Verdi – Grand March from Aida (Brass Quintet) – Score Digital Download

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 piece won the 1995 Gregynog Composers Award at the Gregynog Music Festival, Wales. It was inspired by Miles Davis's version of George Gershwin's Prayer from Porgy and Bess.

This attractive brass quintet based on the traditional sea shanty What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor opens with a fanfare followed by a main theme, first on trumpets and then on the horn. A series of linked variations follow, with the tune passed between the instruments in constantly changing tempos and styles. A strong rhythmic accompaniment keeps the sea shanty mood and the piece finishes with a showy flourish. Arranged by Eileen Clews, this light hearted work gives each player the chance to show off their instrument, so making it an ideal concert piece or a study piece for brass workshops.

Dowland was the most famous composer of his day - he had an international reputation and was famous for the beauty of his songs. The dance numbers here show a complexity way beyond the normal brass consort music of his time. The gentle Semper Dowland, Semper Dolens is one of the most beautiful pieces of the 16th (or indeed any) Century. Arranged by Stephen Wick and suitable for students and professionals.