Obscurities Across the Internet

Hello everyone! Welcome to my second and final listening presentation post. Today I've compiled some listenings I found across the internet of which I was totally unfamiliar with. In line with this theme lets start off with Michael Tippett's Festal Brass with Blues (1984).

Recorded by Simon Wright, John Wallace and The Wallace Collection's in 1990

Sir Michael Kemp Tippet was an English composer often compared to the ranks of Benjamin Britten. In his early life he was imprisoned for refusing to perform war related duties, and it wasn't until much later in his life when his compositions started to become published.

The work is divided into three sections: fast, slow blues, and fast. For further reading on Tippets compositional process and insprirations feel free to read this article written by Stephen Allen (link).

Next lets listen to some Tuba and electronics called Exit the Foundry by Ben Hase.

Performed and Arranged by Scott Sutherland

Exit the Foundry was originally commissioned for euphonium by Matthew Turek. This work incorporates three sonic elements: sampled mechanical sounds, synthetic electronic instruments, and low register acoustic instruments.

Following that interesting piece I'd like to reintroduce a familiar face to the blog, Matthias Höfs. This is Matthias Höfs and his ensemble performing Erik Morales's The North Star Suite.

Erik Morales The North Star Suite performed in 2021

This piece is heavily inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's "Christmas Oratorio" while including seamless transitions between the themes. The arrangement includes parts for Eb trumpet, Bb piccolo, three C trumpets, and four flugelhorns.

Another frequent flyer in the blog, Tomasi, makes his appearance with Variations Grégoriennes.

Performed by David Guerrier & Jean-Baptiste Robin

The piece is based on an old Marian Hymn. It is incredibly challenging due to its flexibility, endurance, and high range. David Guerrier is now a co-principal with the Berlin Philharmoniker.

Let end off with a bang! Here is an ensemble I was totally unfamiliar with, a Balkan brass band. This is Fanfare Ciocarlia performing at a tiny desk concert.

Set list: "Sirba De La Monastirea" "Lume, Lume" "Asfalt Tango"

Balkan brass is a musical style taking elements of military and folk music from the Balkan region. It is popular in Serbia, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Romania.

Have a wonderful rest of your weeks!