"Class Brass: Fire Dance" by the Empire Brass is a captivating journey through a diverse range of classical and folk-inspired pieces, all masterfully arranged for brass quintet. Released on May 1, 1999, under the Telarc label, this album spans a little over an hour, offering a rich and varied listening experience.
The Empire Brass, known for their virtuosic performances, bring a fresh and dynamic energy to well-known classics and hidden gems alike. From the dramatic intensity of Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee" to the playful charm of Mozart's "Rondo alla Turca," each track showcases the ensemble's technical prowess and musical versatility.
The album opens with the iconic "Boléro" by Ravel, arranged by Richard Smedvig, setting the stage for a program that includes works by Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Dvořák, and more. The Empire Brass also delves into folk traditions with arrangements of Celtic jigs and bagpipe music, adding a touch of rustic charm to the collection.
One of the standout pieces is Manuel de Falla's "El Amor Brujo: Ritual Fire Dance," which lends its name to the album and demonstrates the ensemble's ability to convey both passion and precision. The program also features arrangements by Kenneth Amis, further enriching the sonic landscape.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Class Brass: Fire Dance" offers a compelling introduction to the world of brass quintet performances. The Empire Brass's impeccable musicianship and the thoughtful selection of pieces make this album a standout in their discography.
Tracks
Boléro, M. 81 (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Maurice Ravel, Empire Brass
The Ruins of Athens, Op. 113: IV. Turkish March (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Ludwig van Beethoven, Empire Brass
The Planets, Op. 32: IV. Jupiter (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Gustav Holst, Empire Brass
Pictures at an Exhibition: II. Il vecchio castello (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Modest Mussorgsky, Empire Brass
Concerto for Trumpet & Organ in C Major: I. Grave (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Tomaso Albinoni, Empire Brass
Concerto for Trumpet & Organ in C Major: II. Allegro (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Tomaso Albinoni, Empire Brass
Concerto for Trumpet & Organ in C Major: III. Adagio (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Tomaso Albinoni, Empire Brass
Concerto for Trumpet & Organ in C Major: IV. Allegro (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Tomaso Albinoni, Empire Brass
Gnossienne No. 1 (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Erik Satie, Empire Brass
Slavonic Dances, Op. 46: No. 1, Furiant (Arr. K. Amis for Brass Quintet)Antonín Dvořák, Empire Brass
El Amor Brujo: Ritual Fire Dance (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Manuel de Falla, Empire Brass
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: Morning Dance (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Sergei Prokofiev, Empire Brass
Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, Op. 6 No. 2, K. 331: III. Rondo alla turca (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Empire Brass
Two Celtic Jigs: Kesh - Kid on the Mountain (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Traditional, Empire Brass
Romanza (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Rafael Mendez, Empire Brass
Slavonic Dances, Op. 46: No. 5, Skocná (Arr. K. Amis for Brass Quintet)Antonín Dvořák, Empire Brass
Danserye: Rondo No. 9 (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Tylman Susato, Empire Brass
Mikrokosmos, Sz. 107, Book 5: No. 138, Bagpipe Music (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Béla Bartók, Empire Brass
44 Duos for 2 Violins, Sz. 98, Book 3: No. 36, Bagpipes (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Béla Bartók, Empire Brass
3 Chansons de Charles d'Orléans, L. 92: No. 2, Quand j'ay ouy le tabourin (Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet)Claude Debussy, Empire Brass
Slavonic Dances, Op. 46: No. 7, Skocná (Arr. K. Amis for Brass Quintet)Antonín Dvořák, Empire Brass
Presto barbaro (From "On the Waterfront") [Arr. R. Smedvig for Brass Quintet]Leonard Bernstein, Empire Brass
Whether you're just starting your vinyl collection or have been spinning for years, the right turntable makes all the difference. We've selected the best options for every budget.
Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, we always publish it. However, we screen every review to ensure it is authentic and free of profanity. These checks happen automatically, though a human occasionally steps in. We never pay for reviews.
Looking for "Class Brass: Fire Dance" on vinyl?
We don't have a live price right now, but stock fluctuates daily. You can check for hidden stock on Amazon directly, or let us alert you as soon as it is available.
