Brass Family History

If you'd like another overview resource, this Brass Family History page is a good selection. It offers brief descriptions of four of the more common early brass instruments, complete with photographs of the instrument being discussed.

Renaissance Cornetto

The cornetto (or cornett) is an early brass instrument which was quite prominent during the Renaissance. One of the most frequently seen ensemble combinations was a cornett and sagbutt ensemble. These instruments are a strange hybrid of woodwind and brass, and you can find more information on this odd instrument on an excellent website dedicated to the Renaissance Cornetto.

Words of Wisdom

Last night my husband and I had Chinese food for dinner, and while this has absolutely nothing to do with brass ensemble literature or renaissance music and instruments, I thought I would share anyway. My fortune cookie said:

"The most utterly lost of all days is that on which you have not laughed."

So true, I think. Everyone's so stressed out this time of the semester with projects, and recitals, and comps. I thought it'd be a nice reminder to everyone to de-stress a little. So, go find something to make you laugh.

Handel on Muted Slide Trumpet

Here's a video I found on Youtube of Crispian Steele-Perkins performing the muted slide trumpet on a live recital.

HMSC

Quite awhile back I posted a Youtube clip of His Majesty's Sagbutts and Cornetts. Since then, I've found their main website. It has some historical information on the group, bios of members, popular recital programs, and information on their 17 albums, including the newest which features Buccaneer music from England and Spain. Too cool.

American Brass Quintet

In 1979, the American Brass Quintet released an LP of old music titled American Brass Quintet Plays Renaissance Elizabethan and Baroque Music. This old LP was an interesting subject of class discussion since no one listens to LPs anymore. After digging some online, I found out that they released the album as a CD on 7/17/2008. For anyone who is interested in a good brass ensemble playing Renaissance music, check this out. If you're in class and you just want to hear it without all the pops and fuzz, check this out. Either way it's a good time.

Class Listening from April Fool's

One of the topics of interest that came out of last week's listening was the CD Watercolor Menagerie performed by the Premiere Brass Quintet. The music for the CD is original music composed by Raymond Burkhart, who is also one of the trumpets in the ensemble. His website has some information about his background, the CD (as well as ordering information and audio samples), links to various schools, and a nice list of sheet music available for purchase.