Abstract
The purpose of this essay is to explore the significance of notable American composer Christopher Rouse’s Heimdall’s Trumpet, a new concerto in four movements for trumpet and orchestra. The work received its premiere on December 20, 2012 at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Illinois by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra along with guest conductor, Jaap van Zweden, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s principal trumpeter, Christopher Martin, soloist. This essay will use Christopher Rouse, Christopher Martin, and the piece Heimdall’s Trumpet, as its primary examples. The discussion will provide a background on the music of Christopher Rouse, primarily his brass music, concertos, and his previous commission from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It will include an extensive examination on the life, training, and career of trumpeter Christopher Martin, specifically his performance preparation leading up to the premiere of Heimdall’s Trumpet. The final part of the essay will include an extensive discussion of the piece, Heimdall’s Trumpet. While Christopher Rouse has written several notable concertos, Heimdall’s Trumpet will serve as his first concerto for trumpet and orchestra. It was chosen as the topic of this essay because of the significance to the trumpet repertoire.