Handel – The Celestial Concert from Samson (Brass Quintet)

This arrangement by Gary Hunter of Schubert's Adieu portrays the song in a different colour. Written for brass quintet, the song remains lyrical and easy on the ear, and is ideal for church settings and general concert performances.

The Swan is the most famous movement from The Carnival of the Animals, usually represented by the 'cello which emulates the swan elegantly gliding over the water with only its reflection for company. In this arrangement for brass quintet it is the trombone with its lush tenor sound, that should be played in the style of Tommy Dorsey, that gives the swan its grace. The other instruments accompany the trombone with rolling chords which represent the feet of the swan hidden beneath the water propelling it along. This powerful melody will leave your hair standing up and a tear in your eye.

This short piece was composed for the 15th anniversary celebrations of the Mainstreet Brass quintet in the U.S.A. It is an ideal opener for a variety of occasions. The work is tonal with some note clusters, providing a contemporary edge to its character, while its style alludes to the French school of writers. Following an expectant and anticipatory opening it builds to the main Allegro middle section of the piece. The work closes with echoing references, over a dominant pedal, to the main theme.

Six movements, starting with Quick March which requires some fast and neat tonguing from all members of the quintet. The Polka which follows is full of colour and requires dexterous trumpet playing. The third movement Blues is a long way from a traditional New Orleans blues - with its melancholy mood and Debussy like harmony it is more like a small impressionist tone poem. Merry Waltz is followed by Preamble, a gentle, atmospheric piece at a leisurely walking tempo. The final movement of this suite Tarandtango (Tarantango) cleverly combines two dances, the energetic tarantella and the elegant tango, resulting in an exciting and virtuoso finale.