Brass

As Printed on a Score

Names the brass section in English-language scores — horns, trumpets, trombones and tuba, with cornets or euphonium where present — in cue indications, rehearsal notes and instrumentation lists rather than on a staff. In the score the brass staves sit below the woodwinds, horns first.

How Composers Use It

A note addressed to the brass is useful for balance, since the section can easily overpower strings and woodwinds, or for a shared effect, but parts need each instrument named. The standard Romantic section is four horns, two or three trumpets, three trombones and tuba; the horns blend with woodwinds as well as brass, so they are often scored with either. Plan rests: brass players tire faster than string players.

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