Nordic composers only began writing for brass instruments at the end of the 19th century, with Danish composer Wilhelm Ramsoe writing six quartets during this period.
Composition History
Edvard Grieg's Funeral March, included on this record, was originally written for piano in 1866 in memory of his friend Richard Nordraak, and later arranged for military band and then for a specific brass ensemble.
Historical Context
Brass playing has a long tradition in Scandinavia, with Nordic kings maintaining corps of trumpeters as early as the 17th century.
Recording & Production
This album is a live recording from the Scandinavian Brass Ensemble's concert in Gothenburg on May 27, 1984, documenting a successful Nordic collaboration that received a standing ovation from 3000 brass players.
Historical Context
Early brass music in Scandinavia was often written by German municipal "pipers" like Johan Pezel and Gottfried Reiche, who had studied with municipal pipers.
Historical Context
The strong tradition of military music in Nordic countries produced many excellent brass players, leading to a very high standard of brass playing, as evidenced by the presence of many Scandinavians in J.P. Sousa's orchestra.
Recording & Production
The Scandinavian Brass Ensemble was formed specifically to represent Nordic countries at the 2nd International Brass Congress in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1984.
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