Voices of Brass

  Voices of Brass: A Curated Playlist of Must-Hear Brass Ensemble Music Hello, brass enthusiasts! Today, we’re doing something a little different. Instead of focusing on a single piece or ensemble, I’ve put together a 40ish-minute playlist featuring some of the best, in my opinion, brass ensemble performances across different styles and eras. Whether you’re a die-hard brass fan or just dipping your toes into the world of brass ensembles, this list has something for everyone! To open this playlist with grandeur and power, we begin with Richard Strauss’ Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare , performed at the 2017 CancerBlows Principals Concert (2:25) . Originally composed in 1924 for the Vienna Philharmonic, this fanfare is a regal and commanding showcase of brass brilliance , with rich harmonies and bold, triumphant statements . This particular performance was part of CancerBlows , a charitable event founded by the late Ryan Anthony , former principal trumpet of the Dallas Symphony Orches...

  The Soul Rebels: Bridging Tradition and Innovation in New Orleans Brass Hello, brass enthusiasts! Today, we're venturing into the vibrant streets of New Orleans to explore the dynamic sounds of The Soul Rebels, a band that masterfully fuses traditional brass band heritage with contemporary genres. I lived and performed in New Orleans from 2017 - 2021 and seen this group and many others like it live. Let's delve into what makes this ensemble a standout in the modern brass scene. Introducing The Soul Rebels : Originating from New Orleans, The Soul Rebels are an eight-piece brass ensemble known for their eclectic blend of soul, jazz, funk, hip-hop, rock, and pop music. Founded by percussionists Lumar LeBlanc and Derrick Moss, who sought to infuse the brass band tradition with the pop music they loved, the group has evolved into a global sensation, collaborating with artists across various genres. Musical Style and Influence: The Soul Rebels have expanded upon the New Orleans bra...

Francis Poulenc's Sonata for Horn, Trumpet, and Trombone: A Playful Exploration of Brass Hello, brass enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a delightful gem of the brass repertoire: Francis Poulenc's Sonata for Horn, Trumpet, and Trombone . Composed in 1922, this piece exemplifies Poulenc's characteristic blend of wit, charm, and melodic inventiveness. Let's explore what makes this trio a standout in brass chamber music! Introducing the Piece: Francis Poulenc (1899–1963) was a French composer and a member of the avant-garde group Les Six , known for their reaction against the heavy German Romanticism and Impressionist movements. His Sonata for Horn, Trumpet, and Trombone , composed between August and October 1922, is one of his early chamber works that showcases his neoclassical style infused with playful melodies and rhythmic vitality. The sonata is structured in three movements: Allegro moderato – A lively opening with dance-like episodes, reflecting the spirit o...

Khirkiyaan: Three Transformations for Brass Quintet  (2017) – Reena Esmail Watch the performance here. Today, I’m doing a live reaction post based on our class listening project. Of all the pieces we listened to, this one stood out the most. The performance features  Watson Brass , the faculty brass quintet from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts—where I initially began graduate school before transferring to the University of Iowa. Instead of my usual post analyzing the piece and highlighting the role of a single instrument, I want to focus on the recording quality and videography. Audio Quality The sound quality in this recording is exceptional. It was filmed in  Watson Hall , a beautifully designed recital space with incredible acoustics. Having worked in the hall’s audio/video recording booth and performed two recitals and a chamber concert there, I can confidently say it remains one of my favorite venues. Beyond the natural acoustics, it's clear that ...

Foundations of the Brass Quintet: Jean-François Bellon’s Brass Quintet No. 1 Hello, brass enthusiasts! Today, we’re going back to where it all started—the very first known piece composed specifically for the brass quintet:  Brass Quintet No. 1  by Jean-François Bellon. This work didn’t just introduce a new ensemble format; it set the stage for the brass quintet to be recognized as a legitimate chamber music ensemble. Without Bellon's pioneering efforts, the brass quintet might not have evolved into the genre we know and love today. So, let’s dive in and see what makes this piece so historically and musically significant! Introducing the Piece: Jean-François Bellon (1795–1862) was a French composer and violinist who, despite his primary career in string music, made a groundbreaking contribution to the brass world. His  Brass Quintet No. 1 , composed around 1848, was one of twelve quintets he wrote for this instrumentation—a format that had never been seriously explored bef...

  Voices in Brass; Blog #1 Hello, brass enthusiasts! Let’s kick things off with a true classic from the brass quintet repertoire: Victor Ewald's Brass Quintet No. 1 . Now, you might be thinking, "Ah, a trumpet player writing this? Bet we're diving straight into trumpet solos!" But plot twist, before I picked up the trumpet, I actually started out on the horn, and it is still my favorite brass instrument!. So today, we’re zooming in on the horn’s voice, why it’s absolutely essential in this ensemble setting, and what is does in this piece. We are also going to be basing today's post on a specific quintet, Center City Brass Quintet. I chose this group not only for their music ability, but because one of my trumpet heroes and one of my mentors, Ryan Anthony, was a part of this group and on this recording. Let's get into it! The Horn's Voice in Victor Ewald’s Brass Quintet No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 5 Introducing the Piece: Victor Ewald’s Brass Quintet No. 1 i...