"Romantic Brass: Music of France & Spain" by Empire Brass is a captivating journey through the late Romantic period, showcasing the ensemble's mastery of brass arrangements. Released in 1992 on the Telarc label, this album features 16 meticulously transcribed pieces, blending the rich musical traditions of France and Spain.
The Empire Brass Quintet, known for their virtuosic performances, brings a fresh perspective to classical compositions by Isaac Albéniz, Claude Debussy, and Maurice Ravel, among others. The album opens with Albéniz's lively "Sevilla" from Suite Española No. 1, setting the stage for a diverse exploration of musical styles. From the delicate "La fille aux cheveux de lin" by Debussy to the passionate "Adagio" from Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, each track is a testament to the ensemble's skill and versatility.
With a duration of 59 minutes, this album is a compact yet comprehensive collection that highlights the beauty and depth of Romantic-era music. The arrangements, primarily by Edward and Rolf Smedvig, are both faithful to the original compositions and inventive in their brass adaptations. Whether you're a fan of classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Romantic Brass: Music of France & Spain" offers a delightful and enriching listening experience.
Tracks
Suite Española No. 1, Op. 47, T. 61: III. Sevilla (Arr. E. Smedvig)Isaac Albéniz, Empire Brass, Richard Jensen
Préludes, Book 1, L. 117: No. 8, La fille aux cheveux de lin (Arr. E. Smedvig)Claude Debussy, Empire Brass, Richard Jensen
El Sombrero de Tres Picos: Miller's Dance (Arr. E. Flower)Manuel de Falla, Empire Brass, Richard Jensen, Edward Flower
Concierto de Aranjuez: II. Adagio (Transc. E. Flower)Joaquín Rodrigo, Empire Brass, Edward Flower
Cinco Danzas Gitanas, Series 2, Op. 84: V. Seguiriya (Arr. E. Smedvig)Joaquín Turina, Empire Brass, Richard Jensen
Suite bergamasque, L. 75: I. Prélude (Arr. E. Smedvig)Claude Debussy, Empire Brass
Mujeres Españolas, Series 2, Op. 73: II. La marchande de fleurs (Arr. E. Smedvig)Joaquín Turina, Empire Brass, Richard Jensen
Pièce en forme de habanera, M. 51 (Arr. R. Smedvig)Maurice Ravel, Empire Brass, Richard Jensen
Préludes, Book 1, L. 117: No. 6, Des pas sur la neige (Arr. E. Smedvig)Claude Debussy, Empire Brass, Richard Jensen
Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61 (Part 1) [Arr. E. Smedvig]Maurice Ravel, Empire Brass, Richard Jensen
12 Danzas Españolas: II. Oriental (Arr. R. Smedvig)Enrique Granados, Empire Brass, Richard Jensen, Edward Flower
Pour le piano, L. 95: II. Sarabande (Arr. E. Smedvig)Claude Debussy, Empire Brass, Richard Jensen
Cinco Danzas Gitanas, Series 2, Op. 84: I. Fiesta de las Calderas (Arr. E. Smedvig)Joaquín Turina, Empire Brass, Richard Jensen
Six épigraphes antiques, L. 131: I. Pour invoquer Pan (Arr. E. Smedvig)Claude Debussy, Empire Brass, Richard Jensen
Mujeres de Sevilla, Op. 89: II. Jolie fille (Arr. E. Smedvig)Joaquín Turina, Empire Brass, Richard Jensen
Jardín de Oriente, Op. 25: Danza (Arr. E. Smedvig)Joaquín Turina, Empire Brass, Richard Jensen
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