Reinhold Friedrich - Brass 5.1 (LP)

Reinhold Friedrich, a renowned trumpeter and professor at the Musikhochschule Freiburg, presents an exquisite collection of brass ensemble works in "Brass 5.1". Released on November 1, 2007, under the Coviello Classics label, this album spans a duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that showcase Friedrich's virtuosity and the ensemble's dynamic range.

The album opens with "Shadows", a three-movement work for solo trumpet and brass quintet, composed by Friedrich himself. This is followed by a selection of pieces from Ottorino Respighi's "Antiche danze ed arie", arranged for brass ensemble, which evoke the elegance and charm of Renaissance and Baroque dances and arias.

Friedrich's own "Little Songbook" suite for soloist and brass quintet adds a contemporary touch to the album, with playful and engaging pieces like "Bananas", "A Love Affair", and "Catch Me". The album also features the "Brass Sextet in E-Flat Minor, Op. 30" by Alexander Glazunov, a Romantic-era masterpiece that highlights the ensemble's lyrical and dramatic capabilities.

The album concludes with Friedrich's "Brass Quintet", a five-movement work that further demonstrates his compositional prowess and the ensemble's versatility. Throughout "Brass 5.1", Reinhold Friedrich's masterful playing and the ensemble's polished performances create an engaging and enjoyable listening experience that showcases the breadth and depth of brass ensemble repertoire.