danzón No. 2 brass quintet PDF."
Important practical note: Danzón No. 2 remains under copyright protection (the work was composed in 1994, and Márquez passed away in 2020). Legally licensed PDFs are not available for free on public sharing sites like IMSLP, as they would violate copyright law.
However, musicians can acquire legitimate PDF editions through several authorized channels:
Warning to educators: Many "free PDF" websites claiming to offer Danzón No. 2 for brass quintet either host illegal scans or, more commonly, provide inaccurate fan transcriptions riddled with rhythmic errors. Always purchase from a verified distributor to ensure the arranger and composer are compensated—and to guarantee performance-ready parts.