Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of American brass music with "From the Steeples & the Mountains: American Music for Brass" by The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble. Released in 1992 on the Hyperion label, this captivating album spans a little over an hour and features 19 tracks that showcase the ensemble's virtuosity and the diverse range of American brass compositions.
The album opens with "From the Steeples and the Mountains," a piece that sets the tone for the journey ahead. It includes a series of family portraits for brass quintet, each depicting a different family member with distinct musical characters. These portraits are interspersed with other notable works such as "Grinnell Fanfare," "Tall Tale," and "Rondo," each offering a unique blend of brass textures and rhythms.
Notable contributions include pieces by renowned composers like Charles Ives and Samuel Barber, adding a layer of historical significance to the collection. The album also features lesser-known gems like "Angels for Muted Brass" and "A Fantasy About Purcell's Fantasia upon One Note," providing a well-rounded exploration of American brass music.
Under the skilled direction of Christopher Larkin, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive. Whether you're a seasoned brass enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling and enriching listening experience.
Tracks
From the Steeples and the MountainsCharles Ives, Christopher Larkin, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble
Mutations from BachSamuel Barber, Christopher Larkin, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble
Chorale for Organ and BrassRoy Harris, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble, Christopher Larkin
Family Portrait for Brass Quintet: I. A Fanfare. Robin SmithVirgil Thomson, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble, Christopher Larkin
Family Portrait for Brass Quintet: II. At Fourteen. Annie BarnardVirgil Thomson, Christopher Larkin, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble
Family Portrait for Brass Quintet: III. Digging. A Portait of Howard ReaVirgil Thomson, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble, Christopher Larkin
Family Portrait for Brass Quintet: IV. A Scherzo. Priscilla ReaVirgil Thomson, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble, Christopher Larkin
Family Portrait for Brass Quintet: V. Man in Iron. Willie EisenhartVirgil Thomson, Christopher Larkin, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble
Grinnell FanfareHenry Cowell, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble, Christopher Larkin
Tall TaleHenry Cowell, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble, Christopher Larkin
Hymn & Fuguing Tune No. 12 for 3 Horns: I. HymnHenry Cowell, Christopher Larkin, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble
Hymn & Fuguing Tune No. 12 for 3 Horns: II. Fuguing TuneHenry Cowell, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble, Christopher Larkin
RondoHenry Cowell, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble, Christopher Larkin
Brass Sextet: I. HymnPhilip Glass, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble, Christopher Larkin
Brass Sextet: II. BalladPhilip Glass, Christopher Larkin, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble
Brass Sextet: III. FinalePhilip Glass, Christopher Larkin, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble
Angels for Muted Brass (1938 Version)Carl Ruggles, Christopher Larkin, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble
A Fantasy About Purcell's Fantasia upon One NoteElliott Carter, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble, Christopher Larkin
Processional. Let There Be LightCharles Ives, The London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble, Christopher Larkin
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