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Re: Brass Band Preservation Society

Philip Anderton wrote:
> 
> Dear Brass-banders
>   The text of this message was lost in my previous submission. Just some
> thoughts on the brass-band instrumentation thread and my experiences here
> in Oz.
> ________________
> 
>	 The problem with adding french horns and trumpets to a brass band is that
> the band would lose its unique sound. The voicing of compositions for brass
> bands (and any traditional ensemble) calls for instruments to give the
> appropriate musical effect, and the wrong instruments give the wrong effect.
>	 Those who chose to belittle the Eb tenor horn and Bb baritone horn in
> favor of the french horn would do well to listen to some of the excellent
> arrangements which capitalize on the tenor horn's unique tonal and lyrical
> capabilities, played well.
>	 My favorite is the enchanting "Elegy" from Percy Fletcher's "Epic
> Symphony". In the opening bars of the Elegy the slow horn chords with pizz.
> bass figure can be spellbinding - french horns would simply not sound right.
>	 The point is that music in any ensemble is arranged according to
> instrument voicing, based on the structure AND SOUND as it has evolved over
> the years. The brass band has a number of different tonal instrument groups
> (to my mind, disagree by all means):
> 
>  cornets
>  trombones
>  euphonia
>  Eb and Bb horns
>  basses
>  flugel fits with either troms or horns
>  percussion
>  conductor  :-)
> 
>	 The problem with adding french horns and trumpets is to get them to fit.
> How would the French Horns fit in with the rest of the band? Play at the
> same time as the other horns? No thanks. Alternate with the euphos? If the
> composer wants euphos, the french horn is the wrong sound. What about the
> trumpets? Mix them with the cornets? Alternate? Replace the instruments
> altogether? - It's no longer a brass band. Why not replace the french horns
> in an orchestra with band instruments?
> 
>	 Yes, we may consider adding trumpets and french horns as new instrument
> groups - just as the trombones presently complement the warmer saxhorns. I
> would prefer not to do this: I don't like the sometimes ear-piercing sharp
> sound of trumpets which seems to be admired in some orchestral circles, and
> the french horn? - well, I prefer the eupho sound in a brass band. If you
> like this idea feel free to have a go - but call it a "brass band ensemble"
> or something. It is not a "brass band" in the traditional sense.
> 
>	  On the subject of tubas and trombones: In the brass band the trombones
> are really a separate family of instrumental sound.  To me the orchestral
> tuba sounds as if it was designed to balance the strident tone of the
> trombones. It does not fit with in the warmer timbre of brass band tubas
> such as the Sovereign instruments. The Bass trombone is enough in the brass
> band, given there are already at least 4 Basses as well.
> 
>	 Sorry to sound pedantic - but I am. There is a snobbish school of thought
> here in Sydney which treats brass bands and their saxhorn instruments as
> inferior. There is little or no formal brass-band presence in the
> Conservatorium (even though there is a "jazz" School). Not surprisingly,
> some students are infected by this bias and feel that trumpets, french
> horns and those curly tubas with rotary valves are somehow "superior" to
> traditional brass band saxhorns.
> 
>	  The brass band is a musical entity with a fine long history and a unique
> sound. Talented composers are producing interesting and challenging music
> for this unique collection of instruments. I suspect there is a worldwide
> resurgence of interest as a result. Let's not throw it away lightly.
> 
>  I'll stand down now, thanks.
> 
> Philip Anderton
> Warringah Concert Brass
> (A traditional brass band)
> Sydney Australia
> 
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A bit like a saxaphone in a brroke orchestra <grin>


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