The Brass Factory, news and updates of brass ensembles from all over the world.

The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 19:02:00 +0000

--> The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass is composed of some of America's top brass musicians dedicated to bringing the joyous experience of great music to a wide range of audiences. A group that always reflects the diverse makeup of men and women in the American culture, RMPBB is dedicated to the notion that music is a gift to be enjoyed by everyone. The group is especially dedicated to reaching out to the world's youth and inspiring them to reach for their dreams. A veritable "dream team" of virtuoso brass players, associate artists have appeared on the world's most prominent stages and performed with such groups as the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Baltimore Symphony, the São Paolo State Symphony Orchestra, the Imani Winds, Canadian Brass, Empire Brass, Dallas Brass, and Boston Brass. The group burst onto the music scene with a debut performance in Philadelphia's Kimmel Center in Verizon Hall, a residency for the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, and a special feature on the National Public Radio show, "All Things Considered."

--> On October 10 they play at the Festival internazionale perottoni di Merano (It) during their European tour. They also play in Trento (Italy) and Ossiach (Austria).

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Golden Horn Brass (Turkey)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 20:09:00 +0000

Golden Horn Brass is a classical music band that is the first of its kind in Turkey. The first brass quintet of Turkey, consisting of 2 trumpets, a horn, a trombone, and a tuba; presents the audiences a brand new sound, quite different from ordinary instrument combinations. Despite the global scarcity of musical pieces available for this type of a band to play, the five musicians that make up the band decided to pursue the “difficult but beautiful” road, following their dream. The band plays music specially composed by Turkish composers at the request of the band, as well as world- famous music, from baroque to jazz genres, adapted specifically for the group to play.The group has the goal of bringing a breath of fresh air to first the Turkish audience and then to audiences in search of new sounds, through the use of their unique composition of copper instruments. GOLDEN HORN BRASS was established in 2004 by Begüm Gökmen , with the goal of widening the popularity of ‘brass instruments’ through concerts, and has been performing in Turkey since July, 2004.Staying true to their mission, the band has been meticulous in their selection of concert pieces. In addition to their already colorful repertoire ranging from baroque to modern tunes, the Quintet performs specially written pieces ordered from several Turkish composers as well.Concerts of the BRASS group contribute to the introduction of sound of BRASS instruments to a wider audience, after the trials of other different quintets in the past. In 2007, the band did another first by a series of concerts, under the title of “educational concerts” by performing at elementary schools and aimed to be pioneers in this area.
More info here.

Ric Becker

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 09:48:00 +0000

Website

Born and raised outside Philadelphia, PA, Ric Becker was exposed early on to many diverse styles of music ranging from downtown jazz jams to local punk/ska bands. Though he picked up the trombone in order to join the local youth orchestra, the instrument has since taken him in many directions. Esteemed for his strong solos and section playing, Ric is a versatile player who is equally comfortable in jazz, classical, and rock idioms.
In 2004 he moved to New York City to study at the Mannes College of Music under the tutelage of David Finlayson and David Taylor. While at Mannes, Ric continued to explore more types of music, and was soon playing regularly in clubs in downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn. As a member of Reverend Billy’s Not Buying it Band, he toured the US for the feature documentary “What Would Jesus Buy” (dir. Morgan Spurloch) in addition to a twelve month residency at the Highline Ballroom. Following his graduation in 2008, he continued to branch out, performing at the Verona Jazz Festival with Bobby Sanabria’s Afrocuban Orchestra and touring the US and South America with ska legends The Toasters. Ric currently tours several times a year as a member of The New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble and the experimental psychomambo big-band Gato Loco Coconino, playing clubs and major festivals around Europe and the Americas. He also performs frequently in and around New York City with Amour Obscur, a rising star in NYC’s underground nightlife.

More here...

