Arban Studies 1-14

For nearly 150 years Jean-Baptiste Arban’s 14 studies have been an essential part of a brass player’s practice routine. Arban’s original parts contain many inaccuracies and inconsistencies. Whilst we had no intention of creating an ‘Urtext’ edition, we have attempted to make each study’s phrasing, articulation and where necessary, dynamics consistent with itself, without losing the character and intentions of Arban’s manuscript. We, therefore, chose not to add dynamics at the beginning of studies where Arban has omitted them, as you will quickly discover the right dynamic (for you) on practising the piece. You may also, as performer, wish to change or ignore our suggestions, for that is what they are and you must feel free to do so.

This edition includes imaginative piano accompaniments written to reflect the nature of the solo part and enhance the soloist’s practice whilst lending these studies also to the concert repertoire. Our hope is that you will gain more from playing these great studies ‘with accompaniment’ rather than the traditional way ‘without’.

The CD that accompanies this edition contains John Alley’s accompaniments in three tempi. One for slow practice, one for general performance and then one for the virtuoso! Also included are stylish performances of all 14 studies by leading UK trumpeter Paul Mayes. In order to produce an artistically cohesive CD his performances are a mix of the two featured performance tempi.