Fux and Mayr pieces announced

Trombonists looking for some interesting new repertoire for their next performance, or maybe just for their own pleasure should be pleased to hear about two brand new editions of original Baroque trombone music. Howard Weiner, Assistant Editor of the Historical Brass Society Journal and frequent contributer to scholarly debates about the history of trombone performance described them:

Johann Joseph Fux Sonata à 3 for trombone, 2 violins, and basso continuo (E 68) -- ensemble publications ENS 101
A very nice piece that was probably written shortly before Fux' appointment as court composer in Vienna. It is somewhat similar to the Bertali sonatas for the same formation. This sonata has never been published before, and is thus NOT identical to the Fux Sonata edited by Ron Babcock (Kargarice).

Rupert Ignaz Mayr Beati Omnes (1681) for alto (or high tenor) voice, trombone (or viola), and basso continuo -- ensemble publications ENS 100.
This is a setting of Psalm 128, with a virtuoso voice part and a just as virtuoso trombone part. Mayr was a minor master active in Bavaria during the last quarter of the 17th and early-18th century.

I understand that both editions are available from Hickey's and hopefully soon from other dealers.

They are all at it

Yet another personality (well, BBC presenter) has admitted to am embarrassing truth about their younger days when they should have known better. Yes, Paul Allen, presenter of Radio 3's Night Waves used to be a trombonist.

Like most people who have played the trombone, I have always suspected that players of other instruments were laughing behind my back even if I played well (more often laughing in my face of course)

It was discovered in January that Classic FM and well-known British news presenter John Suchet also has a trombone skeleton in his closet.

Interestingly enough, both trombone playing presenters are keen Beethoven fans (despite him writing for us a fiendish high C entry and later a top F in his fifth symphony...)

Concert gimmick alert

The world famous Black Dyke Band led by Nicholas Childs have been doing better than most in programming music that goes beyond being good entertainment for the local Women's Institute. But they have decided to spice up their prestigious concert at the Royal Albert Hall this October by having swashbuckling theatre performed as they perform background music.

a public performance of Heritage from the band’s recently released DVD of the same name, in which sword fighters from the Royal Armouries enact the music.

Like most brass bands they are more used to playing watered-down arrangements of pop tunes and Classic FM's favourite trivialities, but despite aiming to break "traditional brass band boundaries", this move seems like it will do little to enhance their reputation as serious artists.

At least they've labelled the concert as a "gala" so audiences with taste will know to avoid it.

Subdivision is inspiration enough

Recently spotted on the OTJ:

A famous violinist (Stern, Horowitz, it doesn't matter) played a recital. After the performance an appreciative audience member came up to the performer, and asked, "The slow movement was so beautiful, what were you thinking about? The beauty of a sunset, the vista from a mountaintop, the feelings of your first love?" The virtuoso paused only a moment and replied "sixteenth notes"

Quote of the week

We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.

Goethe

Tuba playing out of this world

Taxing orchestra life in Bournemouth

The Bournemouth Symphony is having a bit of a raw deal this week. After their liked principal conductor Marin Alsop signed up to an American orchestra, they lost a court case which may cost them millions of pounds in VAT.

The story is that basically they are trying to be like charity and be VAT exempt, but the London court decided no, because they pay a board member, their Managing Director.

An extra 17.5% will be levied on all tickets to pay tax. So out of the money in your pocket (which you've paid up to 40% Income Tax and 11% National Insurance on already and your employer has paid 15% additional National Insurance), 15% of your ticket money now goes on VAT. Once it is in the hands of the orchestra, they will pay another 15% or so National Insurance, before the musician pays up to 22% Income Tax (musicians are rarely higher rate payers) and up to 11% National Insurance before it ends up in the pocket of the musicians. It's a good thing that these orchestras don't make any profits these days, else they'd be taxed at approximately 30% on it... No wonder these orchestras have financial insecurity.

I think I'm going to start an orchestra on Cross Channel ferries to avoid the taxes.

China musicians sacrifice love

What would you sacrifice to become a star musician? Exactly what proportion of your social life in your developing years? How about being banned from having a boyfriend or girlfriend?!

China is developing rapidly into a business powerhouse to rival the West. But it's the first time I've heard about the huge growth in talented musicians there. According to the International Herald Tribune, it is:

a nation all but obsessed with producing the next world-famous virtuoso

In a report from the Canton International Summer Music Academy, their Musical Director Charles Dutoit describes the harsh competitive Asian attitude drives parents and students very hard from an early age. Dutoit admires the technical accomplishments, but there are worries that they are not getting a life which will mean they will have nothing to 'say' when they perform.

