Handel – Water Music (Brass Quintet)

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.

Arranged by Robin Benton, all brass players and their audiences should enjoy this rousing well known March from Verdi's 1871 grand opera Aida. The Egyptian army has returned from its victory over the Ethiopians and the melodies are suitably triumphant in style. The first melody ends with trumpet fanfares leading to the well known second melody which is repeated in a higher key. The opening theme returns and the March ends with a rousing coda.

Two Bach fugues arranged effectively for brass quintet by Ian Lawrence. For schools, studios and professionals.

This attractive and well laid out piece, by Essex composer Alan Danson, is generally tonal and contains interesting rhythmic interplay and changes of time to keep performers (and listeners!) on their toes.