Robert Planel’s Concerto for Trumpet and Piano (originally for Trumpet and String Orchestra) is a staple of the mid-20th-century French trumpet repertoire. Composed in
, it is celebrated for its lyrical "French" style, blending neoclassical structures with jazz-influenced harmonies. Overview of the Concerto
The work is divided into three movements, following the traditional fast-slow-fast structure: Largamente - Animato
: Features bold, declamatory statements followed by agile, rhythmic sections.
: A deeply expressive and atmospheric movement that highlights the trumpet’s cantabile (singing) qualities.
: A technical "tour de force" characterized by rapid tonguing, wide intervals, and a playful, energetic character. Finding the PDF and Sheet Music Because Robert Planel’s works are still under
(he passed away in 1994), legal PDF versions are generally not available for free on public domain sites like IMSLP. Legal Purchase: The definitive edition is published by Éditions Alphonse Leduc robert planel trumpet concerto pdf
. You can find physical copies or digital licensed versions through major retailers like Sheet Music Plus The元件Music Hickey's Music Center Academic Access:
If you are a student, check your university library’s digital subscriptions (such as
) which often provide legal digital access to Leduc publications. Performance Material:
The orchestral parts (strings) are typically available via rental from the publisher for formal concert performances. Technical Challenges
Requires a strong command of the upper register (reaching high C and D).
Demands a "French" sound—bright, flexible, and capable of extreme lyrical sensitivity. Transposition: While often performed on Robert Planel’s Concerto for Trumpet and Piano (originally
(as is standard in the French school), it is also frequently adapted for Bb Trumpet or specific practice tips for the Vivace movement?
Robert Planel’s Concerto for Trumpet and String Orchestra (1966) is a neo-classical staple in the trumpet repertoire, originally dedicated to the legendary Maurice André. It is widely celebrated for its elegant French style, blending refined orchestration with a slightly jazzy atmosphere reminiscent of the 1930s. Musical Structure & Movements
The work follows a traditional three-movement (fast-slow-fast) structure and lasts approximately 16 minutes:
I. Largement - Animé et bien rythmé: A dialogue between the soloist and strings characterized by "impetuous, nervous" energy contrasted with lyrical passages. It features numerous metrical changes and a rhythmic drive.
II. Lent et calme: A tripartite, atmospheric movement where the trumpet starts muted. It is often compared to the slow movements of Debussy or Ravel for its "Clair de lune" impressionism. The movement builds to a dramatic peak where the soloist plays unmuted, requiring significant endurance to sustain long, flowing lines.
III. Vivace - Gai et léger: An exuberant finale in a modified sonata-allegro form designed to dispel the "restlessness" of the first movement and the "sorrow" of the second. Difficulty & Resources The Official (And Only Legal) Sources for the
Level: It is considered a Difficulty Level 5 work on standard repertoire lists, often recommending the use of a C Trumpet.
Score & PDF: While commercial copies are published by Editions Musicales Transatlantiques, you can find preview and study versions through digital sheet music platforms: Full score and parts are available on the nkoda music app .
Archived or study versions of the Trumpet Solo Part can sometimes be found on document-sharing sites like Scribd . If you are looking to perform this, ! Twentieth Century Music for Trumpet and Orchestra
If you want the Robert Planel Trumpet Concerto, you must purchase it. The good news is that it is readily available through legitimate sources, and buying it supports the preservation of this beautiful repertoire.
The original publisher is Gérard Billaudot Éditeur, a historic French music publishing house that holds the rights to most Paris Conservatoire competition pieces.
If you are a student, ask your school’s music librarian. Many conservatories have standing orders for all Billaudot contest pieces. Your librarian may be able to photocopy a single copy for study purposes (under "fair use" laws, not for performance).
Yes, you can get a digital PDF—legally. Billaudot does not offer direct PDF sales on their old catalog easily, but authorized distributors do. The best solution is ScorSer or SheetMusicDirect.