Standards of the Rep: Laying the Groundwork for Modern Brass Ensembles

 Alexander Alyabiev



    Published in 1847, Alyabiev wrote what is considered one of the first works composed for the brass quintet, predating even the likes of Ewald. This piece is composed with two main ideas, a meloncholy opening and closing, with a more energetic aleggro middle section, that is almost playful. It perfectly highlights the different colors capable of the ensemble and lays a strong groundwork for many pieces of standard repertoire to come later.






    Grishin's Rondo for Brass Quintet is his only composition for the Brass Quintet. His background as a percussionist shines through in the character of this piece. This piece is full of rhythmic ostinatos with sharp interjections, often with varying rhythmic complexity. Many of the instruments are used percusively in nature with short strike utilzing the many timbres available on each instrument. The piece calls for many layers to be woven together carefully with great care from the ensemble; everyone must do their part and subdivide like crazy!



Aleksandr Poteenko




The Suite für Blechbläserquintett, or Brass Quintet by Poteenko, highlights the humor that Russian compsers are capable of. Each instrument in the ensemble gets highlighted in one way or another, and each movement has beautiful melodies along with flashy lines, comedic endings, and ideas. This work captures many of the modern idioms that are associated with the brass quintet.

Francis Poulenc



    Poulenc's Trio for Brass, written for Trumpet, Horn, and Trombone, is considered to be a standard part of the repertoire for this particular instrumentation. Each of these instruments ranges bleed into eachother creating a space for a wonderful blend and the ability for each instrument to carry the melody, the counter melody, or the bass line at any moment. 

All of these individuals have helped define what a standard sound for the brass quintet can be and have laid the groundwork that has influenced more modern ensembles in the brass world.

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