On Sunday, February 27, at 3:00pm, at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center, our principal brass players present a full brass concert of bold, beautiful and humorous music on a concert entitled Arizona Philharmonic Brass. This is the first time AZ Phil has presented these members as a brass quintet.
Our principal trumpet player, Cindy Gould, designed the program to appeal to all ages. Other performers in the quintet are Stephen Martin on second trumpet, Karen Teplik on French horn, Michael Martinez on trombone, and Mark Nelson on tuba. Cindy and Karen are founding members of Arizona Philharmonic, and Michael and Stephen earned their spots on our roster in last October’s auditions. This concert will be Mark’s first time with AZ Phil.
The program is filled with great music that will inspire, soothe, and groove you. Here are some of my quick impressions of the works:
- Canzon prima a5 (1615), by Giovanni Gabrieli
– The imitation of the brass calls in Gabrieli’s music is always a favorite of mine. - The Earle of Oxford’s Marche (1570s), by William Byrd
– Very stately, almost regal. - My Spirit Be Joyful (1720s), and Fugue in g minor (before 1707), by J. S. Bach
– Two beautiful and uplifting works by Bach that seem to be made for brass quintet. - “Polka”, from Hornsmoke: A Horse Opera (1975), by Peter Schickele (for which Schickele won a Grammy Award in 1999)
– Peter Schickele, best known as P.D.Q. Bach, displays his humor in this work. - Suite for Brass (1998), by Phil Snedecor
– Practically a poster piece for the brass sounds we love best. Very fun. - Galliard battaglia (1621), by Samuel Scheidt (1587-1654)
– A brilliantly agile and graceful fanfare. - Three Preludes (1926), by George Gershwin
– Sultry music arranged from some of my favorite Gershwin piano works. - Quintet for Brass, Op. 73 (1961), by Sir Malcolm Arnold
– From the “father of the Brass Quintet,” this is bright music showcasing multiple styles and virtuosity.
We hope you can come to the concert, meet our brass players, and hear beautiful music.
