Review

Sandra Gay
A Mighty Joyful Celebration:
brass quintet and organ

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Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 2010
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass
Secondary Genre: Chamber Music

This bright quintet contains simple melodies and comfortable ranges suitable for a student quintet at the high school or early collegiate level. There are a number of meter changes that could prove initially difficult for less-experienced players, but the piece could be an effective teaching tool for the beginning stages of mixed-meter performance. The trumpet parts range from a to b2, the trombone part ranges B-flat to f1, and the tuba ranges GG up to a. The quintet is uniquely scored for 3 trumpets, trombone, and tuba instead of the standard quintet instrumentation that includes horn. The third trumpet part could easily be performed on horn, however, if the player is experienced in transposition. 

After a dramatic opening, the piece divides into 4 sections separated by solo organ interludes. The brass players serve as a “choir” in between the organ sections. This organization makes an effective performance without the organ improbable, which does place some limitations on the work’s portability. However, if a church venue or other setting with organ is available, this is an accessible and vibrant piece, assuming a qualified organist that can handle two manuals and pedals is available. Synthesizer performance would not be effective due to a lack of pedals. The music is clearly printed and spaced well with only minimal style markings. The organ part specifies the stops and manuals to be used. The brass parts are primarily homophonic, which makes the piece useful for working on improving quintet intonation as well as developing an effective chorale style of brass performance. While I doubt the piece would hold enough interest for a professional-level ensemble, it could be a good program choice for a younger quintet.

-James Adams
Valley City State University