The Hungarian Dances, in particular number 5, are some of Brahms’s most famous works.
Completed in 1879, they were originally written for piano duet (one piano, four hands) and were very
lucrative to him.
 
Only 3 of the 21 lively dances are entirely original compositions (numbers 11, 14 and 16). Dance
number 1 is believed to be from the Divine Csárdás by the Hungarian composer and conductor Miska
Borzó; number 5 was based on a composition by the Hungarian composer Béla Kéler, specifically the
csárdás Bártfai emlék (Memories of Bártfa). In the case of the latter, it is thought the Brahms mistook this work for a traditional folksong.
 
Apart from dance number 5, these arrangements are in the original key; number 5 has been lowered by a semitone.
 
PDF download includes full score and parts.
 
Sheet music available from:
UK - www.brassband.co.uk
USA - www.cimarronmusic.com
 
Instrumentation:
1st Cornet/Trumpet in Bb
2nd Cornet/Trumpet in Bb
Horn in Fb
Tenor Horn in Eb*
Trombone/Euphonium (B.C.)
Trombone/Euphonium in Bb (T.C.)*
Tuba (B.C.)
Eb Bass/Tuba (T.C.)*
Bb Bass/Tuba (T.C.)*
 
*Alternative Parts