| Yes. I mentioned that and Bob agreed that they were available. However, he stressed that there really wasn't anything new that he was aware of until after WWII for brass quintet. So, maybe he did not understand the question and maybe I did not understand his answer. Maybe he was inferring that the Ewald stuff was around and wasn't that hard at the point in history when he was playing them. Also, the fourth quintet was not discovered until recently. Since Bob has retired, I may have to ask him if he is aware of this fourth one. However, I would guess that in 1911, the first Ewald was pretty hard at the time.
Granted, everyone would agree that they contain fabulous writing for brass instruments. However, did the Ewald quintets push the trumpet or brass envelope? I would say that they did. Granted, this is my opinion. However, this is why I would argue that it did push the envelope. The rotary valve was invented 1830 something, somewhere in there. So, I would guess, based upon Berlioz Symphony Fantastic, that for a composer to write all of these melodic lines for a brass ensemble with cornets, not trumpets, that it was rather bold at the time.
I have played/performed the first three over my playing career. I would have to say that the fourth one is HARD even by today's standards. Not just because the first trumpet is for Eb and is high, but because endurance, range, wide intervals... In the fourth movement the tuba has lines where he is jumping an octave and a half down, there are double flats in the key signature for the C instruments... It is a hard piece.
Just opinions and thoughts on the matter. Not trying to insult anyone and I hope my writings/statements are taken in the light manner they are intended.
Drew Loeffler |