Clutching backpacks and instrument cases, they lined up to receive student packs, filled with rules against drinking, smoking, leaving the grounds, sleeping late or fraternizing with the opposite sex. (One rule purportedly proposed by the government - "Do not fall in love" - was later rescinded by Cisma's foreign advisers.)

But surely, once they get these issues sorted out there is great potential.

The Chinese government's efforts to build concert halls, opera houses and music academies all over the country is not without political motive. Ever concerned about its place in the world, China is eager to prove that it is not only an economic powerhouse, but a cultural one as well.

It's difficult to develop cultural infrastructure quickly, so I wish them lots of luck - it could be the start of something great!

Byron Fulcher

When asked what he would be if not a musician, Byron Fulcher, principal trombone for the Philharmonia Orchestra and general trombone god replied:

I’d be a BASS trombonist!

Read the full interview here.

To hear this man on fine form, listen to the Philharmonia's recent Mahler 3 recording with Ben Zander

Marin Alsop gets frosty reception from Baltimore

One of America's best conducting talents is currently Principal Conductor at Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in England. Over the past few days, the "other BSO", the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has been trying to lure her back to her native soil, but it has all turned into a media disaster for all concerned as the members of orchestra have publicly implied that they don't like her.

The root of the problem stems from the orchestra's recent pay negotiations with the musicians. The orchestra has built up about a $10 million deficit, so in return for a 10% pay cut, the musicians were promised a bigger say in who will conduct them. So after the recent retirement of Yuri Temirkanov, a 21 member search committee was formed, including 7 members of the orchestra. The search committee was to recommend Marin Alsop to the Orchestra's board for appointment and rumours of this spread last Friday.

James Glicker, president of the Baltimore Symphony admitted opinions in the orchestra about potential candidates was "volatile". This bore out on Saturday, when Jane Marvine, head of the BSO players committee announced to the press:

Our understanding is that the seven musician members of the search committee who represent the sentiments of the orchestra members are unanimous in their view that a decision at this time is premature and that the search process should continue.

Which to me sounds like they really don't like her. It's funny, because I understand she's quite liked in Bournemouth. In a recent conversation with a principal player there, he described her as,

a straight talking character with a clear technique and a withering glance - particularly if you are a member of the audience trying to unwrap a throat sweet rather too noisily.

The board confirmed on Tuesday that she was to be appointed, and the Baltimore Sun said they had ignored "the objections of the majority of the orchestra's musicians". Meanwhile, Alsop seemed pleased:

I've looked forward to working with the world-class musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra with a special excitement since the first time I conducted them

I can't believe she's not heard the dispute with the players, yet she described them as:

exceptional, committed and passionate about what they do. And, with the board and staff, they make a great team."

In the past Alsop has been quoted as saying:

I am more of a colleague than a maestro

So perhaps this attitude will help her break down the frostiness when she arrives there in 2007.

UPDATE 22nd July:
The Baltimore Sun is reporting that before signing the contract, Marin Alsop spoke to the players to ask for their support, to which they offered "110%".

BBC rules

Public broadcasting is a joke the world over, apart from the BBC that is. The BBC is head-over-heels better at broadcasting the arts than any other radio or TV station on the planet.

One of these days, the dismal listening figures for BBC Radio 3 will mean someone will pull the plug on it, so make sure you discover it while there is still time! Classic FM has it's merits, but are very predictable and take zero chances. I can just about live with the fact that they always pick the best known recording of every work (you can guarentee that The Planets or Shost 5 will be the recent LSO recordings) rather than introducing the listener to =shock= others that might also be interesting. But the major problem I have is that if they are broadcasting real concert then they advertise it for weeks ahead, as if it is a unique event... are people really unintelligent to grasp the fact that there is a big orchestral concert several times a week in most cities?

So hooray for Radio 3 that broadcasts a live concert nearly every day. Every week-day afternoon they showcase one of their five in-house orchestras in a recent studio recording. Yes it's expensive for them to do, but it means the public are provided with hugely stimulating, relevant and inspiring sounds for practically nothing. They are also major supporters of the musicians. All for £126.50 license fee a year. And then you have the Proms...

Proms on TV

Cancel the holidays, hold onto your seats: the BBC is broadcasting an amazing 30 of it's Proms concerts on TV this summer. Full length, great views of the players, decent sound quality, intelligent debates in the intervals - what more could you ask?



On Monday, make sure you tune into Placido Domingo singing Wagner with the Royal Opera House band - their Ring Cycle has been getting rave reviews for the music and slated for the rest of the production, so see it with the orchestra elevated to the stage, and no dodgy scenery or acting. The trombone section will no doubt be stylishly led by Lindsay Shilling, recently moved from the LPO, and he will be joined by former colleague Brian Raby who will play the wonderfully soloistic bass trumpet part. This is all on BBC Four so make sure you get a digital box for just £30 today.



