Here’s the catch: the piece is elusive.
Thus, the search for a PDF isn’t laziness—it’s detective work. Players share scanned copies from university libraries, private teachers, or dusty Parisian music shops.
To understand the nature of this concerto, you must understand the Concours du Conservatoire. Every year, the Paris Conservatory commissioned a prominent composer to write a "test piece" (morceau de concours) for the final examination of a specific instrument. These pieces were designed to be brutally difficult, showcasing every facet of the instrument's technique.
Robert Planel’s Concerto for Trumpet and Piano was written in 1969 as the required piece for the trumpet class. This explains everything about the work: its length (substantial for a contest piece), its technical demands (high C’s, articulation, flexibility), and its musical depth.
It was originally written for the C trumpet (common in French orchestras at the time) but is frequently performed on B-flat trumpet today. The piece is also sometimes listed as Concerto pour Trompette Ut ou Sib.
Occasionally, a used copy appears. Search for "Robert Planel Concerto Billaudot." Be prepared to pay a premium ($30–40) for out-of-print runs. robert planel trumpet concerto pdf
Before we hunt for the PDF, we must understand the composer. Robert Planel (1908-1994) was a quintessential figure of the French music scene. A student of the legendary Henri Büsser and Paul Vidal at the Paris Conservatoire, Planel won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1933 (specifically a Deuxième Grand Prix).
Unlike his more famous contemporaries (like Henri Tomasi or André Jolivet), Planel did not chase atonality or avant-garde shock value. Instead, he crafted music of lyrical warmth, clear structure, and Gallic charm. He served as the director of the conservatories in Saint-Étienne, Nancy, and eventually the École Normale de Musique in Paris.
His output includes symphonies, chamber music, and several "Concours" pieces—works specifically commissioned for the annual final exams at the Paris Conservatoire. The Trumpet Concerto belongs to this latter, highly competitive category.
To get the most out of the score, listen to reference recordings to understand the stylistic approach.
Summary: The Robert Planel Trumpet Concerto is an excellent addition to any trumpeter's library. While you may need to purchase the score from Alphonse Leduc or a licensed retailer to get a reliable PDF, the investment is well worth it for the quality of the writing and its importance in the standard repertoire. Here’s the catch: the piece is elusive
The Trumpet Concerto by Robert Planel, composed in 1966, is widely regarded as one of the most demanding yet rewarding works in the trumpet repertoire. It was written for the legendary French trumpeter Maurice André, whose unparalleled virtuosity helped define the technical heights of the mid-20th-century French trumpet school. The Musical Story
The concerto is a journey through contrasting moods, showcasing both the aggressive power and the lyrical delicacy of the instrument:
I. Largo - Allegro: The piece opens with a dramatic, somber introduction before launching into a spirited, rhythmically complex section that demands incredible finger dexterity and precision.
II. Adagio: This movement is the emotional heart of the work. It highlights the "vocal" quality of the trumpet, requiring the player to maintain a long, seamless melodic line with great sensitivity.
III. Vivace: The finale is a tour de force of speed and articulation. It often features rapid-fire triple tonguing and soaring high notes, bringing the concerto to a thrilling, high-energy conclusion. Finding the Score Thus, the search for a PDF isn’t laziness—it’s
Since the work was published by Éditions Alphonse Leduc, it is protected by copyright and is not typically available as a free, legal PDF download. If you are looking for the sheet music for study or performance:
Official Purchase: You can find the printed score and parts (often for Trumpet in C or B-flat and Piano) through major retailers like Hickey's Music or Sheet Music Plus.
Institutional Libraries: Many university music libraries and conservatories hold copies of the score for students and faculty.
Digital Archives: Some paid subscription services like nkoda provide digital access to Leduc's catalog for licensed viewing.
If you are preparing this piece for an audition or recital, focus on these specific elements:
If you want the Robert Planel Trumpet Concerto, you must purchase it. The good news is that it is readily available through legitimate sources, and buying it supports the preservation of this beautiful repertoire.
The original publisher is Gérard Billaudot Éditeur, a historic French music publishing house that holds the rights to most Paris Conservatoire competition pieces.