Eric Ewazen's Impact on Brass Ensembles

    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 movement. The contrasting sections in each movement showcases Ewazen's virtuosity through unique and different themes. Frost Fire features beautiful flowing tonal melodies that features intense rhythmic modulation. The tonal nature of the piece has been appreciated by listeners who are too often assaulted by atonal experimental music.

A Philharmonic Fanfare by Eric Ewazen, performed by the University of Maryland Brass Trio.


    A Philharmonic Fanfare was written for a brass trio that includes trumpet, horn, and trombone. The piece is commonly chosen to open recitals and events because of its energetic and vibrant nature. It was commissioned by members of the New York Philharmonic and is dedicated to Kenneth Campbell. A Philharmonic Fanfare showcases the brilliance behind Ewazen’s composing and the creative interlocking themes. The fanfare is concise in length and form, and with the excitement and grandeur of a fanfare, it makes for a captivating recital opener.

Symphony in Brass by Eric Ewazen, performed by the Frankfurt Radio Symphony.



    Symphony in Brass stands as one of Ewazen's most significant works for large brass ensembles. Symphony in Brass is a substantial and impactful work showcasing the rich and powerful sound of a large brass ensemble. The piece has three movements, each demonstrates Ewazen's mastery of orchestration, and utilizes a wide range of brass timbres to create a dynamic and engaging musical sound. Symphony in Brass is characterized by its blend of lyrical passages, fanfares, and moments of grandeur and glory.

Sonoran Desert Harmonies by Eric Ewazen.

    Sonoran Desert Harmonies was written in 2003 for a 6-8 member trumpet ensemble. This piece is a soundscape that represents the American Southwest. Ewazen was able to showcase his conventional writing by using many different timbres for the trumpet, utilizing expansive space in the writing, and using his well-known harmonic style. Sonoran Desert also showcases the musical precision and the demanding skills for many of the different trumpet timbres highlighted throughout the piece.

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