Joseph Jean Baptist Laurent Arban (28 February 1825 – 9 April 1889) was a cornetist, conductor, pedagogue and the first famed virtuoso of the cornet à piston or valved cornet. He was influenced by Niccolò Paganini’s virtuosic technique on the violin and in an (arguably successful) attempt to “prove” the cornet as a true solo instrument, developed extreme virtuosic technique on the instrument.Born in Lyon, France, he studied trumpet with Francois Dauverné at the Paris Conservatoire from 1841 to 1845.
He was appointed professor of saxhorn at the École Militaire in 1857, and became professor of cornet at the Paris Conservatoire in 1869, where Merri Franquin was among his students. He published his Grande méthode complète pour cornet à pistons et de saxhorn in Paris in 1864. This method, which is often referred to as the “Trumpeter’s Bible,” is still studied by modern brass players. His variations on The Carnival of Venice remains one of the great showpieces for cornet soloists today. Arban died in Paris on April 9, 1889.
Source: Wikipedia
The mere mention of this great cornet players name brings into focus events and memories for all trumpet/cornet players around the world. Why is this man’s name so recognizable and revered? Why do we all shrink when comparing our ability to this instantly recognized player when few know much about him? The contribution to the world of brass players is astounding!
Every brass player either has or has played from the Arban Book which many refer to as the Bible of trumpet players. Not only trumpet players have benefited from these pages but also have all brass players. The trombone version has the same respect as does the trumpet version. The material compiled into these pagers is the most complete and beneficial exercises, etudes, solos and duets ever collected for brass players. If I were stranded on a desolate island with my horn and only one exercise book, I would pick the Arban, hands down.
What Makes the Arban Book So Important?
14 characteristic studies
Included in the Arban’s Complete Conservatory Method for Trumpet (Cornet) Newly Revised, Authentic Edition is everything you need to know and practice. Each major section is preceded by the author’s explanation about the section, the reason for its importance as well as suggestions on how to best use the material. Unfortunately, few of us ever read this material and just jump into the playing of the exercises. The written instructions are as important as the exercises.
In many instances, some of the dated material is updated by the editor as in the case of the reference to the use of low F below the staff where Arban explains how to execute a passage with altered fingerings and the Editor, at the bottom of that same page states “there is no necessity for playing the F below the staff”. The suggestions made by Arban were very helpful to me when I performed with the Barnum and Bailey Circus on a third cornet part for I ran into low Fs often.
Some have criticized the Arban Complete Method for its age and the fact that it has not kept up with current playing styles. Some say that there should have been more high range exercises included. To that I say, “play the exercises up an octave and stop complaining”. Some have said, “There are no jazz exercises in the book”. To which I suggest “Swing the eighth notes and stop complaining”. Some have said “I wish there were piano accompaniments to the 14 Characteristic Studies in the back of the book”.
To which I say “they are now available.”
Listen to an example:
Due to the fact that the Arban Complete Method has been in public domain for such an extended period, many publishing firms now offer their printing of the same material i.e.:
Hello and this review is helpful bit I want to know if you would recommend the original arban book or the new “edited” one.
There is so much in both that it really doesn’t matter that much.
Yes, I had the question. My son is going to college next fall and I was wondering if there was a ‘standard edition’ that collegiate music programs use?