The last 20 bars of the piece are a race. The arranger will likely double the melody between Trumpet 1 and Trombone. Do not rush. The tempo should feel like it is spinning out of control, but the rhythm must remain precise. Hold the final chord for a full 6 seconds, then cut off exactly together.
However, for brass players, the challenge—and the joy—lies in the transcription. Searching for the is a rite of passage for university ensembles, professional quintets, and advanced community groups. Why? Because this piece pushes every member of the quintet to their artistic limit, demanding not just technical precision but authentic son and danzón groove.
Meticulously pace your breathing and pass melodies seamlessly between the two trumpet players to allow for brief moments of physical recovery. 3. Precision in Timing
For ensembles looking to program this dynamic work, finding a high-quality is the first step toward bringing this iconic music to life. Why Choose Danzón No. 2 for Brass Quintet?
If your group loves the vibrant energy of Danzón No. 2 , you should explore the music of other great Latin American composers. ’ Sensemayá is a powerful, primal orchestral work that also offers raw intensity. Carlos Chávez , another monumental figure in Mexican music, composed the Sinfonía India , which brilliantly incorporates indigenous melodies and percussion. Their music, like Márquez's, is full of rhythmic drive and unique orchestral colors that often translate brilliantly to a brass quintet setting.
Exploring Danzon No. 2 for Brass Quintet: A Guide to Sheet Music and Performance
Arranging this orchestral giant for two trumpets, horn, trombone, and tuba is a brilliant way to showcase the versatility of a brass ensemble.
The Danzón No. 2 is characterized by its blend of African, European, and Mexican influences, originally featuring prominent roles for clarinet, piano, and strings. A brass quintet arrangement—typically consisting of two trumpets, horn, trombone, and tuba—reimagines these colors with bold, harmonic weight and technical brilliance.
: Features a transcription by Oliver Nickel, often used by collegiate ensembles.
Danzón No. 2 was written by Mexican composer Arturo Márquez (b. 1950). The piece is an homage to the ballroom dance culture that flourished in Veracruz, Mexico, during its golden age in the 1940s. After hearing authentic danzón music in a ballroom, Márquez was inspired to capture its essence in a classical form. Commissioned by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and premiered in Mexico City in 1994, the work instantly became a cornerstone of the modern Mexican repertoire, and is now considered one of the most popular contemporary classical pieces from Latin America.
The piece features dramatic shifts from slow, seductive sections to explosive, fast sections. Rehearse the accelerando sections incrementally.
I can recommend specific arrangers or platforms that host the exact score you need. Share public link
Go to or J.W. Pepper . Search “Danzón No. 2 – Arturo Márquez.” Buy the study score (about $25-$35). You need this anyway to understand the articulations , the calls , and the tutti sections.
Because Danzón No. 2 is protected under copyright law, you should always look for legitimate sheet music distributors to ensure the composer receives proper royalties.
The danzón is a dance. If the articulations are too heavy or "march-like," the piece loses its sensuality.
