Review

Wesley Knox Ramsay
Heroes and Friends:
3 horns in F, 6 trumpets in C (double on flugelhorns), 3 trombones, 3 tubas (alternate 2 euphoniums), timpani, drumset

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2016 / 2016
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

Composer, educator, arranger, and publisher, Wesley Ramsay (b. 1955) (a trombonist earlier in his career) resides in the Nashville area, creating works for a variety of ensembles, perhaps most recognized for his large scale choral music. He composed this four-movement work for his colleagues of the TriStar Brass (triple brass quintet formed by the faculty quintets of Belmont University, Middle Tennessee State University, and Blair School of Music.) Each movement celebrates one or more friends or heroes of their particular instrument. 

Movement one, Overture for Eberhard and Gilbert (hornist Eberhard Ramm and tubist Gilbert Long, both Nashville natives) opens ceremoniously with a trumpet fanfare and proceeds in a typical overture fashion. All six trumpeters will eventually double (later in the other movements) on flugelhorn and should have the typical battery of available mutes. The third trombone part is not a bass part, which is relevant later when indicated in Harmon mute. Tuba parts 1 and 2 are easily performed on euphonium, the first part ascending only to d. Four timpani are needed, and pitches are noted to change during the course of this movement. The extended tuba cadenza provides some rhythmic and melodic interest, however the range stays in the bass clef staff and is approachable by a capable high school student.

Dedicated to trumpeter/flugelhornist George Tidwell, Waltz for George begins with an ad libitum flugelhorn solo over tubas and muted trombones sustaining harmonic pads. The solo part is indicated for flugelhorn, as are trumpet parts 2-4, however the key signature keeps the parts in C. This engendered much confusion during the initial reading. The waltz ensues; drumset played with brushes and tuba three playing expected bass lines. The melody is shared among most of the parts. 

Members will find the third movement, Ballad for Henry (dedicated to Henry Romersa), musically satisfying. Predictable climactic moments of this lush chorale setting are highlighted by the contrast of cylindrical versus conical brasses. Ironically, trumpets 5 and 6 are indicated for flugelhorn and the parts are in B-flat. Trombones are gifted the melody, oftentimes in creative harmonic variety. Horn parts unnecessarily switch to bass clef. Tuba ends on EE-flat. Percussion return to sparsely used timpani.

The Finale indicates the dedication, “to Rex Peer, of blessed memory, and Herb Bruce, my favorite trombonist.” Notated Energetically, half=96, and 3/2 time signature, this opens with a rhythmic half-step tuba motif answered by a march-like snare roll-off. Trumpets and trombones begin in Harmon mutes; in measure 11 trombones have one beat to return to open. Multiple tonguing is required in flugelhorns and horns. A somewhat abrupt stop is followed by an exposed stately melody in first trombone in the upper register, topping out at c2. This transitions to a reflective section with sparse scoring and the melodic material being passed among the various principal players. The work eventually ends with the two-note motif plainly stated in the tubas and horns, settling on D major. 

Some noteworthy concerns: there are no rehearsal markings, no cue notes after long periods of rest, and the afore-mentioned confusion with trumpets/flugelhorns and if parts are in C or B-flat. Given the closeness of instrumentation to brass band, one might wonder if this would get more playtime and attention if accordingly rescored. 

Recordings were immediately findable with a YouTube search. None of the parts are overly demanding, rests are generously spread, and all parts are relevant. Approachable by a college ensemble, if the parts are honored (dynamics), this music will play itself.