Brass Band Logo

NJH Music Logo

Some of the contents of the pages on this site are Copyright © 2016 NJH Music
[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: Vibrato

On Wed, 20 May 1998, Kees & Michelle Dogger wrote:

> I feel that Brass Bands should indeed be evolving into something which can
> produce the "symphonic" sounds. This is not to say that they should ignore
> their heritage and historic sound ( or instrumentation ) but that they
> should augment.

(snip for brevity)

> Traditionalists are important in the Brass Band movement but surely they
> recognise the importance of the evolution of sound, technique and style. If
> not then we should still be performing organum and plainsong.

When it comes to achieving that "symphonic" sound, what exactly do you
mean? The only brass band instruments used in symphonies are the tuba and
trombone. Cornets are nearly extinct in the orchestra. Euphs are very
rare, baritones and tenor horns non-existant. Cornets played to sound like
trumpets sound horribly thin and raspy. Four tubas, played
"symphonically", can overpower an entire band with ease. Besides that, Bb
basses are used only moderately and Eb's almost never. The only instrument
that should be producing a true "symphonic" sound (imho) is the trombone.
Works like Moor of Venice are a perfect example of how a brass band can
play an orchestral piece, be exciting, and still sound like a brass band.
That is what we should strive for!

Regards,
Matt LaFontaine


--
unsubscribe or receive the list in digest form, mail a message of 'help' to
listserver@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Services] [Contact Us] [Advertise with us] [About] [Tell a friend about us] [Copyright © 2016 NJH Music]