The Baroque era is one of the more well known and influential periods in the history of classical music. With the appearance of composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, George Friderich Handel, and Henry Purcell, it isn’t at all surprising that great things happened. What made it even more spectacular a period for composition was that churches, grandiose courts, extremely wealthy benefactors and beautiful theaters took things to an even greater level, one that is virtually unmatched in excellence.

One of the most widely used period instruments was the organ. In fact, since it wasn’t a portable instrument, many of the works were actually restricted to certain locations. However, as restrictive as the organ was for musical performances, it was the exact opposite for musical genius. It afforded an even greater level of tonal range and breath then traditional musical instruments. It also could be used in conjunction with other instruments as can be seen in Telarc’s “Baroque Music for Brass and Organ.”

This particular album was recorded on September 21.2002 at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. The beautiful sounds of William Kuhlman playing the organ were accompanied by the Empire Brass Quintet. A group well known for their brass performance worldwide, they managed to mesh organ to brass that would have made those of the 18th century stand up and take notice.

All the tracks are actually extremely well done. Though I would have to say one of my personal favorites is Sonata da Camera. Handel’s Sonata da Camera is a beautiful work which when played correctly can cause a person to believe they have gone back in time. This particular rendition of it does just that. The musical artistry is amazing, spanning the entire soundstage without trouble at all. It not only fills the soundstage created by the speakers, but the entire room with the robust sounds of brass and organ.

This track also points out just how musical the recording itself really is. There is not the slightest hint of brassy or digital sounding instruments to mar an otherwise wonderful recording. In fact the upper treble is extremely smooth in nature and there are no audible gaps that I could hear. This is somewhat interesting as usually organ and brass instrument tends to develop these somewhat unflattering characteristics when digitalized.

Another track that I very much enjoyed listening to is Bach’s “The Art of the Fugue, Contrapunctus I.” This piece I have often found to be difficult to play in the best of circumstances, let alone orchestrate an entire brass quintet into it. However, after listening to the performance on the album, I am somewhat unsure of my original impressions. Beginning with the first bars, the brass instruments combine with the organ to form an almost seamless tapestry of musical tonality. In fact, it is sometimes difficult to tell where each particular instrument adds to the experience, yet on the whole you can tell that it does.

I believe one reason this is true especially on this particular album is the flawless recording by Telarc. While I am certain that there is information that can’t be conveyed, there are really no blatant signs to call attention to it. The music flows effortlessly through the multitude of frequency ranges possible without becoming remotely fixated on one in particular. This makes things quite more enjoyable as you don’t find yourself wishing that you could hear more and knowing that you just can’t.

One last track I will mention is number fourteen, Purcell’s “Overture and Allegro from King Authur.” While there might be better examples of the skill of the musicians on the album, I don’t believe any capture the true nature of the period quite as well as this one. It takes only moments to hear the grandeur that the royal courts and cathedrals possessed. It is a wonder that there weren’t even more composers in a period like this.

In short, this is an absolutely great disc of well played and recorded Baroque period music. While the style might not appeal to everyone, it certainly is a good looking glass into the history of classical music. In fact, after hearing and experiencing the music you just might find yourself wishing you were able to go back in time and visit for yourself.

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Empire Brass Quintet
with William Kuhlman

Baroque Music for Brass and Organ

Released: June 24, 2003
Origination Year: 2003
Time: 54:55
Tracks:20
Produced by:Robert Woods
Engineered by:N/A
Mixed by: N/A
Mastered by:N/A
Style: Live
Format: CD
Enhancement: None
Label: Telarc
Website:
www.marceloalvarez.com

Rondeau from Abdelazer - Purcell
Fantaisie in C Major - Bach
Allegro
Siclienne
Allegro - Telemann (Concerto in G Major)
Adagio
Allegro
Largo
Allegro - Handel (Sonata da Camera)
Rigaudon from Idomene -Campra
Contrapunctus I from The Art of the Fugue - Bach
Allegro from Oboe Concerto No 1 - Handel
Fantasia in D Minor - Pachelbel
Overture and Allegro from King Arthur - Purcell
March from Te Married Bean - Purcell
Fantaisie (Allegro) - Albinoni
Trumpet Voluntary - Clarke
The Prince of Denmark's March - Clarke
Prelude from Te Deum in D Major - Charpentier
Opening Movement from A Mighty Fortress is our God - Bach