German Brass - Das Deutsche Blechbläserquintett

The German Brass Quintet CD is drawn from two earlier issues. I reviewed the first of the two several years ago in Fanfare. Though I can’t locate the issue, I know I was favourably inclined. The first five items listed here are from that issue. The other three are presumably excerpted from the later one. The playing is flawless. The programming, though somewhat esoteric, is well chosen. The majority of the times is occupied by works from our own century. Aside from the early (1922) sonata by Poulenc, the others will probably be unknown. Victor Ewald’s 1911 quintet is stunning. Morley Calverts’s 1962 suite is rather jazzy and attractive. Enrique Crespo’s 1977 work relies on ragtime and Latin rhythms throughout most of its 18:23. It is all great fun and well worth repeated hearings, if you aren’t in too serious a mood. The recording is close and clean. Brief notes are moderately helpful. Recommended.