Reviews

Beckham:  Fantasy on a French Carol (Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence)

     “...commissioned for the Bethany College Brass series, this (arrangement) for four trumpets, four horns, three trombones, bass trombone, tuba, and three percussionists unfolds slowly. Opening with a distant introduction and homophonic setting of the carol, the fantasy proceeds with a section of fanfares passed between the sections, followed by a fortissimo chorale version of the melody, and a brief spectacular coda.

     “The physical and technical demands require a strong but not virtuosic ensemble. Likewise, the only percussion instruments needed are chimes, timpani, crash cymbals, and snare drum. This is a solid new composition worthy of any strong brass ensemble.”

     (Reviewed by William Scharnberg, Music and Book Reviews Editor, The Horn Call, May 1999)

 

 

Hake:  Brass Feast, Opus 42 (Brass Ensemble)

     “Hake’s Brass Feast is a strong work for a standard brass choir of four trumpets, four horns, three trombones, brass trombone, and tuba. There are three movements, the first of which, a simple ternary form, begins with a sustained horn chorale over a driving Allegro, 7/4 alternating with a 6/4, in the low brass. The principal trumpet enters above this ostinato with the melody of the movement.

     “The second movement, which begins with a horn solo, is also in an ABA form. Here the middle section is louder, more animated, and includes three strata of activity: the low brass sustain chords, pairs of horns alternate scalar passages, and the trumpets provide ever-loudening flourishes.

     “The briefer third movement opens with a Latin rhythm in the tuba and brass trombone, then the horns sing a lyrical melody over another Latin response in the trombones. The second trumpet and first trombone are asked to either improvise in a middle section (chord symbols are provided) or simply perform the suggested solo material.

     “Brass Feast should be received with fervor on any brass choir concert.”

     (Reviewed by William Scharnberg, Music and Book Reviews

Editor, The Horn Call, November 1999)

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