Kevin Eisensmith, reporter

According to their website, the American Brass Quintet, founded in 1960, “seeks to promote brass chamber music as a serious chamber music medium.” The ensemble recently celebrated its 45th anniversary, although trumpeter Ray Mase assured the audience that none of the original members are still with the group. For those unfamiliar with the ABQ, it uses a bass trombone as the fifth member, rather than the more “standard” instrumentation, which includes tuba.

Their program featured works from the Renaissance, along with several 21st century compositions. They began their concert with Three Madrigals, by Luca Marenzio, and edited by Ray Mase. From the first notes the brilliant, clear tone and impeccable ensemble that has come to be associated with the American Brass Quintet was in evidence. Mase and Kevin Cobb, the quintet's trumpeters, switched to flugelhorns for the second movement: “Qual mormorio soave,” creating an even darker tonality and underscoring the vocal nature of the work.

Kevin Cobb introduced the next piece: The Three Tenses, by Huang Ruo. Cobb explained that the piece was challenging to prepare. Ruo utilized numerous “extended” techniques, including half-valving and multi-phonics. He also wanted the brass instruments to imitate other instruments, such as the Chinese oboe, and to make other sounds as well. The title refers to “past, present, and future,” although Cobb explained that in Chinese philosophy these are less delineated than in American culture. As a result, the three movements moved directly into one another. The opening was described as “two objects floating down from outer space.” A sense of chaos was created through trills, glissandi, and a great deal of dissonance. The second section had a sense of conflict, created, according to Cobb, by the fact that the composer lived in New York City while writing the piece! The final section resolved in a satisfying way, giving hope for the future.

David Sampson, a name familiar to many trumpet players, was the composer of the next work: Breakaway for Two Trumpets and Electronics. The first movement, “Carving the Stone,” was percussive, angular, and fanfare-like. The second movement, “A Single Shot: Prayers and Chants” sounded like an elegy, and featured an insistent ostinato that pulsed throughout the entire movement, over which the trumpets played beautiful, lyric lines. The final movement, “Awakening,” contained some rock-like elements, and the electronic sounds were reminiscent of a moog synthesizer. The trumpets lines were punctuated with flourishes and “kicks.” This was a challenging but effective work, and will no doubt be featured on many trumpet recitals in the future. Unfortunately, the electronics overwhelmed the trumpets at times. Because of conflicts with the concert hall, the trumpet players were not able to check the sound system before the performance began.

The quintet next performed five Chansons by Josquin des Prés, and edited by Mase. Again, the use of flugelhorns in several of the movements was most effective in creating a sound similar to one a listener would expect from human voices. A favorite was “El grillo” (The cricket), with an ending that brought amused chuckles from the audience.

The ABQ has been involved in over 100 commissioning projects over the past 45 years. John Rojak, bass trombonist for the ensemble, said that many of the works were never performed again after the premier performance. He then stated that would not be the case with the final work of the afternoon. Copperwave, written by Joan Tower, is the newest piece in the ABQ's repertoire. This was a powerful piece, a rollercoaster of intense moments followed by moments of even greater intensity. The audience was on its feet to show their appreciation even before the last note had died away.

As a friend said to me, the American Brass Quintet “never fails to satisfy.” They displayed impeccable intonation and flawless ensemble. Their performance had a real sense of “class.” Following the concert, the ABQ adjourned to another room for a “Talk Back Session.” Many from the audience attended this question and answer session.