Entry #6: Symphony for Brass & Pawn Ticket

Symphony for Brass

Malcolm Arnold was a prolific and well-known English composer and conductor. As a composer, he was know to brass players as composing often extrovert sounding music especially suited to the bright colors obtainable from brass instruments. Symphony for Brass, written in 1978 for the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, is in four movements. The work is an astonishing 25 minutes long. Throughout the work, he explores a wide range of moods from brilliant and brash to wistful, culminating in a vigorous double fugue, both fearsomely difficult to play and exciting to listen to.

Performed by the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble

". . .a serious and substantial work. . .The slow movement, based on a dramatic unison, reminds us that Berlioz is one of Arnold's favourite composers. With the art that conceals art, Arnold makes us forget the limitations of the medium, and exploits these players' particular skills in ways that make it seem as though the skills must have been acquired to do justice to the piece." - The Guardian (Hugo Cole), 10 July 1979

Brass Symphony

Another work written for the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble is the Brass Symphony by Jan Koetsier. The Brass Symphony op. 80 was commissioned by Philip Jones, premiered in Regensburg Feb. 21st, 1980, and recorded in 1981 on Focus on PJBE. by the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble. Today it has become a masterpiece of the international brass ensemble repertoire. Brass Symphony abounds in the lighthearted stuff that characterizes his music and still gives the players some glorious moments. The Larghetto, full of glissandos and muted effects, is memorable.

Performed by Summit Brass

Pawn Ticket

Last but my not least, continuing with the theme of my blog. The next track on Billy May's Big Fat Brass album, Pawn Ticket. This chart was written by Ray Bryant, an American jazz pianist and composer, who composed for a ton of groups during the 50s and 60s. 

Until next time!

-Jacob