North East Brass Ensemble (UK)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 14:58:00 +0000

Website

North East Brass Ensemble was formed in 2013 and consists of performers residing within the North East of England. The ensemble usually perform as nine piece brass with percussion from a wide range of repertoire. However, they have performed several concerts as a brass quartet. The ensemble consists of present and former members of the country's leading brass bands. Performers have illustrious musical experiences including guest and soloist appearances with the Royal Northern Sinfonia, solo album recordings, live television and radio broadcasts, world tours and performances within the world's finest concert venues, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall.

More here...

Romanian Brass Ensemble

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 20:37:00 +0000

Website

The Romanian Brass chamber group was formed by the elite of the brass wind instrumentalists of the Symphonic Orchestra of the George Enescu Philharmonic. The initiator of this ambitious project was Adrian Petrescu, prime oboist of the Bucharest Philharmonic and a musician with an impressive national and international career.

The unique composition of the group, the enthusiasm of the interpreters and their professional competence and passion were some reasons for explaining the great success registered with the first concerts of the group.

Their repertoire, constantly enriched, covers reference scores of pre-Classical, Classical, Romantic and contemporary music as well as Sacred and Entertainment music. Romanian Brass often plays works by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Gabrielli, Pergolesi, Mozart, Beethoven, Berlioz, Bizet, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Strauss, Wagner, Bruckner, Elgar, Ravel, Gershwin, Enescu, Hazzel, Parker, Brubeck, J.van der Roost, Copland and D. Dediu.

Under the baton of conductor Adrian Petrescu, the brass wind instrumentalists of Romanian Brass pay homage to the great music of all Ã©poques and recorded in 2007 their first compact disc by the name of "Solemn Entry".

More...

Berlin Philharmonic Brass (Germany)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 20:45:00 +0000

The Berlin Philharmonic Brass, one of the longest standing ensembles to have emerged from the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, was founded in the 1950s. With 12 virtuoso musicians it brings the distinctive sound and tradition of this great orchestra to its dynamic chamber music performance in Germany and throughout the World.

The concerts of the Berlin Philharmonic Brass are a celebration of the diversity of brass music which ranges from traditional work of the baroque and classical eras through to commissions by leading contemporary composers and entertaining arrangements of jazz and other well known popular pieces.

The rapport of the of the 12 musicians, communicated to the audience in performances of spontaneity and passion, is without doubt enhanced by their experience playing together as members of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.
More HERE

Think Music Heals?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 15:11:00 +0000

Trombone Player Begs To Differ

by Diane Orson

Each day, thousands of music students head to band practice with their trumpets, trombones and saxophones. But they may want to pay a bit more attention to the way they clean out their instruments when rehearsal is over. One musician in Connecticut learned the hard way about the dangers of not cleaning his horn — after he developed a condition that's being called "trombone players' lung."

"I coughed. I had a horrible deep barking cough — especially when I played trombone," Scott Bean says. It turned out that his trombone, or what was inside it, was making him sick.

Diane Orson For NPR

Scott Bean spends hours each day performing, practicing and teaching the trombone. But for years, Bean struggled with health problems that made it hard to play his instrument.
"I coughed. I had a horrible deep barking cough — especially when I played trombone. I had a sore throat, lost 60 pounds at a time, had a low-grade fever," he says. "It was a huge hindrance."
The Stuff Inside
Doctors thought Bean had asthma, but none of the usual therapies worked. After 15 years, Bean went on vacation for the first time without his trombone — and felt better. He began to wonder if the instrument could be making him sick.
A doctor at the University of Connecticut took a culture from inside his horn.
"Then he calls me up and says, 'Scott, we know what's in your trombone,'"

Read more HERE

Tine Thing Helseth (Norway)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 11:44:00 +0000

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Helseth started to play trumpet at the age of 7 and studies at the Barratt Due Institute of Music in Oslo.

Born in 1987, Tine belongs to a new generation of Norwegian soloists and indeed a new generation of brass soloists all together, perhaps more influenced by the idiom of string players and singers than what used to be the case. Tine’s approach to music is refreshingly focused and straightforward, with an extra touch of artistic magic that reaches everyone who hears her playing.

