Discovering Brass

     Eric Ewazen has been a very prominent and influential voice in contemporary brass. Ewazen's music is often characterized by its lyrical melodies, cheerful sonorities, and interesting sense of rhythmic drive. He has significantly expanded the repertoire for brass music and has written extensively for various brass ensembles, including Axiom Brass, the University of Maryland Brass Trio, and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony. Ewazen's compositions have added a modern challenge to brass ensemble repertoire that has been happily accepted by performers and audiences. Frost Fire by Eric Ewazen, performed by Axiom Brass.      Frost Fire was composed in 1990 for the American Brass Quintet's 30th anniversary. Since Frost Fire ’ s initial debut, it has been performed and recorded by many professional quintets. This piece is celebrated for its three contrasting movements and engaging nature. Frost Fire captures a sense of beauty and intensity through each moveme...

     Peter Graham is an accomplished British composer most known for his brass band pieces. Graham studied at the  University of Edinburgh, Edward Gregson at Goldsmiths College, and the University of London. After receiving his PhD in composition, he spent several years in New York City working as a freelance composer and arranger.  Later he returned to the UK and dedicated himself to composing for brass bands.     Peter Graham has composed many pieces that are performed globally and are frequently chosen as contest pieces for major bras band competitions. The piece that is often credited with establishing his place in the brass band community is Dimensions . Since then, Graham has created a substantial body of work that is highly celebrated within the brass band community. Works such as Metropolis 1927 , Windows of the World , and On the Shoulders of Giants . Dimensions  by Peter Graham, performed by the Bon-Accord Silver B Band.     Th...

Brass Quintet by Elliot Carter, performed by the American Brass Quintet.     Elliot Carter was an American modernist composer who became a significant influence in the late 20th century. Carter created his own individualistic style that used complex rhythms, innovative form, and highly intricate polyphony. His music has been described as intellectually rigorous, full of dynamic energy, and profound expressive depth, which demands the virtuosity of highly skilled performers.      Brass Quintet by Elliot Carter was written for and premiered by the American Brass Quintet in 1974. This piece fits well into Carter's compositional style, which can be seen in the intricate rhythmic interplay, independent melodic lines, and the dramatic shifts in texture and intensity. There is a sense of unity but also individual expression in each instrument. Those who enjoy this piece, praise it for it's energetic drive, exploration of diverse sounds, and demanding technical di...

The Olympics would not be the same without brass. While the Olympic 'soundtrack' has evolved over the years to incorporate diverse popular music, brass has remained a constant and essential element to the games. Specifically the fanfares of the opening and closing ceremonies, which have made brass a quintessential Olympic experience for athletes and spectators. Olympic Theme by John Williams at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics      In 1984, John Williams was commissioned to write a fanfare for the Los Angeles Olympics. Williams deemed this task a demanding because he needed to honor the event's grandeur, while also contending with the established association of Leo Arnaud's "Bugler's Dream" with the Games. Williams' Olympic Theme features powerful brass and soaring melody, which captured the spirit of the Olympics and cemented its place at the games. Cadets of Bergen Country Drum & Bugle Corps at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.     The Cadets of Bergen C...

Quintet for Brass Instruments , by Alvin Etler (1913 - 1973), performed by the Meridian Arts Ensemble.      Alvin Etler was an Iowa born composer and oboist. He performed with the Indianapolis Symphony in 1938, but quickly left the symphony to focus on his compositions. Shortly after his time in Indianapolis, Etler travelled throughout Latin America with the North American Wind Quintet. In 1942 he joined the faculty at Yale as the director of bands. This started Etler's studies with Paul Hindemith.      Etler's Quintet for Brass Instruments was written in 1963 and is considered one of the best greatest works for brass quintet in the 20th century. It has been rumored that Etler intended this piece to sound aggressive and pointed because his son died in the Korean War. While this makes for an interesting program note, it has been proven false. Dance Suite , by Leonard Bernstein (1918 - 1990), performed by the Center City Brass Quintet.  ...

Metropolis 1927  by Peter Graham. Performed by the Black Dyke Band.          Peter Graham is a highly respected composer in the brass band community. He is known for his innovative and challenging pieces that have pushed the boundaries of the brass band genre. Metropolis 1927 is one of Grahams most Signiant works and required a high level of technical skill and musicality. The piece was inspired by the 1927 silent film Metropolis, by Fritz Lang. Grahams pieces captures the film's dystopian atmosphere, industrial intensity, and emotional turmoil in its dramatic music. DCI fun fact: Santa Clara Vanguard based their 2018 show Babylon,  around this piece and took 1st place at the DCI World Championships. Tre-Mendez Polka,  by Rafael Mendez. Performed by the Mendez family.     Rafael Mendez and his sons Ralph and Robert performed the Tre-Mendez Trio , on the Art Linkletter show in 1957. This piece showcases the families exceptional talent and...