Taking Flight: Music for Euphonium and Orchestra

Adam Frey; euphonium (Artist), Alfven; Feinstein; Massenet; Morricone; Puccini; Sandoval; Sarasate (Composer), Bruce Hangen (Conductor), New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra)

Product Details

• Orchestra: New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Bruce Hangen
• Composer: Alfven; Feinstein; Massenet; Morricone; Puccini; Sandoval; Sarasate
• Audio CD (June 19, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: MSR Classics
• ASIN: B000S9NDWK
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #316,193 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Welcome to the exciting world of great music and the euphonium! This landmark recording will take you from the contemplative melody of Ennio Morricone s Gabriel s Oboe to a stunning display of virtuosity in Zigeunerweisen to the grand finale featuring one of the newest works written for the instrument, the Concerto for Euphonium: Swimming the Mountain by Allen Feinstein. There are many scenic lookouts on the way, but first a little background before we start the journey...Sit back and allow me to tell you a story about the euphonium. It is the youngest member of the brass family only being invented around 1835 in Germany. Since it was invented after the standard instrumentation of the symphony orchestra had been established, it does not hold a regular position with major symphony orchestras, though it appears in some special works by Holst, Strauss, Mahler and others. However, the euphonium occupies a highly coveted position in wind bands and brass bands and enjoyed a regular solo spotlight in the Sousa Band. As more people experience its wonderful sound and amazing dexterity, they become devout followers and enthusiasts. I have worked tirelessly to promote the euphonium in concerts - by teaching, by commissioning new compositions, and by making recordings. This disc featuring euphonium with symphony orchestra has been a long term dream of mine and will certainly continue to elevate the euphonium s reputation along with its companion recording, Majestic Journey [Naxos]. They are triumphs and represent the first complete recordings with symphony orchestra for the euphonium. I know you will enjoy the euphonium and spread the good word about this great instrument. And now, enjoy the music... One of the elite young brass soloists in the world, ADAM FREY travels the globe invigorating the international music scene with his virtuoso talent, sensitive lyricism, and connection with audiences. Whether Adam s performing with orchestras, wind bands, brass bands, or in solo recitals, audiences love his charismatic personality and accessible musical interpretations, and critics rave over his technical prowess and tenacious promotion of the euphonium. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Adam received his musical training at the University of Georgia and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. As a major young ambassador of the euphonium, Adam has more than 60 works that have been composed or specifically arranged for him. Adam has played with ensembles the world over, including the Boston Pops, Cheju Symphony Orchestra in South Korea and the Vaasa Symphony Orchestra in Finland, along with symphony orchestras in Seattle, Oregon, Atlanta, Greensboro and Charleston. He also performs regularly with wind bands and brass bands that have included Soli Brass in Holland, Point of Ayr in Wales, the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland and wind bands from Singapore, Germany, Hong Kong and the United States. As a champion of the euphonium, Adam has accomplished many firsts for the euphonium with noteworthy success in his early years in Young Artist competitions. Realizing success in these, he afforded audiences and conductors the chance to hear the euphonium elevated to the orchestral concert stage and also gain respect for the instrument s repertoire and abilities. As a standout figure in the realm of euphonium players, Adam advocates a strong musical education for young players and has published articles internationally and served as an assistant editor of the Euphonium Source Book, a text dedicated to all things euphonium. He serves as president of The Euphonium Foundation Inc., a non-profit established to promote the euphonium, and as Artistic Director of The International Euphonium Institute, a one of a kind experience for young players from around the world to work up close and personal with leaders in the field.