Tine Thing Helseth is already one of the leading trumpet soloists of her generation. Already in her short career Helseth has appeared as a soloist with, amongst others, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the Zurich Chamber Orchestra, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Philharmonie Baden-Baden, all the major Norwegian orchestras and further afield with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.

More about Tine HERE

Bay Colony Brass (USA)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 15:08:00 +0000

Bay Colony Brass is one of the few large brass ensembles (or brass choirs) of its kind in the United States. Composed of twenty players, the group performs a broad range of repertoire spanning five centuries of brass and orchestral music, vocal music, Broadway shows, and even the occasional pop song. They play three sets of concerts a year plus two Christmas programs at various sites in the Boston area. Bay Colony Brass is a volunteer organization and registered 501c3 nonprofit in Massachusetts.

Channing Yu, Music Director

American orchestra and opera conductor Channing Yu begins his first season as Music Director and Conductor of Bay Colony Brass. He is also Music Director of the Mercury Orchestra in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the national winner of the 2010 American Prize in Orchestral Conducting in the community orchestra division.

He has previously served as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Lowell House Opera, the oldest opera company in New England, where he conducted over thirty fully staged performances with orchestra, including Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier, Puccini’s Turandot, Verdi’s Otello, and Puccini’s Tosca. For his musical direction of Tosca, he was awarded second prize in the 2011 American Prize in Opera Conducting national competition.

More info HERE

Copper in the Arts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 13:38:00 +0000

The Art and History of Brass Musical Instruments

By Donna Dvorak

Through the ages, copper and brass instruments have been used in an assortment of capacities, and are still popular today throughout the world. In the famous Broadway Show The Music Man, its memorable tune "76 Trombones" by Robert Meredith Willson is belted out in a parade with copper and brass musical instruments gleaming like a beautiful sea of copper.

But, what comprises a brass instrument? Anthony Baines, author of European & American Musical Instruments, states that brass instruments are defined as instruments that produce a tone by vibration of the lips as the player blows into a tubular resonator. Also known as labrosones, brass instruments are constructed of brass and other corrosion resistant, easy-to-fabricate copper alloys.

The actual description of brass instruments are dependent on the overtone series first studied and analyzed by the Greek philosopher Pythagoras. A string or vibrating air column in the case of a brass instrument will tend to vibrate at certain frequencies based on the length of the string or tube. The fundamental pitch is the lowest natural note with other possible notes one octave above the fundamental, followed by a perfect fifth, fourth and up. Modern brass instruments usually alter the length of the tubing through valves, including the slide still used by today's trombonists. The Roman Tuba, Lituus and Buccina, and other early brass instruments were made of bronze combined with animal horns, like the Scandinavian lur, and the Roman cornu.

Getzen Brass Instruments: Then and Now

Musical instruments are a long-standing family tradition of the Getzen family that began in 1939 in a converted dairy barn behind their family home in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Three employees concentrated on band instrument repair and they produced their first trombones in 1946. They're now producers of world-class trumpets, cornets, fluegelhorns, and trombones.

"Now, we make approximately 15,000 instruments a year and we send them all over the world," says Brett Getzen, Special Projects Manager and great-grandson of the founder Anthony James Getzen. "Tony originally worked for another band instrument manufacturer but, in 1939, branched out to start his own company. When he began building horns in the late 1940's, he used a copper trim. Copper has also been used for quite a while to create resonant bells. We have two kinds of copper bells - one made here from copper tubing for the bell and the other kind is electroplated. They take a steel mandrel and plate copper onto that until it's thick enough to break away - and then you have a bell blank. When you create a bell for a trumpet you spin it on a lathe to get the tapered look, and the blank looks like a bell that, at that point, isn't the right size - yet. At that time in the production, it can become several things. One example is several different bells on trumpets. The rate of paper to the bell, the size of the throat and flare determines how the horn sounds and plays, so according to what you're trying to achieve, we make these copper blanks into different bells, depending on how we spin them. The largest copper instrument we have is the trumpet bell. We also use copper in our plating and use copper plate as a basecoat before we do a silver plating. We put a thick layer of copper on before we put the silver on because the copper makes the silver more illustrious and provides a distinguished tone, as well."

