?Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise,? one of the most popular hymn texts on the Ascension of Christ, was written by the great Methodist hymnist Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and published in 10 stanzas in his Hymns and Sacred Poems (1739) as ?Hymn for Ascension Day.? The ?alleluias? were added in George White's Hymns and Introits (1852). The tune most often associated with Wesley's text, ?Llanfair,? is attributed to Welsh singer Robert Williams (1781-1821). In this arrangement, elements of the tune are employed in a majestic, constantly modulating introduction before giving way to three presentations of melody ? first, straightforwardly by the full quintet; second, following a modulation down a major third, by a trio of brass; and third, following another modulation back to the original key, by the full quintet, with a short coda incorporating a flourish recalling the introduction. Especially appropriate at Ascension due to the associated text, this instrumental arrangement is also fitting as a prelude, postlude, or offertory/communion anthem at any time. �Copyright 2016 Todd Marchand / www.ConSpiritoMusic.com

Composed between 1706 and 1713, the Passacaglia and Fugue in c-minor is one of Bach's earlier works. It remains an important piece even today as it sets the standard for the passacaglia form. Like many of Bach's work, this piece lends itself particularly well to the brass repertoire.This arrangement is both technically challenging and aurally pleasing. I have used the trumpet in both C and B-flat for their different timbres, but it will sound as well with two trumpets in the same key.On a performance note, I would suggest that you position the players from left to right in the following order:Trumpet in C, Horn, Tuba, Trombone and Trumpet in Bb.This order will become apparent especially at measure 113, where the sound begins a circular pattern which I think you will find pleasing.Comments and questions are always welcome at my email: dgoforth2@comcast.netPlease "like" me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/goforthmusic and visit my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/dgoforth2.