Contemporary Music for Brass & Piano – Arctic Brass

Arctic brass

Performed by the ensemble Arctic Brass, this album opens with Paul Hindemith´s “Morgenmusik”, a typical example of the composer´s Sing- und Spielmusik, closely related to the town musicians´ “tower music” of the 17th century – a fresh and unspoilt piece of morning music. Alexander Arutunian´s “Armenian Scenes” has rapidly become a standard work for brass ensembles all over the world. With a traditional Armenian tone language, the work continually surprises us with its ingenuity and sense of humour. Supplemented by tambourine and Armenian drum, performed by Einar Fjærvoll, the work´s exotic character is highlighted. The Norwegian composer and pianist Wolfgang Plagge is also a guest musician on the album, on his own piece “Canzona”, a one-movement work with clearly contrasting sections, formally linked to 17th century canzonas. Furthermore, Arctic Brass also performs Olav Berg´s “Brass Quintet”, a work filled bold harmonies and chromatic melodies that demands a real mastery of the instrument, Charles Ives´ “Four Songs”, bringing us into a more humorous musical sphere with arrangements by Kenneth Singleton, and Mogens Andresen´s “Three Norwegian Dances for Brass”, which includes the popular Norwegian melody “Per Spelmann” in addition to a Rhinelander and a Røros rustic dance.