The National Brass Ensemble is a collective of some of the most virtuosic and acclaimed brass players from major orchestras across the United States. This ensemble, characterized by its rich, dynamic sound and precision, showcases the talents and artistry of its members in performances and recordings that often pay homage to the grand traditions of brass music while still infusing a modern sensibility. The group’s members typically come from prestigious institutions such as the San Francisco Symphony, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and The Cleveland Orchestra, among others. These elite musicians unite on a project basis to explore and record brass repertoire both historic and contemporary.
With releases like "Deified" and breathtaking arrangements, such as the one found in "Sandoval: Brass Fantasy: II.," the National Brass Ensemble demonstrates their ability to traverse diverse musical landscapes from the bravado of Wagner to the finesse required for the intricate works of Gabrieli. Their rendition of "Wagner: The Ring (after Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen): II. Ride of the Valkyries" illustrates their power to convey epic narratives instrumentally. Meanwhile, their commitment to bringing to life the antiphonal works of Giovanni Gabrieli is evidenced in their performances of "Gabrieli: Music for Brass Ensemble," where they utilize modern arrangements by Timothy Higgins to illuminate the timeless beauty of Gabrieli’s compositions. As the ensemble strives for excellence in performance and recording, they hold a distinguished place in the contemporary classical music world, celebrated for honoring the deep history of brass music while also forging its future.
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