Saint-Saëns – The Swan from The Carnival of the Animals (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.

Review: "The Swan is probably the most famous movement from Saint-Saëns' Carnival of the Animals, featuring the 'cello section in a graceful, flowing melody. This arrangement features the trombone and completes a cycle of features of the various instruments in a brass quintet by British trumpeter Tom Whitehurst. The first three, On With the Motley from Pagliacci by Leoncavallo (horn), L'Elephant from Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns (tuba), and the Finale from Carnival of the Animals (trumpets) were reviewed in the May 2013 issue of The Horn Call. This arrangement is of equal quality and effect, and a very nice choice for trombone. The combination of these arrangements constitute a fun school program to introduce brass instruments to youngsters." – Jeffrey Snedeker in The Horn Call February 2015

Biography

Whitehurst, Tom

Born on the 21st December 1960 Thomas George Whitehurst passed his Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Sheffield in July 2012, but his roots are 23 years of service with the British Army Bands, performing all over the world, and where he attained the rank of Sergeant. Since leaving the Army in 2000 Tom gained employment as a brass teacher for Nottingham Performing Arts and within this role he conducts the Concert Band Choir and arranges music for them - he is also the leader of the Swing Band and Brass Group. Other roles Tom has are Musical Director of the Bestwood ‘Black Diamonds’ Training Brass Band and leader of the Bestwood Swing Band.