Country

:

United Kingdom

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble was a renowned classical music ensemble that was founded in 1951 by the British trumpeter Philip Jones. The ensemble was known for its unique sound and innovative approach to brass music, which helped to establish it as one of the most influential brass ensembles of the 20th century. Philip Jones was born in Bath, England in 1928 and began playing the trumpet at a young age. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London and later became a member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1951, Jones founded the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, which consisted of two trumpets, a horn, a trombone, and a tuba. The ensemble quickly gained a reputation for its virtuosic performances and innovative arrangements of classical music. The group's sound was characterized by its tight harmonies, precise rhythms, and dynamic range, which helped to set it apart from other brass ensembles of the time. One of the ensemble's early highlights was its performance at the 1953 Edinburgh Festival, where it received critical acclaim for its performance of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2. This performance helped to establish the ensemble as a major force in the classical music world and led to a series of successful tours throughout Europe and the United States. Over the years, the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble collaborated with many of the world's leading composers and musicians, including Benjamin Britten, Igor Stravinsky, and Leonard Bernstein. The ensemble also recorded numerous albums, many of which became bestsellers and helped to popularize brass music among a wider audience. One of the ensemble's most famous recordings was its rendition of the theme from the television show "The Vicar of Dibley," which became a hit in the UK and helped to introduce the ensemble to a new generation of fans. In addition to its commercial success, the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble also received numerous awards and accolades throughout its career. The ensemble was awarded the Queen's Award for Export Achievement in 1977 and was also named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1986. Despite its success, the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble disbanded in 1986, following the retirement of Philip Jones. However, the ensemble's legacy lives on, and its innovative approach to brass music continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.

More....