Purcell – A Choice Collection, Two Anthems (Brass Quintet) – Parts Digital Download

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 baroque anthems effectively arranged for brass quintet by Ian Lawrence.

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.

Written for players at the Centre for Young Musicians in London where the composer Gordon Carr taught for thirty years.