Customer Reviews

Of Knights & Castles

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Given a title such as <Of Knights and Castles>, one would expect (especially from Dorian) a program of medieval troubador music and songs (of which a little goes a long way). But, as you can see from the contents list above, The Burning River Brass has gathered several symphonic pieces from all ages (19 in all, by the way) and arranged them very nicely indeed for brass ensemble.

One might question what Mozart's Queen of the Night is doing in such company, but she was trying to storm a fortress in the second act.... What matter, as long as it is played this well!

Like almost all Dorian products, this is a collection of music rare enough to guarantee its welcome into any collection--and as such makes a great gift for whatever occasion is coming up.

This is a really fine album, of really fine brass music, superbly performed and recorded. Don't hesitate to buy it if you like brass music. I think it's much better than this ensemble's other recording available online, which contains music from Pictures at an Exhibition. I feel the repertoire on Of Knights and Castles is better suited for brass ensemble, and there's a greater variety of music, of different lengths, in different styles from different periods. If you're a brass player, you'll be impressed by how well these folks play. Their technique is excellent, their intonation is right on, the ensemble is well-balanced and there's a wonderful dynamic range. So, go ahead and buy it. You'll listen to it over and over again.

Two nights ago I attended a Burning River Concert in a rather small intimate theatre. Amazing sounds and dynamics! Amazing virtuosity and amazing ensemble playing! I bought this CD at the concert and have been listening to it. The recording quality is quite good. At lot of the live excitement is captured. Some of the CD's selections were on the evening's program; the others are a nice surprise. The size of the group (eleven brass and one percussionist) is so much better than the usual quintet of, say, the Empire Brass. It's really interesting to hear the four trumpeters trade phrases - of course it's easier to detect this at live performances. And when they are all playing together at double forte level it can take your breath away. You should really crank up the volume to get the full benefit. Otherwise, make sure you attend their next concert in your neighborhood.

This album is a fortuitous combination of extraordinary virtuosic playing and equally excellent production. It is perhaps the finest brass album I have. Very listenable repertoire and remarkable precision in the performance.

It is a fairly well done disc, but I feel that Romanza Espana of the trilogy is much better.