Empire Brass presents a captivating journey through the romantic music of France and Spain with their 1992 album, "Romantic Brass: Music of France & Spain." This collection, released on Telarc, features 16 enchanting pieces from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, expertly transcribed for brass instruments. The album showcases the group's virtuosity and versatility, with arrangements by Edward Smedvig, Edward Flower, and Rolf Smedvig.
From the lively "Sevilla" by Isaac Albéniz to the serene "Adagio" from Joaquín Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez," Empire Brass delivers a diverse range of moods and styles. The ensemble's precise playing and rich tonal colors bring new life to these well-known works, while also introducing listeners to lesser-known gems like "La marchande de fleurs" from Maurice Ravel's "Mujeres Españolas" and "Danza" from Albéniz's "Jardín de Oriente."
The album's duration of 59 minutes makes it an ideal choice for both casual listening and in-depth exploration. Whether you're a fan of classical music or simply appreciate the beauty of brass instruments, "Romantic Brass: Music of France & Spain" offers a delightful and engaging listening experience. The contributions of Edward Flower on guitar, Jeffrey Curnow on trumpet, Richard Jensen on percussion, and Rolf Smedvig on horn add depth and richness to the performances, making this album a standout in Empire Brass's discography.
Vinylscout