Empire Brass presents a captivating journey through the Baroque era with their album "Baroque Music for Brass and Organ," released in 2003 under the Telarc label. This 53-minute collection features the Empire Brass Quintet, renowned for their exceptional musicianship, alongside organist William Kuhlman. The album showcases a blend of brass and organ arrangements of classic Baroque compositions, offering a unique and rich listening experience.
The tracklist includes well-known works such as Handel's "Oboe Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Major" and Bach's "Fantaisie in C Major," as well as lesser-known gems like Purcell's "Rondeau from Abdelazer" and Telemann's "Concerto in G Major." Each piece has been expertly arranged by Rolf Smedvig, bringing out the intricate details and emotional depth of the original compositions.
The album opens with the lively "Rondeau from Abdelazer" by Henry Purcell, setting the stage for a diverse and engaging musical journey. From the delicate "Sicilienne" to the triumphant "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," the Empire Brass Quintet and William Kuhlman deliver a performance that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
"Baroque Music for Brass and Organ" is a testament to the timeless appeal of Baroque music and the versatility of the brass quintet and organ combination. Whether you're a classical music enthusiast or simply looking to explore the rich history of Baroque compositions, this album offers a rewarding and enjoyable listening experience. The Empire Brass Quintet's precise and expressive playing, combined with William Kuhlman's masterful organ accompaniment, makes this album a standout in the world of classical music.
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