Instrument: Brass Ensemble

Why don’t brass ensembles have a regular presence in the classical concert scene, in comparison to string ensembles or at least woodwind ensembles? 

Berlioz’ gargantuan Grande Messe des morts with the Bergen Philharmonic and Edward Gardner opened the Bergen International Festival with deafening climaxes and even more resounding silence.

Several of Tokyo’s finest collaborate in successfully delivering a re-opening concert at Suntory Hall

Woodwind and Brass from the Royal Conservatory of Scotland gave sparkling Stravinsky performances of his Octet, Symphonies of Winds and joined by RCS Voices for his Mass.

An interminable evening of self-regarding narcissism doesn't bode well for the supposed future of classical music: luckily, other options are available. 

Brass chamber music may sound like an alarming oxymoron until you hear the warm sound of Onyx Brass, who brought their Tour de Brass programme to Auckland Castle as part of Durham's annual BRASS festival.

What compelled the composer to use this particular ensemble? Why does this musical texture work best for this moment? Is there a better one? Should I be able to hear more of what’s going on right now? Is that sound really coming from that instrument? These and other questions, uncommon or irrelevant in the context of a Beethoven symphony or a Haydn string quartet, were front and center Tuesd