Arturo Márquez's Danzón No. 2 is a cornerstone of contemporary Mexican classical music. While originally composed for full orchestra in 1994, it has become a popular work for brass quintet, known for its sultry, dance-like rhythms and high technical demand. Notable Brass Quintet Arrangements
The most prominent version for brass quintet was arranged by Chris Van Hof and is frequently performed by groups like the Emerald Brass Quintet. Brass Quintet | Berklee College of Music
Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 2 is a masterpiece of contemporary Mexican music, often called the country's "second national anthem". While originally written for a full orchestra, its vibrant rhythms and soulful melodies make it a favorite for brass quintets looking for a high-energy, virtuosic challenge. 🎺 Recommended Brass Quintet Arrangements
Several arrangements exist for brass quintet, varying in difficulty and instrumentation requirements:
Chris Van Hof Arrangement: A prominent version performed and recorded by the Emerald Brass Quintet. This version is known for capturing the orchestral work's complex tempo shifts and "seductive" energy.
Jorge Adan Marin Carrillo Arrangement: Available as a digital download for performance ensembles at Sheet Music Direct.
Oliver Nickel Transcription: Primarily known for its concert band transcription, but parts of it are often used as a basis for chamber brass ensembles. 📄 Accessing PDFs & Sheet Music
You can find both physical scores and digital PDF downloads through several platforms: Danzón No. 2 Brass Quintet Score | PDF - Scribd
Arturo Márquez's Danzón No. 2 is a cornerstone of contemporary Mexican classical music, and its transcription for brass quintet
has become a popular, albeit challenging, staple for advanced ensembles. The most widely recognized arrangement for this instrumentation was created by Chris Van Hof and is frequently performed by groups like the Emerald Brass Quintet Core Arrangement Details Chris Van Hof Instrumentation danzon no 2 brass quintet pdf work
: Standard brass quintet consisting of 2 Bb Trumpets, Horn in F, Trombone, and Tuba.
: The score typically includes 21 rehearsal markers (A through U) and follows the episodic structure of the original orchestral work, moving from a suave, seductive opening to a high-energy "foot-stomping" conclusion. Difficulty : Generally rated at
or higher due to intricate syncopation, extreme dynamic ranges, and rapid tempo accelerandos (often reaching or higher). Musical & Stylistic Features
The brass quintet version must replicate the "dance competition" feel of the original, utilizing soloistic colors to mimic woodwind and string textures. DuPage Symphony Orchestra
"Danzón No. 2" Brass Quintet Version /// Emerald Brass Quintet
I can’t directly provide or link to a PDF of Danzón No. 2 arranged for brass quintet, as that would likely violate copyright. The original Danzón No. 2 is by Arturo Márquez (© 1994, Peermusic Classical), and specific brass quintet arrangements (e.g., by John Jay Hilfiger, David Childs, or others) are under separate copyright.
However, you can legally obtain the PDF by:
If you need a free preview for study, contact the publisher for a perusal PDF (often granted for educational review). Avoid illegal sharing sites—they harm composers and arrangers.
Arturo Márquez's Danzón No. 2 is available in several brass quintet arrangements as digital PDF downloads or physical sheet music. Available Arrangements and PDF Sources Chris Van Hof Arrangement Arturo Márquez's Danzón No
: A popular transcription for standard brass quintet (2 Trumpets, Horn, Trombone, Tuba). You can find the score and individual parts on Oliver Nickel Transcription
: Another established version that includes parts for F Horn and follows the original orchestral structure closely. Digital versions have been hosted through institutional music libraries like Del Mar College Denver Brass Signature Series
: This is a larger brass ensemble arrangement (often expandable from a quintet base) available for purchase at Art of Sound Music Musical Characteristics
The brass quintet version typically retains the essential elements of the original orchestral work: Tempo and Dynamics : Features the iconic opening Danzón tempo (
BPM) with frequent accelerations and expressive dynamic shifts. Instrumentation : Arranged for the standard Brass Quintet setup of two trumpets, French horn, trombone, and tuba.
: Includes the characteristic sections (labeled A through U in some scores) that build from a sultry, melodic beginning to a high-energy, rhythmic finale. Purchasing and Download Options
For verified legal copies or community-shared scores, you can check these platforms: Sheet Music Plus/Score Exchange : Often lists professional arrangements such as the one by Score Exchange for various ensemble sizes. : Users frequently upload community-created arrangements of Danzón No. 2 for brass quintet. specific arrangement
for a different brass ensemble size, such as a quartet or large brass choir?
You have your danzon no 2 brass quintet pdf work downloaded and printed. Now, how do you make it sound like a Mexican dance club, not a classical recital? Purchasing from a publisher – Check Peermusic Classical
When searching for a "Danzón No. 2 brass quintet PDF," musicians will encounter a few different scenarios. It is vital to distinguish between legal editions and user-generated content to ensure accuracy and copyright compliance.
Transcribing Danzón No. 2 for two trumpets, French horn, trombone, and tuba is no small feat. The original orchestral score requires a wide palette of colors: the sultry clarinet solo, the lush string swells, the percussive piano montunos, and the explosive brass interjections.
In the brass quintet version (arranged by various artists, including notable editions by J. D. Castellanos and Mike Walton), the arranger must reassign these roles creatively:
The result is a denser, more percussive sound than the orchestral original—transforming the nostalgic, ballroom feel of the danzón into a bold, declarative statement.
Let’s be real: being a musician in 2026 is a digital lifestyle. Gone are the days of carrying a heavy briefcase of yellowed paper. The "work" of Danzón No. 2 usually starts with a frantic text message: “Does anyone have the quintet PDF?”
Finding a legal, high-quality arrangement of Danzón No. 2 for quintet is a treasure hunt. (Pro tip: Check peer-reviewed databases like the SMU Digital Repository or arrange it yourself using the public domain piano reduction). Once you have that PDF on your tablet or printed out, the real work begins.
If you have ever sat in an orchestral rehearsal room, you know there is a specific hierarchy of "bucket list" pieces. For wind players, especially clarinetists and flutists, there is the virtuosity of Flight of the Bumblebee. For string players, there is the passion of Summer by Vivaldi.
But for the quintet—the intimate, agile, high-energy chamber group—there is one undisputed king of the repertoire: Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 2.
While the full symphony orchestra version is a powerhouse (famously conducted by Gustavo Dudamel at the Los Angeles Philharmonic), the brass quintet and woodwind quintet arrangements have taken the world by storm. And finding the PDF for this arrangement has become a rite of passage for amateur and professional musicians alike.
But why is this piece so central to the modern musician’s lifestyle? Let’s break down the work, the score, and the vibe.