Literature Review: Duet Kopprasch by Jeffrey Agrell

Look around: how many things do you see are the same as they were in 1830? Transportation. Food. Science. Communication. Clothing. Musical styles. Medicine. Sports. Anything electric. And on and on. It requires no great effort to see the tremendous differences. Hence this series, which simply asks: shouldn’t musical studies reflect the demands of the current era?
(From the introduction to Duet Kopprasch)

With the Millennium Kopprasch Series, Jeffrey Agrell has produced his fourth book in this wonderful series of introducing the classic etudes to a new generation. While I have been fortunate to look in depth at each of these volumes, I have always been struck by the clarity of how each volume is presented. Duet Kopprasch starts out with a variation of Exercise #1 in the top part with the bottom portion creating a smooth flow in the harmony. These duets do quickly get more challenging as you progress through the book.

Not every etude is included in this first volume but with over 30 etudes, brass players can spend hours playing music together. Agrell stresses in this book the opportunity to partner with a colleague on these duets and simply have fun with these etudes. Although written for horn, one does not need to be a horn player to play these duets. As a bass trombonist (i.e., bass clef reader), my personal plan is to carry these duets with me and simply transpose these with other bass clef readers and have fun while developing my skills through the Kopprasch etudes.

Jeff Agrell has created another valuable resource for the brass world, and all brass musicians should look forward to (and purchase) this continuing series of Kopprasch for the new millennial musician.

Click here to see a sample from the book

Click here to purchase the book (also available on Kindle)

Click here to learn more about the book as well as other resources

Click here to read my review of Preparatory Kopprasch

Click here to read my review of Harmony Kopprasch Volume 1

Click here to read my review of Rhythm Kopprasch Volume 1

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Jeffrey Agrell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”