Read more...

Wisemann Brass Ensemble (China)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 21:08:00 +0000

The Wisemann Brass Ensemble is an exciting new professional brass ensemble based in Beijing, China and is Asia’s first ever independent professional brass ensemble.
The ensemble features the current and former principal brass players of China's professional orchestras such as the China Philharmonic Orchestra, Beijing Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, China Central Opera Orchestra, and China National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra.
Wisemann offer several ensemble formations to suit all occasions. The quintet consists of 2 trumpets, french horn, trombone, and tuba and has a wide repertoire of music ranging from Jazz and Popular to Classical and Contemporary. The trio consists of trumpet, trombone and tuba and is very well suited to performing Jazz and Latin music as well as popular classical repertoire.
More info HERE

Paul Higgs (UK) new CD Pavane

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 12:44:00 +0000

Celebrated trumpeter and composer Paul Higgs has created many albums throughout his time as
a successful musician, but this is his first to blend the genres of classical and jazz music. Paul
has never felt restricted by musical boundaries and wanted to make “an album that combined the
freedom of jazz with the rich sonorities of classical music”. Pavane presents pieces in song form
in a classical style with an emphasis on melody and counterpoint.
The jazz ensemble featured on the album is complemented by a string section with classical
guitar, and highlighted by the melodious sounds of a cello. Paulʼs trumpet flows throughout with a
voice that is in turn seductive, playful and intriguing. His consummate skill and seemingly
effortless technique produce a sound of unearthly beauty. In Pavane he presents an infinitely
varied world expressed through melody, atmosphere and sensitivity. Each piece shows us a new
soundscape, and the exquisite sound of his trumpet transports us through each one in turn, with
the romantic grandeur of a film score.
“Paul Higgs is one of the most gifted composers and musicians. I'm very proud to see the
success he's currently enjoying.” Bill Ashton OBE, Musical Director, NYJO. As a young man Paul
Higgs was already renowned for his skill, and worked with luminaries such as Peggy Lee, Buddy
Greco, Rosemary Clooney (indeed – George Clooneyʼs aunt) and John Williams. Paul toured with
the much-loved Norman Wisdom and Bob Monkhouse. As a composer, he has written a
commission for the Proms, has had music published by Oxford University Press and Stanza
Music, and has published music himself. He has also written music for film, TV and radio, as well
as theatre.
“Paul Higgs is a world-class composer and trumpet player, and this collection conclusively proves
the point!” Digby Fairweather: BBC presenter (Radio 2 and 3), and jazz trumpeter.

More information about Higgs HERE. His Pavane CD and digital download tracks from that recording are available at online sales sites such as CDbaby, Amazon, iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody and many others.

The Bull Horns (Austria)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 20:18:00 +0000

No, not the march or folk music. The Bull Horns blowing rock and roll classics. The Bull Horns give the Beatles, AC / DC, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, a new sound as you've never heard it. And it joins jazz superstar James Morrison for four album tracks. The fresh sound is so far away from their important roots in the provinces, such as the electric guitars, sax, trumpet, trombone and tuba. Only the drums are somehow a connection between old school rock and daring, successful transposition of Brass clichés and present to the Brass future.
More HERE

Miraphone Tuba Quartett (France)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 12:03:00 +0000

''We first met in 1992 at the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique de PARIS.
Our initial friendship was followed by a mutual passion for music and our pleasure to play together soon led to the creation of a tuba quartet which was to become 3 years later , at Miraphone's request, the Miraphone Tuba Quartett.
For 16 years now we've been striving to change the image of out instrument throughout the world. During our concerts we aim to ally virtuosity humour and musicality.
With 3 CDs and more than 250 concerts performed in 17 different countries, we celebrate our 15 years of existence with (and we are very proud of this) the four same members.''

