Brass Quartet

Summary

A brass quartet is a chamber ensemble consisting of four brass players. This combination creates a rich, powerful sound with great dynamic range and tonal variety. The ensemble is versatile enough to perform various musical styles, from Renaissance and Baroque transcriptions to contemporary compositions. Brass quartets are valued for their ability to produce both majestic, full-bodied sounds and delicate, intricate passages.

The most common configuration features two trumpets and two trombones, though ensembles use various other combinations. This flexibility has led to many arrangements in an SATB format, allowing adaptability across different quartet formations. The musical partnership between the trumpets' bright, penetrating sound and the trombones' warm, resonant tones creates a well-balanced ensemble capable of both harmonic support and melodic expression.

Instrumentation

“Soprano” - Trumpet 1/ Cornet 1

“Alto” - Trumpet 2/ Cornet 2/ Horn/ Flugelhorn/ Alto Trombone

“Tenor” - Trombone 1/ Horn/ Euphonium/ Baritone

“Bass” - Trombone 2/ Bass Trombone/ Tuba

Notable Works for Brass Quartet

• Anton Bruckner: Two Aequali (1847)

  • Solemn works originally for trombones, frequently performed by brass quartet.

• Eugene Bozza: Quatuor pour Cuivres (1951)

  • A virtuosic modern work showcasing French clarity and technical brilliance.

• Arthur Harris: Brass Quartet No. 1 (1963)

  • A contemporary work exploring varied textures and rhythmic complexity.

• Fisher Tull: Exhibition (1974)

  • A dynamic work featuring modernist harmonies and challenging technical passages.

• David Sampson: Morning Music (1986)

  • A lyrical work exploring various moods and tonal colors.

• Eric Ewazen: Frost Fire (1990)

  • A three-movement work combining lyrical melodies with rhythmic energy.

• Anthony Plog: Four Sketches (1992)

  • A set of characterful pieces showcasing various brass techniques and expressions.

• Kerry Turner: Ricochet (1995)

  • An energetic work featuring hunting horn calls and intricate counterpoint.

• Jennifer Higdon: Brass Quartet (2011)

  • A contemporary work exploring extended techniques and complex harmonies.

Sources

• Arranging for Brass: A Church Musician’s Primer by R. Michael Sanchez

• Guide to Chamber Music Literature - by Donald N. Ferguson

• The Brass Book - by Trevor Herbert and John Wallace

• Brass Instruments: Their History and Development - by Anthony Baines

• A History of the American Wind Band - by David Whitwell

• Grove Music Online - Oxford Music Online

• International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)

• The Harvard Dictionary of Music, 4th Edition

• The Cambridge Companion to Brass Instruments

• Brass Chamber Music: An Annotated Bibliography - by Michael Tunnell