SKU: A0.589063

Merengue de Merlín is an exciting original composition by David McKeown, arranged as a duet for two Trumpets.

This duet is based on the traditional Latin style of Merengue that emerged in the Dominican Republic during the Nineteenth Century. Merengue Tipico bands maintain the traditional instrumentation of the double-headed tambora drum, güira, accordion and vocal, while urban bands in the North American diaspora often add saxophone, bass and other percussion. The Merengue dance became hugely popular in the 1950s and new forms continue to draw audiences around the world.

If you play to an intermediate standard and upwards, then you and your audience will enjoy this piece. The steady quintilla tambora rhythm is present throughout, and following the precise articulation in the score will help convey the style. The main challenge is the fast tempo and melodies should be clearly articulated. Merengue de Merlín has a performance time of around two and a half minutes at full tempo. You can listen to a full performance the Alto Saxophone version of this duet by following the YouTube link above.

SKU: A0.589064

Joropo de Justina is an exciting original composition by David McKeown, arranged as a duet for two Trumpets.

This duet is based on the traditional Latin style of Joropo which is the national and traditional music of Venezuela. The music and its accompanying dance comes from the central plains area and is also found over the border in parts of Colombia. The basic pulse of the Joropo is 3, but this is overlaid with complex cross-rhythms. The main instrument is the harp, along with cuatro and maracas as the only percussion instrument. In the modern era other instruments may join the ensemble, especially bass. This arrangement represents the song style of Joropo, with the vocal alternating with instrumental breaks.

If you play to an advanced intermediate standard and upwards, then you and your audience will enjoy this piece. The many cross rhythms will provide a rhythmic challenge and there is little time to catch breath; following the articulation in the score will help convey the style. Joropo de Justina has a performance time of around two minutes at full tempo. You can listen to a full performance the Clarinet version of this duet by following the YouTube link above.

SKU: A0.594046

Ding Dong Merrily on High is a much-loved Christmas carol. This version is arranged as a duet in a Jazz Shuffle/Swing style for two Trumpets. Click on the YouTube link above to listen to a full length performance of this arrangement played on Clarinet.

The melody of Ding Dong Merrily on High first appeared in a French book of secular dance tunes during the sixteenth century. The Christmas lyrics we know and love were added much later by English composer and rector George Ratcliffe Woodward and first published in 1924.

With a performance time around of three minutes, this version of Ding Dong Merrily on High is perfect for seasonal celebrations and concert performances, both formal and informal. The jazz shuffle style is a fun and fresh take on this familiar traditional tune.

Ding Dong Merrily on High is arranged in a key and range best suited to the instruments. Rhythms are syncopated, as one would expect in swing music, and there is plenty of articulation detail to help deliver an authentic style. While the key is straightforward, there are several chromatic passages to keep players on their toes. The melody is played twice, with short bell-chiming intros and outros. This arrangement is suitable for players at an intermediate or early advanced level.

There are many more top quality arrangements and compositions by David McKeown for you to browse at http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/david-mckeown/6203