• From 9 till 21 December 2013 China and Taiwan tour
More HERE

Bala Brass (USA)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 14:13:00 +0000

The award-winning Bala Brass thrills audiences around the globe with their infectious spirit, daring and exciting programming, and exceptional performances. A brass quintet dedicated to furthering the art of brass music performance, Bala was the first group of its kind to be invited to participate in the 2002 Osaka International Chamber Music Festa in Osaka, Japan. The Boston area chamber ensemble was also awarded the bronze medal at the 2001 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, as well as being honored as a finalist in the 2001 Coleman Chamber Music Competition.

In their efforts to promote the brass ensemble genre, Bala enjoys collaborations with a diverse group of composers and artists and actively commissions new works. Recent commissions and world premiers include Robert Bradshaw’s Revealed, Norman Bolter’s Shorelight Breeze, Whitman Brown's Knuckleball, and Jeremy Spindler's As It Went By. Many of these works have been premiered at the International Trumpet Guild Conferences (2006, 2009, 2012) and the International Tuba and Euphonium Conference (2008).

Bala is excited to be heading into the studio for their debut CD recording on the Beauport Classical label. This summer Bala will travel to the University of South Carolina’s campus to record a CD of exciting brass music. The CD will include premiere recordings of works by Dana Wilson, Robert Bradshaw, and Laurence Bitensky.

More HERE

Trumpets Not Guns (New Orleans USA)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 13:52:00 +0000

Our Mission:
To help preserve the culture of traditional jazz and to enrich the lives of children through music, not violence, by providing musical instruments to the youth of the City of New Orleans.

With an array of support from the community, our local jazz artists, and The Grillot Family, we plan to raise money musically, to help get guns out of the hands of our youth and replace them with trumpets and other musical instruments.

Our goal is to help local schools and other music foundations get the instruments that are so badly needed into the hands of our children. Get the guns out, put the trumpets in, and take back our streets one horn at a time.
More info HERE.

Riverside Brass Quintet (UK)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 13:30:00 +0000

The Riverside Brass Quintet is an experienced brass ensemble who offer a diverse range of genres, suitable for any occasion: whether it be playing at parties or corporate events, to classical wedding music (not to mention a selection of current/jazz tunes) and even an exciting Christmas entertainment package which they run annually from November-December, Riverside Brass Quintet have it covered!

'So, if you’re looking for corporate party ideas, to hire musicians, or just check out one of the latest live bands in London, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We hope you’ll enjoy having a look around!'
The music is HERE.

Westwind Brass (USA)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 10:03:00 +0000

The Westwind Brass exists to broaden and enrich the musical legacy of local, national and international audiences through performance and educational services featuring brass instruments and music.
The Westwind Brass fields an ensemble of brass musicians who perform in various configurations of musicians featuring the unique timbre of brass instruments and performing the brass repertoire at a high artistic level.
The educational focus of each Westwind Brass performance is that music is for everyone!

Westwind goes to school

Around the World thru Brass (K-6)

This program is a multi-cultural musical journey through selected cultures. These selections include: Music of Africa, Music of Americas, Northern Native Americans, Central and South America; Music of Asia, China, and Music of Europe. The purpose of this program is to expose students to the distinct sounds of the world of music and how these musical characteristics have been incorporated into modern forms. Students will directly participate in various world rhythms, melodies, and styles.
More HERE

Alison Balsom

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 13:44:00 +0000

Alison Balsom has cemented an international reputation as one of classical music's great ambassadors and is ranked among the most distinctive and ground-breaking musicians on the international circuit today. Having headlined The Last Night of the BBC Proms, which reached its biggest ever global television audience of an estimated 200 million, to making her US television debut with the Orchestra of St Luke's on The Late Show with David Letterman, a platform few classical artists have gained access to, Alison’s highly distinctive sound has earned her much recognition and she is regarded as one of the world's leading trumpeters and musicians. She was twice crowned 'Female Artist of the Year' at the Classic BRITs and has also been honoured with numerous awards by Gramophone, Classic FM and ECHO Klassik.

