Robert Howes, Michael Laird directors

Baroque Brass of London has performed at many of the world’s great music festivals, and is without rival in presenting brass music of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Baroque Brass of London’s players are members of Europe’s leading early music ensembles. The group consists of natural trumpets, cornetts, sackbuts, timpani, percussion and continuo. The trumpets use natural harmonics; the cornett was always valued for its resemblance to the human voice; the sackbut is soft and warm while the timpani tone is fresher and drier than its modern counterpart. The sound of the ensemble is, as might be expected, bright and pure in the larger ceremonial music and soft and supple in the smaller pieces. Baroque Brass creates a spectacular effect in the open air and in larger venues such as cathedrals. In contrast, it offers chamber music programmes in more intimate halls, such as those in palaces and castles, for example, where much of the repertoire was first performed.

Programme:

Programmes range from solo trumpet fanfares to large-scale polychoral works. The repertoire covers Purcell, Monteverdi, Gabrieli, Frescobaldi, Lassus, Biber, Buxtehude and lesser-known masters. Regularly works in collaboration with other instrumental and vocal groups and is always seeking new creative partnerships.

Education:

Masterclasses and individual lessons are available for modern or period instruments. Educational programmes are tailored to specific needs.

Recordings:

Purcell’s Funeral Music (Decca)
Festival Mass for the Viennese Imperial Court (Pickwick)
JS Bach’s Suites (Deutsche Grammophon) with English Concert
Carols for Christmas (EMI)
Brandenburg Second Concerto and the Haydn Trumpet Concerto (Deutsche Grammophon) with the English Concert
Cantata 118 JS Bach (Deutsche Grammophon) with Leipzig’s Thomaner Choir

Performances:

Sep 06 Stressa Festival, Italy
Sep 06 Hanover, Germany
Jun 07 Festival Classical

Contact:

Nigel Paul, Manager, Zet Productions,
48282 Emsdetten, Germany

Tel: +49 2572 877 12 86
Fax: +49 2572 877 12 86

Email: info@baroquebrassoflondon.co.uk Website: www.baroquebrassoflondon.co.uk