With the current spate of trombone job changes, several of the regional orchestras will be thrust into the glare of London and the media with deputy trombone players, some of them rising stars who can show the old crowd a thing or two. So watch out who's going to be playing 1st and 2nd trombone on Tuesday in the BBC NOW and 1st trombone at the LPO on Saturday 20 August. Who knows who will be in the section for the World Orchestra for Peace, although Chris Houlding and Eric Crees have filled the principal role in the past. Also of interest will be perhaps one of Kevin Price's last concerts with the RLPO on Saturday 23 July, before he takes the job of Head of Brass at the Royal Welsh Academy of Music. And no doubt it will be Ian Bousfield out to impress the London crowds with the Vienna Phil 7/8th Sept.

Check out the full list here.

'Trombone' Tiger on his way to Open result

Scotland's Open Golf has become the focus of sporting attention this week, as all interest in the Ashes cricket dives now that all bets on England are off before it's started. The Royal Bank of Scotland has got its bank note press into full swing printing £5 notes with retiring golf legend Jack Nicklaus on the back, and the bagpipers are busking barely putting distance apart on the streets of hosting town St. Andrews.

But apparently the kilted pipers are competing with a solitary trombonist who is belting out his own nationalistic tunes, dressed in full black tie.

The sign in his case read: 'Please help a poor trombonist fund a trip to the USA.'

No doubt he's gunning for one of those last Auditor places on Joe Alessi's Seminar in New Mexico which starts in just two weeks.

If any Hot Brass readers spot the poor lad in St. Andrews, can I encourage you, now those Nicklaus fivers have run out, to invest it instead in the trombonist's education and inspiration. And maximum brownie points for emailing me his name/photo/contact details in the hope of getting an interview with this cheeky chappy!

How to clear a swimming pool

The special Hot Brass "Photo of the Week" prize goes to this:

I understand it is the LSO horn section in their summer Daytona (Florida) residency, 1993, taking their horn quartet practise very seriously indeed.

If I was posing for this publicity shot, I think I'd grow a beard and wear shades too!

But if anyone can name these players then please send me the info! My email address is by my photo on the top-right.

UPDATE: My female horn friends have informed me that the hunks in trunks are:
(left to right) Jonathan Lipton (4th, then and still), Bill Haskins (then 2nd, now 4th with BBCNOW), Tim Jones (principal, then and still) and Richard Clews (then 3rd, now principal at the ROH)

Contemporary Danish music

A new CD is out from Dacapo Records, featuring lots of contemporary music for trumpet and trombone. Ole Edvard Antonsen (trumpet) and Kasper Thaarup (trombone) head up the credits and play music by Norwegian composers Peter Bruun, Bent Lorentzen, Per Nørgård, Ole Schmidt and Bent Sørensen. I only know Sørensen's Bells of Vineta which has been recorded by Lindberg and Niels-Ole Bo Johansen, and is really deep and touching stuff.


Ole Schimdt Concerto for trumpet and trombone, op. 19, "Pièce Concertante" (1957)
Per Nørgård It’s All His Fancy, That (1992-95) for trumpet, trombone and piano
Bent Lorentzen Circles (1996) for trombone solo
Bent Sørensen The Bells of Vineta (1990) for trombone solo
Peter Bruun Twelve to Remember, Twelve to Come (2001) for trombone solo and ensemble

More info here.

Baton down the hatches

There's an audible gasp when Marion Wood, rehearsing the first movement of Tchaikovsky's fourth symphony, turns to the trumpets and trombones of the Orchestra of Opera North and asks: "Have you got any more?"

Murray Greig and Chris Houlding wouldn't have needed telling twice!

"It's meant to be devastating."
Trumpeters and trombonists lick their lips and oblige with a sonorous barrage that sets the chandeliers jingling in Leeds Town Hall.

From last Friday's Guardian - Baton Order - about the Leeds Conducting Competition.

Mindless Guitar player shock

With a nod to the terrible events of 1931 when the 'talkies' (movies with sound) put 10,000 British orchestral musicians out of work pretty much overnight, today's announcement put fear into the hearts of every working guitar player everywhere.

Some electronic engineers from Georgia Tech University have made a robot that plays guitar. Well sort of.


You can give "Crazy J" a MIDI file and it will pluck the strings and put down 'fingers' on the fretboard, but without the sarcastic comments usually associated with living players.

So with the wizardry of computing we can hear Flight of the Bumblebee on acoustic guitar! And I thought it was ridiculous on trombone...

Olympics in London

In more heartening news, I'm really pleased that here in London we will host the Olympics in 2012. That should be enough time to practise really hard in to ensure I'll be playing in the orchestra in the opening ceremony...