On June 28 this year, she received the prestigious PPL Classical Award at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

The Art of Practicing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 12:45:00 +0000

The Art of Practicing

Gordon Cherry

Practicing is an art, not a skill. A skill is something you can be taught in a certain number of lessons, while an art is something you learn slowly and gradually over your entire life. Whether you are a sculptor, a painter, a ballerina or a trombonist, you have to apply discipline in order to progress. The art of practicing is something you adhere to for a very, very long time, and you must master it to become a great performer.

Most people look back on the lessons they had with their teachers and find that 99% of the time was spent on the traditional warm ups, etudes, solos and excerpts. You're basically taught how to play the trombone. We haven't really learned how to practice! And yet that's what we spend most of our time doing. We practice. We practice before rehearsals. We practice before concerts. We practice in the studio. The practice time is where you “make your gravy.” It's where you make all your gains. Much of the time students and even professionals waste time or actually destroy themselves in the practice room. Why? Because they are impatient and look for short term gains.
Read the whole article...

Da Capo Brass (USA)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 14:39:00 +0000

Based in North Carolina, da Capo Brass is a national touring ensemble and Delos recording artist dedicated to delivering quality chamber music to diverse audiences. Performing standard repertoire ranging from Classical to Jazz, Renaissance to Modern, and Pops to Gospel, da Capo Brass also enjoys collaborating with talented composers to create new music for the brass quintet medium. The members of da Capo Brass believe in removing boundaries between the concert performer and audiences, and therefore seek out performance experiences beyond traditional concert halls, with venues including churches, art museums, clubs, and public schools. In addition to their active concert schedule, members of the quintet perform internationally as soloists and in conjunction with professional organizations in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. They hold teaching positions at various colleges and academies in North Carolina and perform with orchestras across the East Coast.

New Music

In addition to performing standard repertoire, da Capo Brass enjoys collaborating with talented composers to create new music for the brass quintet medium.More info HERE

Bone Brass (Holland)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 19:57:00 +0000

The origin of BoneBrass:
The Dutch chamber music ensemble, BoneBrass, is formed by the trombone players, Jan Bults, Gert van Veldhuizen, Jan Jager and Wessel Bruggink. BoneBrass originated in their cooperation over the years in different ad-hoc orchestras. In the autumn of 1997 they decided to prolong this cooperation in the form of an ensemble. It was their ambition to promote the trombone as a vocal solo instrument for a bigger audience, especially lovers of chamber music who are less familiar with this genre.
Even after these many years of making music together they are still motivated by the challenge to promote the trombone. They especially try to demonstrate the ‘vocal’ qualities of the instrument. In doing so their stage varies from theatres, castles, concert halls and gardens to churches. Occasionally BoneBrass can be seen in recording studios.

The repertoire of BoneBrass consist of about 50 compositions, from the renaissance to contemporary music. Composers are, Gabriëli, Speer, Preatorius, Franck, Bruckner, Telemann, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Handel, Bach, Beethoven, Grieg, Koetsier, Papandopulo, Bozza, Gershwin, Puccini, Holst, Carmichael, Elings, Agrell, Joplin, Doms, Mucke, Bummerl, Slabak, Franckenpohl, Wood, en Saint Saens.
The music is HERE.

Molotov Brass (Switzerland)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 12:14:00 +0000

The story of Molotow Brass Orkestar starts somewhere in foggy November 2007 at the Bern University of the Arts (HKB). A handful of classical of students studying classical music looking for a break of the classical concert schedules assembled and started to play Balkan folk music. After a short time today‘s six-piece band Molotow Brass Orkestar was born.

