Carnival of Venice, Jean Baptiste Arban arr. Keith M. Wilkinson. Bb Solo with Brass Band

Jean Baptiste Arban, The Carnival Of Venice

Cornet Bb or Euphonium Solo with Brass Band

The Carnival Of Venice is arguably everyone's favourite solo, especially the version by Arban (1820 - 1869), author of the famous brass-playing method book still in regular use today.  Young soloists aspire to master the necessary techniques, accomplished soloists know that it is a "sure fire" winner with audiences and listeners love to be dazzled by a virtuoso display of variations on a theme they easily recognise.

The theme is a traditional Italian song and has inspired variations for almost every possible instrument.  Arban's famous variations were written in 1864.  The arrangement remains faithful to the original while maintaining interest in the accompaniments by varying the orchestration.  Although the arrangement is listed as featuring the euphonium as the solo instrument, it can also be used successfully as accompaniment for a cornet soloist.

The arrangement has been recorded by Jeff Binns, euphonium, and St Louis Brass Band, musical director Keith M Wilkinson, on the CD Strike Up The Band and by Anthony Avitollo, euphonium, and Cuyahoga Valley Brass Band, musical director Keith M Wilkinson, on the CD Around The World.