Jeu D'Esprit: for Two Trumpets

Augusta Read Thomas

2010

Trumpet (2)

Horn (2)

Jeu D'Esprit is a highly virtuosic three-minute fanfare whim, which connects, combines, and transforms majestic motives with ornamental materials (which are almost Baroque-like in their arabesques and trills). Given that there are only 2 instruments, and they can each only play one note at a time, I worked hard to give the illusion that this fanfare is about harmony. This, despite that we never hear more than two notes played together. It is at times fiery, at times fluid and generally ablaze with energy.

This work, from this very scame score, can be performed by: 2 trumpets in C (original intention), 2 horns in F (sounding a perfect fifth lower).

Also available in a version for 2 soprano saxophones, 2 oboes, or 2 clarinets.