Walter H. Rubsamen Music Library

Composed in 2017, Brass Quintet has four movements which may be performed as stand-alone pieces: March; Waltz; Soliloquy, Finale. Parts are available from the composer.

The first movement, March, opens with a quirky introduction in 5/8. The march tune then enters in the trumpets with a traditional 2/4 rhythm. This section is followed by a contrasting 5/8, featuring mutes, foot stomps and glissandi. The march again returns, and then once again the 5/8 material, with both motives joining together in a rousing climax.

Waltz is Satie-like in nature, with the opening melody played by the first trumpet. In ABA form, the middle section is faster and features the horn, then the trombone, leading the melody. In the last section, the opening material returns in a gentle, quietly beautiful, finish.

Soliloquy is freely written, with the horn first presenting the whole-tone melody. The material is developed between the instruments, with the second tune being an inversion of the first. Soliloquy is a finely-balanced movement, with all instruments equally taking part in telling the story.

Finale opens with a 16th-note motive which then becomes the accompanying pattern to the jaunty 12/8 melody. It is contrasted with a syncopated section loosely influenced by the 5/8 material of the March. Mutes and foot stomps feature in this syncopated section in which each instrument takes the lead, and then they all pile in on top of one another in layers of exuberant sound