-
Praetorius: Two Christmas Pieces – Brass Quintet
Es Ist Ein Ros’ Entsprungen and Gespräch der Hirten zu Bethlehem (Colloquy of the Shepherds) are two pieces by Michael Praetorius, one well known and the other, less so. The original test of Gespräch, a retelling of Luke 2:15, juxtaposes the earthly and the divine using both German and Latin. This instrumental version for quartet or quintet (doubling the bass at the octave) evokes the sound of a Gabrieli Canzona.
The mp3 excerpt is performed by the Sine Nomine Brass Quintet. (Used with permission.)
Composer: Mark Questad
Instrumentation: 2 Bb Trumpets, F Horn, Trombone & Tuba
Duration/# of Pages: ca. 3:40 / 10 pages, 8.5″ x 11″
Key: F -
Three French Carols – Brass Quintet
From the glorious opening to the spirited succession of the carols, this arrangement will bring joy and celebration to your Christmas concert. The three carols are Noël Nouvelet, Pat-A-Pan and Il est né, le divin Enfant.
Performers:
Marissa Benedict, Larry Hall – Trumpet
Andrew Pelletier – Horn
Alex Iles – Trombone
Doug Tornquist – TubaComposer: Bill Reichenbach
Instrumentation: 2 Bb Trumpets – 1st doubling Piccolo Trumpet, F Horn, Trombone & Tuba
Duration/# of Pages: ca. 4:25 / 23 pages, 8.5″ x 11″
Key: N/A -
Twas in the Moon of Wintertime – Brass Octet
This, the first Canadian Christmas carol, was originally written in the Huron language using the melody of a 16th century French carol, Une Jeune Pucelle. This arrangement is as expressive as the story it depicts and the plaintive melody is elegantly scored and always full of promise.
The lyrics are:
Twas in the moon of wintertime when all the birds had fled,
That mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead.
Before their light the stars grew dim,
And wand’ring hunters heard the hymn:
Jesus your king is born, Jesus is born.
In excelsis gloria!Performers:
Marissa Benedict, Larry Hall – Trumpet
Andy Pelletier, Bruce Hudson – Horn
Alex Iles, Andy Malloy – Trombone
Bill Reichenbach – Bass Trombone
Doug Tornquist – TubaComposer: Anne McGinty
Instrumentation: 2 Bb Trumpets, 2 F Horns, 2 Tenor Trombones, Bass Trombone & Tuba
Duration/# of Pages: ca. 5:00 / 16 pages, 8.5″ x 11″
Key: N/A -
Wexford Carol, The – Brass Octet
This carol dates back to the 12th century and is one of the oldest Irish carols, originating in County Wexford. The Celtic influence is evident in this sophisticated and superbly crafted arrangement.
Performers:
Marissa Benedict, Larry Hall – Trumpet
Andy Pelletier, Bruce Hudson – Horn
Alex Iles, Andy Malloy – Trombone
Bill Reichenbach – Bass Trombone
Doug Tornquist – TubaComposer: Anne McGinty
Instrumentation: 2 Bb Trumpets, 2 F Horns, 2 Tenor Trombones, Bass Trombone & Tuba
Duration/# of Pages: ca. 3:30 / 13 pages, 8.5″ x 11″
Key: N/A