The band developped quite fast. Backed by their powerful lady on Drums, Marianne Graber, the five horn blowers started to mix whatever style of music they liked. Thus Molotow’s unique mix of Balkan and Swiss Folk music showing influences of klezmer, ska or even electronic beats started to emerge. Combined with their catching vitality they soon persuaded every kind of audience to cheer for them. Invitations to renowned festivals where coming in soon.

In the last couple of years, Molotow Brass Orkestar played at Brass: Durham International Festival in England, Lucerne Festival, European Brass Band Championships, or at the Fêtes de Genève. Other whereabouts are Bierhübeli Bern, Abart Club Zürich, Buskers Lugano, Buskers Neuchâtel, Stadtspektakel Landshut to name only a few. The band can be found on the soundtracks of three movies and has been featured on radio on at least three continents.
More HERE

It Takes Brass to Play the Wagner Tuba

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 13:22:00 +0000

BARBARA JEPSON

When Richard Wagner began composing "The Ring of the Nibelung," his visionary opera cycle, he became dissatisfied with a particular musical theme. The solution, he decided, was not to rewrite the passage but to foster the creation of a new instrument to perform it—the Wagner tuba.

Because of its range and mouthpiece, this tuba-shaped hybrid is actually played by members of the French horn section, but never mind. Developed at Wagner's request at a time when the technical capabilities of modern brass instruments were being expanded, it enabled him to fill a gap in tone color between the mellow lyricism of the horns and the penetrating brilliance of the trombones. He was inspired, in part, by the gradation of sound in military bands. In the "Ring," four Wagner tubas join an enlarged brass section that includes other orchestral rarities like the bass trumpet, contrabass trombone and contrabass tuba, creating "choirs" of gleaming brass.
These instruments play an important role in the "Ring," an epic tale of greed, revenge, love and redemption that will be presented around the globe this year during the bicentenary of Wagner's birth. In the U.S., the first complete, four-opera cycle will begin on April 6 at the Metropolitan Opera with a reprise of the Robert Lepage production. Throughout the "Ring," the brass are associated with some of the major recurring musical themes, called "leitmotifs"—leading motives linked to particular characters, concepts, props and more.

Read the full article: Wall Street Journal

Royal Danish Brass (Denmark)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 20:31:00 +0000

The Royal Danish Orchestra is considered the oldest orchestra of it's kind, tracing its origins back to 1448 and the Trumpet Corps at the royal court of King Christian I, who was crowned to an accompaniment of brass and percussion instruments. The Danish name for the orchestra - Det Kongelige Kapel - reveals that it was, in origin, an ensemble geared to supplying the music for court events, such as providing musical assistance to a visiting Italian opera company.

It was in this context that the renowned musician Christoph Willibald Gluck not only led the Royal Danish Orchestra, but also composed the music for special occasions – a notable example being the celebration of the birth, in 1749, of the later King Christian VII.

Over the years, the orchestra moved out of the court and settled down in the pit at the Royal Danish Theatre. A growing number of engagements saw an increase in the size of the orchestra, and when Johan Gottlieb Naumann carried out his reforms in the 1780’s, the ensemble numbered 46 members. It is relevant to mention here that it was at precisely this time that the Chorus of the Royal Danish Opera became permanently assigned to the Royal Danish Theatre.

Royal Danish Brass was founded in 1977 under the name The Royal Orchestra Brass Quintet. Five young brass players from The Royal Danish Orchestra, trumpeters Ketil Christensen and Søren Emtoft, hornist Poul-Erik Vilsbæk and trombonists Keld Jørgensen and Mogens Andresen, stated as an objective of the ensemble: the ancient traditions of open-minded and contemporary orchestrations, interpretations and versions retaining old music and in close collaboration with composers and colleagues, exploring new avenues in music under strict conditions of quality in every way.
Royal Danish Brass is THE Danish brass ensemble par excellence, with a high degree of musicality. There are concerts, church concerts, school concerts and 'clinics' and 'master classes' regularly.

More info HERE