Brass Quintet

Summary

A brass quintet is a chamber ensemble consisting of five brass players. This ensemble is known for its powerful and rich sound. The repertoire for the brass quintet is vast, encompassing a range of styles and periods from Renaissance Era and Baroque Era to contemporary compositions. The unique blend of timbres in a Brass Quintet creates a full, resonant sound that is both versatile and captivating.

Instrumentation

2 Trumpets/ Cornets

1 Horn

1 Trombone/ Euphonium/ Baritone

1 Tuba/ Bass Trombone

Notable Works for Brass Quintet

• Victor Ewald: Brass Quintet No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 5 (1890)

  • A pioneering work establishing core repertoire for the modern brass quintet, featuring romantic harmonies and sophisticated part writing.

• Malcolm Arnold: Quintet for Brass (1961)

  • A witty and virtuosic work combining British brass band traditions with contemporary techniques.

• Vagn Holmboe: Brass Quintet No. 1 (1962)

  • A masterful work featuring Nordic influences and intricate counterpoint.

• Eugene Bozza: Sonatine for Brass Quintet (1965)

  • A charming French work showcasing brilliant fanfares and lyrical passages.

• Gunther Schuller: Music for Brass Quintet (1967)

  • An innovative work combining serial techniques with jazz influences.

• Michael Tippett: Sonata for Five Instruments (1972)

  • A substantial work exploring complex rhythmic relationships and modern harmonies.

• Witold Lutosławski: Mini Overture (1982)

  • A concise and brilliant work featuring the composer's characteristic aleatory techniques.

• John Cheetham: Brass Menagerie (1985)

  • A popular suite combining accessibility with sophisticated writing.

• Joan Tower: Copperwave (2006)

  • A dynamic contemporary work exploring various brass timbres and textures.

• Eric Ewazen: Western Fanfare (2007)

  • A dramatic work celebrating the American West through bold harmonies and rhythms.

• John Mackey: Brass Quintet No. 1 "Slow" (2014)

  • A atmospheric piece exploring extended techniques and unusual textures.

Notable Brass Quintets

American Brass Quintet (founded 1960) One of the longest-standing chamber music ensembles in North America, known for commissioning numerous new works and their dedication to education and historical performance practice.

Chicago Brass Quintet (founded 1963) Recognized for their innovative programming and educational outreach, particularly in the Midwest region.

Eastman Brass Quintet (founded 1964) Associated with the Eastman School of Music, known for their academic excellence and pedagogical influence.

Canadian Brass (founded 1970) Internationally renowned for their virtuosity, entertainment value, and innovative programming, combining classical masterworks with jazz and popular music.

Empire Brass (founded 1972) Known for their brilliant virtuosity and diverse repertoire ranging from Renaissance to jazz and Broadway.

Stockholm Chamber Brass (founded 1985) Internationally acclaimed European ensemble known for commissioning and performing contemporary works.

Center City Brass Quintet (founded 1985) Comprised of leading orchestral brass players, known for their virtuosic performances and recordings.

Boston Brass (founded 1986) Known for their entertaining presentation style and diverse repertoire spanning classical to jazz.

Spanish Brass (founded 1989) One of Europe's most dynamic brass ensembles, known for their innovative programming and educational initiatives.

Mnozil Brass (founded 1992) Austrian ensemble known for combining exceptional musicianship with theatrical entertainment and humor.

Sources

• Chamber Music: A Research and Information Guide (Routledge Music Bibliographies) by John H. Baron

• The Cambridge Companion to Chamber Music edited by Robin Stowell

• Guide to Chamber Music by Melvin Berger

• Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians

• International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)

• The History of Brass Chamber Music by John Q. Ericson

• Brass Chamber Music in Historic Perspective by Ralph Sauer

• Canadian Brass Book of Beginning Brass Repertoire