The New York Brass Sextet Journal Volume #7

A woodwind sextet with standard quintet instrumentation only with two flutes. The piece is structured around the simple tune and is passed around through the various instruments all the while supported with moving parts by the remaining instruments The counterpoint is solid throughout and makes for a very reflective ensemble rendition.

The introduction of this brass sextet (3 Trp., 3 Trom.) begins with strong choral movement and then settles into repose. The first presentation of the tune is in the trombones with a subtle counterline in the trumpets which then opens up to a stronger movement with the melody in the trumpet. The tune then reverts back to the trombones and then transitions to a move active support pattern in the trombones with a solo in the second trumpet. The final section gives way to a powerful presentation of the tune and immediately settles into a sensitive climate, much like the beginning. After a DC the piece ends with the strong motifs of the introduction giving a sense of finality. (Opt Horn for 1st Trom.)

A brass sextet scored for two trumpets, horn, trombone, baritone and tuba (and opt. trp for horn). The style is a takeoff of traditional naval tunes. The first section presents the tune in a jovial manner with interludes by the upper brass and continues with motives passed around the various voices. A modulation takes place with thematic material in the lower brass. Now, little snippets of patterns passed around until another modulation leading to material like the beginning. Then a playful exchange of lines leading up to a final kicker.

A vigorous piece that begins with extraneous thematic material that goes through various transformations that eventually breaks open to the theme of the title. An exciting brass ensemble that’s certain to please an audience of various venues.