The Nutcracker (Trumpet Parts)

This professionally re-engraved and transposed set of orchestral trumpet parts greatly eases learning and performance of the work.  Available as PDF download or hard copy (9" x 12"). You can buy the parts individually or as a package:

• Trumpet 1 in C
• Trumpet 2 in C

Notes from the Editor

The original handwritten edition of The Nutcracker Ballet has long been overdue for an overhaul. I've always felt the spacing choices of the original copyist seemed to border on the bizarre. Examples include grossly indenting the left side of the systems to accommodate the titles of the movements, as well as indenting the right side when the number of measures left in a movement was misjudged.

Changes I have made for this edition include:

• A professionally engraved product with consistent spacing throughout the ballet.
• New custom cues to assist in never missing an entrance (especially after long periods of rest). Cues were also added in many places to indicate how movements begin when they might not be felt intuitively.
• I have added a few extra Tpt. 1 cues in the Tpt. 2 part, including the entire "Chocolat" Spanish Dance because it's best to be prepared if there happens to be a last-second emergency with the principal player.
• All trumpet parts now appear in concert pitch Trumpet in C, and thus all notes are finally spelled enharmonically correct.
• In the Tpt. 1 part at the bottom of page 12 at m. 116, I have added a "★" with the note that the entire following page appears for Trumpet in E-flat in an appendix (p. 22) in the event that one chooses to play Chocolat on E-flat trumpet. The note indicates to turn to the back at that point.
• Also, I have added my own optional personal ornament to the end of the Chocolat solo if one is so inclined to include it.

The Andrew Bishop Orchestral Editions explore the concept of how these orchestral masterworks would appear if they were composed today.  There are myriad differences in how music is currently published compared to when many of these works were originally engraved.  “Tradition” is usually the (poor) excuse I hear when the topic of updating these masterworks is discussed – most often in reference to transposition(s).  As a performer and teacher, I remain committed to the practice of honing vigorous transposition skills.  However, there are many of these original engravings set in keys that are truly antiquated, and make almost no sense whatsoever to keep perpetuating.  Transposition, however, is the least of the issues most of these original editions suffer from.  Paper is no longer a premium and scarce product, and therefore the practice of cramming as much material on a page is not necessary.  “Readability” was obviously not a concern with copyists of the times, and it is my opinion that the music suffered because of it.  Therefore, a ”Bish Edish” (as they are popularly referred to) features many upgrades, including:

• Judicious spacing throughout the engraving (not too cramped, not too open)
• Correct enharmonic spellings of notes.  This is an unfortunate byproduct of writing in asinine transpositions. 
• A careful reconsidering of cue usage.  
• Corrections of many inconsistencies between original parts and score, and even between parts themselves.
• The addition of measure numbers, including helpful ranges listed under multi-measure rests.
• Deleting key signatures and writing all parts utilizing accidentals only.
• All parts are formatted for standard Concert 9x12 paper, and is best printed on that size. 

Reading it on 8.5x11 is not ideal, but the compression percentage isn’t too significant.  Similarly, reading it off a larger tablet (e.g. iPad Pro) doesn’t present any significant issues.

In some instances, there are other upgrades specific to individual works that will be mentioned within the respective product.  If you happen to find something questionable that you would like to bring to my attention, please feel free to do so at:  trptshallsound@gmail.com.  If it is something that I need to correct, I will be happy to do so and make sure you receive a corrected part/parts.  If you have other works that you would like to have a custom edition made, please also reach out with that as well.  

Andrew Bishop, Editor