EugeneNOMS

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If you didn't know this, french music is really challenging!  One of our great french composers is Eugene Bozza, a french native and extraordinary composer and violinist.  Eugene Bozza has composed works for several types of ensembles but is most known for his chamber music for winds.  One of his most important works for winds is his Sonatine for Brass Instruments (1951) which is in four movements:
I. Allegro vivo
II. Andante ma non troppo
III. Allegro vivo
IV. Largo - Allegro

This piece was premiered by the New York Brass Quintet at Castle Hill, MA in 1954.  The Sonatine for Brass Instruments was considered to be a catalyst for inspiring new compositions.  This composition leveled the playing field for brass musicians by requiring equal agility, technique, rhythmic precision and tonal control from each individual.

Fortunately I have been able to experience this piece as a performer.  I have to say that it is by far one of the most difficult pieces for brass quintet that I have ever played.  The biggest challenge for me was deciding what type of tuba I would use (bass or contra bass).  The range is very wide and extreme, stretching from the very low register to the very high register above middle c.  The rhythmic figures are so complex and can take a long while to get correct.  It is extremely important to have great aural skills as well because of the "awkward" intervals that are being presented.  This piece takes a lot of work but is very rewarding!

Here is a recording of Center City Brass Quintet performing Sonatine for Brass Instruments: Boom
Unfortunately I couldn't find this specific recording outside of spotify or itunes, but luckily it's not the end of the world.  All you have to do is connect your facebook to spotify and it's as easy as that. :)

Performing on this recording:
Anthony DiLrenzo and Geoffrey Hardcastle, trumpet
Richard King, horn
Ko-ichiro Yamamoto, trombone
Craig Knox, tuba

Another recording to listen to is the Asbury Brass Quintet, which is found on youtube!
Members of this quintet are:
Neal Berntsen, trumpet
Kevin Hartman, trumpetGregory Flint, hornMark Fisher, tromboneCharles Schuchat, tuba

 Allegro vivo
Andante ma non troppo
Allegro Vivo
Largo-Allegro vivo

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