Abstract:
Chief Master Sgt. Floyd Edwards Werle was the
head of the composing and arranging staff of The United States Air Force Band for thirty-two
years. His lifetime output included 513 arrangements, 23 transcriptions, and more than 166
church hymns—in addition to his 280 original compositions. , Of these original compositions
there are four trumpet concerti written for solo trumpet and large wind ensemble: Concerto for
Trumpet, Winds & Percussion, Second Concerto for Trumpet, Concerto No. 3 for Trumpet and
Band, and Concerto No. 4 for Trumpet and Band. The focus of this study is on the Concerto for
Trumpet, Winds & Percussion composed in 1965 and Second Concerto for Trumpet composed in
1968. Many trumpeters are not aware of the first two trumpet concerti composed by Werle. This
study heightens the trumpeter’s awareness of, inspires and promotes performance of these
concerti. This is accomplished through the history of conception, analysis of harmonic and
melodic languages, form, as well as how the economic creation of initial thematic material
develops into the thematic and rhythmic basis of an entire concerto. Additionally, the
trumpeter gains knowledge through a comprehensive, experience-based, preparation and
performance guide. In addition to the lack of awareness, trumpeters may attach a stigma of
difficulty to these concerti because they were composed for and dedicated to Carl Hilding
“Doc” Severinsen. Analysis and subsequent performance of the concerti reveals that in fact,
they are accessible to trumpeters possessing the skills required for gainful employment in the
twenty-first century.
