Instrument: Tentet
Grade: conservatoire
Catalogue No: EC037
ISMN No: 9790570661770
The Spanish composer, Manuel de Falla (1876-1946) sent his friend Debussy a postcard of the massive 'La Puerta del Vino' or 'The Wine Gate', which protected the Alhambra in Granada and was a meeting place for gipsies. Although Debussy had only briefly visited northern Spain, he had come across Spanish folk music from the south at the Universal Exposition in 1900, remarking, 'so much imagination mingles with so much rhythm'. This sparked the most violent piece in his two books of piano 'Préludes', full of markedly flamenco-influenced contrasts between passionate outbursts, sensuous lyricism and dissonant tone clusters.
This arrangement was specially made for the album 'Preludes, Rags and Cakewalks' (MPR 005), performed by The Symphonic Brass of London conducted by Eric Crees. All of the transcriptions are new and original, making this a world premiere recording.
‘Super playing from living legends of the London orchestral brass scene. In these fantastic arrangements it’s sometimes hard to believe these pieces weren’t originally scored for brass. The musicianship throughout is second to none and the sound is an absolute treat.
Eric Crees pays his affectionate respects in performances subtly styled, coloured and paced - from the touchingly restrained to the joyfully raucous. Musical authenticity permeates through, understated yet valued in placement and precision. It is a fabulous exploration that deserves the richest of accolades on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.’
Iwan Fox - 4 Bars Rest - Verdict *****
