Brass Fanfare Writing

Greetings,

I was wondering: "In what way would you guys recommend one is to construct a good brass fanfare?" I ask this because lately, I haven't been able to come up with a decent fanfare. I think a better question would be: "How do you guys construct a fanfare for your compositions?" The help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

Peace,

C.L. Winston:toothygrin:

Just look at good fanfares and take ideas from there.

When I was writing a brass fanfare recently, I started by listening to Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man. Though if you listen to my piece, it sounds absolutely nothing like the Copland, whatsoever.

One piece of advice, regardless of the music: think about the instruments you're writing for. Range and stamina are important to keep in mind.

I love fanfares. Movies are full of them, too, so don't rule those out. The scores for Air Force One and Independence Day come to mind. John Williams has MANY fanfares out there you can also reference. Check out the Olympic Fanfare "Heroes" (it's something like this) by Williams. Fantastic Trumpet lines and great orchestration. :)

hey

some of the best brass fanfares I know of are the trumpet passages in some of John Williams' score to Star Wars: the Phantom Menace. Repeated triads played by three trumpets in a high register (the scene involving the podracing I think). For me the best way is to use repeated notes and you will notice that some orchestration books tell you that brass instruments are extremely capable with repeated notes. You can also look at Mahler 2nd, 5th and 6th symphonies for some great brass writing. Another passage I know of is the subdued brass accompaniement in the Misere from Verid's I'll Trovatore (can't recall if the last is actually supposed to be Rigoletto but look at Aida as well.) If you want to go a bit more modern look at the opening of Panufnik's symphonie sacrae. All quartal harmony - a really great effect!!! Hope this helps - there might be some in Puccini but I have never looked at any scores in that departement.

Check out Edward Knight's "To the Stars" Fanfare. It's pretty cool.

Edward Knight

Then go to Works > Band/Wind Ensemble