John Irish, reporter

Made up of freelance players who perform in a variety of ensembles in the greater Philadelphia area, this group presented an intriguing concert of music for brass. These players are members who perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Delaware Symphony, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Riverside Symphony, Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Haddonfield Symphony, and Philly Pops, among others.

The concert featured varying sizes of ensembles and a wide range of musical styles that included original compositions by group members. From the outset, a very high quality of playing was evident, demonstrating a strong commitment to the performance of fine brass literature. They opened with Jericho Clangor by Darin Kelly, a member of the Free Lance Brass who recently wrote this energetic, brief piece. They then presented Mutations on Bach by Philadelphia's own Samuel Barber; the group offered a warmly sonorous sound from all the sections. A majestic, regal treatment of Byrd's Earl of Oxford's March was right on the mark. Kelly's arrangement of Morten Lauridsen's choral masterpiece, O Magnum Mysterium, received a lovely, moving performance from the ten-piece ensemble. Biber's great Sonata Sancti Polycarpi for eight trumpets, timpani, and continuo filled the auditorium with all the splendor of polychoral Baroque trumpet music. The first half closed with Sonatina for Brass Instruments by Donald Novy, trumpeter/teacher/composer/inventor (of the Acousti-coil). His work was performed with precise ensemble, virtuosic solo work, and a highly charged, exciting sound from the ensemble.

Rimsky-Korsakov's Procession of the Nobles highlighted spectacular work from the trumpets and horns. Recalling the glory of 16th Century Venice, they next performed a stunning setting of Gabrieli's Canzon Septimi Toni No. 1. This particular ensemble featured many of the younger members of the ensemble in fine form. From a more contemporary vein, the group performed Mad Jack's Revenge, by Sheridan Seyfried who is currently a student at the Curtis Institute of Music. Bold harmonies and powerful writing for the sections made for a highly exciting piece that that was not for the faint of heart. Benjamin Britten's Russian Funeral was written in the throes of Spain's Civil War and reflects his pacifist leanings as a reaction to the strife. A beautiful job by the trombones and horns anchored a commanding portrayal of this powerful piece. Well done indeed! Lush harmonies, great style and intonation abounded in a gorgeous arrangement for trumpets of Shenandoah by James Olcott. All nine of the group's trumpets demonstrated why they are the top call players in the Philadelphia area. Merle Hogg's Sonata for Brass Choir finished the afternoon's offering of brass music in rousing fashion. The depth of quality players in each section of the group was commendable. At the conclusion of the program, the Freelance Brass received enthusiastic applause by a very appreciate audience.