Events in London

The London bombs yesterday were really shocking. The LSO Brass' concert was set to take place at 11am yesterday morning 5 minutes walk from a couple of the bombs were set off. It was of course cancelled, but I hope none of the people on their way there were injured.

Performers reveal the music

Yes, I can read the notes too, but what do they mean?

Simon Rattle

Turnage to reside at the LPO

As a result the successful premier of his trombone concerto "Yet Another Set To" and other London Philharmonic Orchestra concerts of his music, hot composer Mark-Anthony Turnage has been appointed composer in residence at the LPO.

He's had a string of successes, with his music influenced by the grit of urban life, although it may become difficult to continue as the bad-boy of composition now he's into his 40's.

The residency is great news, since he is one of Britain's best composers at the moment: he attracts audiences, without resorting to dumbing down his music. Well done LPO for providing his home audience with lots of his music and premieres.

Full story here. See my review of his concerto in the BTS magazine, out in the next week or so.

Practice on the cheap

Students that are a bit tight for cash may appreciate these instructions for making a homemade practice mute out of one of those disposible air fresheners. In fact, those that are a dab hand with a soldering iron may want to go the whole hog and make a home-made silent brass mute.

Alessi plays Pugh and Rota concerti in Korea

Two decent modern trombone concertos will be played in a couple of weeks by one of the instrument's finest exponents, Joseph Alessi.

The New York principal, who will be playing with the Seoul Philharmonic in the South Korean capital, will first present the concerto by fellow Italian blooded Nino Rota. An excerpt of this brooding 1969 work can be heard here, courtesy of David Bruchez.

Jim Pugh's connection with Alessi is that they both work in New York as trombonists, only Pugh plays mostly jazz. He's done a fair amount of composing and is doing a decent job of writing effective cross-over pieces. There are some lovely numbers of his on the recent Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble CD. In my opinion, Alessi is at his best in the modern classical/jazzy American repertoire, and indeed he has stated that his favourite recital piece is also in that vein - Arrows of Time by Robert Peaslee.

The concert date is Friday, July 15.

Joe Alessi video

NY Philharmonic principal Joe Alessi seems to be America's favourite trombonist, and the rest of the world think he's pretty special too :-). Those that would like to see and hear some fine playing from him, although on a rather unremarkable American piece (in my opinion), should check out this video.

It's 25 minutes long and passable Real Audio quality. Alessi plays the Ewazen piece Visions of Light with the Indiana University Wind Ensemble conducted by Ray E. Cramer. They both play really well. Aside from the wonderful playing of Alessi, watch out for:

* the band trombonists behind Joe watching his playing carefully with "damn him, sounds so good it's depressing" looks
* the solo music bound in Joe's 'practise' book which he carries everywhere with upcoming music to practise in spare moments.
* Joe's intense eyebrow involvement(!)
* evidence of mouthpiece pressure (can't blame him on this tiring music!)
* supremely comfortable playing right up in the high register
* careful control of timbre across the registers - he can keep his broad sound right up to the top of the range, or go small and light-jazz-like
* complete inability of the camera to show the french horns. Or maybe they aren't very pretty...

Enjoy.

Tribute to Fletch details

After getting exclusive news of the tuba CD tribute to John Fletcher last month, I'm pleased to have found Jim Gourlay has lauched his own website which contains the track listing and means to buy the CD in aid of the John Fletcher Memorial Trust Fund.


Tuba Tribute to Fletch (2005)

1. Miniature Overture from 'The Nutcracker' by Tchaikovsky arr. Roger Harvey
2. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from 'The Nutcracker' by Tchaikovsky arr. Roger Harvey
3. Mine's a Large One by Richard Bissill
4. Adverbial Variations on 'Nellie the Elephant' by Tim Jackson
5. Sweet and Low by Barnby arr. John Fletcher
6. Caravan by Juan Tizol arr. Oren Marshall
7. The Liberation of Sisyphus by John Stevens Featuring James Gourlay, soloist with the RNCM Tuba Euphonium Ensemble
8. I've Fallen in Love with my Tuba by David Powell
9. Improvisation for Prepared Tuba by Oren Marshall
10. Chorale from 'St. John's Passion' by J.S. Bach arr. Oren Marshall
11. Adelstrop by Simon Wills
12. Blue by Richard Evans
13. Can-Can from Orpheus in the Underworld by J. Offenbach arr. John Fletcher
14. Swing Low Sweet Chariot (Traditional) arr. Eric Crees
15. Evening Hymn from 'Hansel and Gretel' by E. Humperdink arr. Richard Payne

Early retirement?

Today's Guardian has a thought-provoking article about the worries of older musicians, especially with the impending extension of our working lives to 70. Read it here.