Review

J. Abelardo D. Flores
Fanfare for Brass:
4 horns, 5 trumpets, 3 trombones, euphonium, tuba

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Publisher: Wehr's Music House
Date of Publication: 2006
URL: http://www.wehrs-music-house.com

Score and parts

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

This heavy, thickly scored work is actually a setting of three fanfares that run consecutively. Each section of brass, 4 horns, 5 trumpets, 3 trombones, euphonium, and tuba, figures prominently within each fanfare, and composer Flores initiates clever sonic innovations that add personality to each fanfare. He utilizes mutes and glissando to give shape and color to the second and third sections, respectively, for example, and he wisely saves the sustained triple tonguing sections for the final calls. These formulas are, however, slightly obscured by the close, dissonant spacing, particularly in the low brass. 


This piece, because of its weightiness and rhythmic fluctuations, is better served in the middle of a program as opposed to opening a concert. Its range requirements are not extensive, but the ability to triple tongue is required. Mr. Flores, Director of the San Diego Concert Band, has offered a significant work that is, though at times unstable, still well-proportioned and satisfying.

-Joel Elias
Sacramento State University