Saint-Saëns – Finale from The Carnival of the Animals (Brass Quintet)

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.

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.

This arrangement of familiar nursery rhymes was intended as a means of introducing younger children to the medium of the brass quintet. Each rhyme is dressed in a musical identity, with each player given plenty of note activity. Some rhymes are slightly tongue in cheek while others are blatantly satirical. The work opens and closes with the rhyme Oranges and Lemons and the medley runs logically lasting for 5 to 6 minutes. It is an ideal encore item or light alternative to follow a quintet that might have challenged both performer and listener. A Medley of Rhymes for Five Brass is a popular addition to serious concert programmes.

This arrangement by Alan Danson conveys the triumph and celebration of the Finale of Beethoven's 5th Symphony. The writing is idiomatic and melodic interest is shared between all parts, with rare moments of a contemporary approach to the work here and there. An ideal opener to the second half of a concert. For schools, studios and professionals.