"Baroque Music for Brass and Organ" by Empire Brass, released in 2003 under the Telarc label, is a captivating exploration of Baroque masterpieces reimagined for brass and organ. This 20-track album, spanning 53 minutes, showcases the Empire Brass Quintet's virtuosity and their collaboration with organist William Kuhlman. The ensemble, led by Rolf Smedvig, presents a diverse collection of works originally composed by Baroque giants such as Bach, Handel, Purcell, and Telemann, expertly arranged for brass by Smedvig and Erik Smedvig. From the lively "Rondeau" from Purcell's "Abdelazer" to the majestic "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" by Bach, each piece is performed with precision and passion. The album offers a unique blend of familiar and lesser-known works, providing a fresh perspective on the Baroque era. Highlights include the intricate "Fantaisie in C Major" by Bach, the graceful "Sicilienne" from Telemann's "Concerto in G Major," and the triumphant "Overture" from Purcell's "King Arthur." Whether you're a classical music enthusiast or a fan of brass performances, this album promises an engaging and enriching listening experience.
Abdelazer, Z. 570: II. Rondeau (Arr. R. Smedvig)Henry Purcell, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
Fantaisie in C Major, BWV 570 (Arr. R. Smedvig)Johann Sebastian Bach, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
Concerto in G Major (After Trio Sonata in B-Flat Major, TWV 42:B1): I. Allegro [Arr. R. Smedvig]Georg Philipp Telemann, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
Concerto in G Major (After Trio Sonata in B-Flat Major, TWV 42:B1): II. Sicilienne [Arr. R. Smedvig]Georg Philipp Telemann, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
Concerto in G Major (After Trio Sonata in B-Flat Major, TWV 42:B1): III. Allegro [Arr. R. Smedvig]Georg Philipp Telemann, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
Sonata da camera (After Violin Sonata in F Major, Op. 1 No. 12, HWV 370) : I. Adagio [Arr. R. Smedvig]George Frideric Handel, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
Sonata da camera (After Violin Sonata in F Major, Op. 1 No. 12, HWV 370): II. Allegro [Arr. R. Smedvig]George Frideric Handel, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
Sonata da camera (After Violin Sonata in F Major, Op. 1 No. 12, HWV 370): III. Largo [Arr. R. Smedvig]George Frideric Handel, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
Sonata da Camera (After Violin Sonata in F Major, Op. 1 No. 12, HWV 370): IV. Allegro [Arr. R. Smedvig]George Frideric Handel, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
Idoménée: Rigaudon (Arr. R. Smedvig)André Campra, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus I (Arr. R. Smedvig)Johann Sebastian Bach, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
Oboe Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Major, HWV 301: II. Allegro (Arr. R. Smedvig)George Frideric Handel, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
Fantasia in D Minor, P. 124 (Arr. E. Smedvig)Johann Pachelbel, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
King Arthur, Z. 628: Overture - Allegro (Arr. R. Smedvig)Henry Purcell, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
The Married Beau, Z. 603: March (Arr. R. Smedvig)Henry Purcell, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
Fantaisie (Allegro) [Arr. R. Smedvig]Tomaso Albinoni, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
Prince of Denmark's March (Trumpet Voluntary) [Arr. R. Smedvig]Jeremiah Clarke, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
The Island Princess: Trumpet Tune (Arr. R. Smedvig)Jeremiah Clarke, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
Te eum in D Major, H. 146: Prelude (Arr. R. Smedvig)Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, BWV 80: I. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Arr. R. Smedvig)Johann Sebastian Bach, Empire Brass, William Kuhlman, Rolf Smedvig