Trumpet Voluntary is a popular piece of baroque music, composed by Jeremiah Clarke around 1700. Originally the piece was known as The Prince of Denmark's March and has become synonymous with royal occasions.
- Clarke was an English baroque composer and organist. Trained in the Anglican church tradition, many of his works reflect this influence.
- Trumpet Voluntary was originally written for harpsichord but is played on a wide variety of instruments, particularly on the trumpet due to its regal and ceremonial feel.
- The work was misattributed for many years to Clarke's contemporary, Henry Purcell, due to an error made by a musicologist in the 1870s, but it's now generally accepted that the piece was in fact the work of Clarke.
Written in the key of D major, Trumpet Voluntary displays the traits of the Baroque. This period is characterized by its ornate and extravagant compositions. The sequence opens with a catchy and bright melody which is then mirrored and repeated throughout the track. It is a favorite among trumpet or organ players.
If you're a piano player and you've fallen in love with this captivating piece: On our website, we offer an intermediate version of the sheet music that you can download after purchasing.