Gordon W. Bowie
Overture for Brass Quintet:
2 B-flat trumpets, horn in F, trombone, tuba (alt. bass trombone)
Bangor, ME, United States
Publisher: Serendipity Press
Date of Publication: 1994
Score and parts
Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass
Overture for Brass Quintet:
2 B-flat trumpets, horn in F, trombone, tuba (alt. bass trombone)
Bangor, ME, United States
Publisher: Serendipity Press
Date of Publication: 1994
Score and parts
Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass
Overture for Brass Quintet is scored for the expected instrumentation: two trumpets, horn, trombone, and tuba, although bass trombone is indicated as an alternative to tuba. The piece is composed of several distinct sections, but there is no intended break separating them. It begins with an interesting Maestoso section in 4/4 meter, in which 16th note runs are shared and exchanged among the parts. A modulation leads to an Andante section with a lyrical melody carried by first trumpet. Four measures of accelerando propel the piece into an Agitato section dominated by 8th notes. A Rallentando and modulation prepare a Leggiero section which features a two 16ths and 8th motive. An Accelerando and modulation prepares an Allegro portion in 6/8 meter, which is the longest section of the piece. Another modulation leads to a short accented 4/4 section, then to a Vivo section, which gives way to a final Tempo primo section in the original key. Other than the longer 6/8 segment, the sections described above average 16-20 measures in length. The effect is rather disjointed, caused not only by the brevity, but also by the rather sharp contrasts that separate each portion of the quintet. While interesting ideas are presented, one wonders if a few could be selected for further development in a single piece, while the others could be used in another setting. This would help to provide a more unified, and perhaps more satisfying performing and listening experience. -Glenn Eernisse Brewton-Parker College