Arturo Márquez composed Danzón No. 2 in 1994, inspired by a visit to a ballroom in Veracruz, Mexico. The danzón style originally immigrated to Mexico from Cuba, evolving into a staple of Mexican urban ballroom culture.
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.
It’s not free, but it’s real. There is a published by Editions BIM (Switzerland) arranged by Jean-François Taillard . It costs around $45-$60 for the full set. Search “Taillard Danzón No. 2 brass quintet.”
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about this masterpiece in a brass setting: where to find legitimate scores, the difficulty level, instrumentation quirks, interpretation tips, and why the PDF format has revolutionized how chamber musicians access this cornerstone of the Latin repertoire. danzon no 2 brass quintet pdf
Commissioned by Mexico’s National Autonomous University (UNAM), Danzón No. 2 premiered in 1994 in Mexico City, performed by the Orchestra Filarmonica de la UNAM under the baton of Francisco Savín. The piece is about and calls for a full symphony orchestra, featuring solo moments for clarinet, oboe, piano, violin, trumpet, flute, and piccolo.
No. The answer is simpler, and more frustrating:
Transitioning from a full orchestra to a brass quintet (typically two trumpets, horn, trombone, and tuba) requires significant creative compression. Arturo Márquez composed Danzón No
Composed in 1994, Danzón No. 2 was inspired by a trip Márquez took to Veracruz, Mexico, where he discovered the traditional danzón dance style.
is one of the most celebrated contemporary Mexican classical compositions in the world. Originally written for full orchestra in 1994, its seductive rhythms, soaring melodies, and fiery, syncopated climaxes have captured the hearts of audiences globally. Because of its immense popularity, the piece has been adapted for various ensembles, with the brass quintet arrangement standing out as one of the most thrilling and technically demanding iterations available for chamber musicians today.
Subdivide the sixteenth notes as an entire ensemble to prevent rushing during syncopated rests. Go to or J
This guide is intended for educational and informational purposes. Always purchase legal sheet music and respect the rights of composers, arrangers, and publishers.
Good arrangements require various mutes (straight, cup, or Harmon) to mimic the orchestral textures. Practice transitions so you can insert and remove mutes without missing your entrances. What to Look For in a Brass Quintet PDF