Composer

:

John Cheetham

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Brass Quintet

Compose Date

:

1985

Average_duration

:

17:38

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

A Brass Menagerie is a composition for brass ensemble composed by John Cheetham. It was composed in 1983 and premiered on April 17, 1983, by the University of Michigan Brass Ensemble, conducted by H. Robert Reynolds. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which is named after a different animal. The first movement, "Elephant," is slow and ponderous, with a heavy, plodding rhythm that evokes the lumbering gait of the titular animal. The second movement, "Giraffe," is more sprightly, with a playful, skipping melody that suggests the long neck and graceful movements of the giraffe. The third movement, "Hippopotamus," is slow and languid, with a heavy, rolling rhythm that evokes the submerged movements of the hippopotamus in water. The final movement, "Rhinoceros," is fast and energetic, with a driving rhythm and bold, brassy melodies that suggest the power and speed of the rhinoceros. Throughout the piece, Cheetham makes use of a wide range of brass instruments, including trumpets, trombones, French horns, and tubas. He also employs a variety of techniques, such as muted brass, glissandi, and rapid-fire staccato passages, to create a rich and varied sonic landscape. Overall, A Brass Menagerie is a lively and engaging work that showcases the versatility and power of the brass ensemble. Its playful melodies and bold rhythms make it a popular choice for brass ensembles of all levels, and it remains a staple of the brass repertoire to this day.

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