Alba Brass are a brass quintet from Scotland who have been touring since 2004 and have a broad repertoire of genres under their belts fusing jazz, folk and vocal elements to produce a diverse and variable sound. John Wallace is described as a 'Scottish musical legend' and has an impressive CV to prove it. The Principal of the Royal Conservatoire has played with the prestigious London Symphony Orchestra as well as playing principal trumpet in the Philharmonia Orchestra, not to mention having written and edited books - wow!
The opening piece for this concert is Victor Ewald's Quintet No.3 in D flat major Op.7 (quite a mouthful). This piece has a lot of variety in it, there is a slight darkness which quickly resembles a march. I love the sound of the brass, the tone of it makes me feel quite happy and it has an almost regal edge to it, most likely through association.
Next on the agenda is Shorthand of emotion by Ryan Quigley, an elusive piece which I just couldn't find when searching online. I have a feeling that it might take on a jazzy edge having listened to some of Quigley's recordings. I am intrigued to discover what it will bring to the equation
There are some menacing moments in Sextet in E flat minor by Oskar Bohme. I particularly enjoyed the crescendos and the texture which seemed to be a defining feature of the piece. This was probably my favourite piece of the two which I have listened to as it seems to have more substance to it but I suppose that may just depend upon the players!
Alba Brass and John Wallace will perform at the Cottier's theatre on the 3rd of June. You can purchase tickets here or from the Cottier's Theatre Box Office.
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