From the middle-ages, European towns and cities often had a protective wall built around them with gates and look-out towers. Watchmen were stationed in the towers to look out for danger (approaching enemies) and mark the significant times of day e.g. locking the gates at sun-down. It gradually evolved that musicians (waites) would often be assigned these duties and would play various musical signals and tunes to mark these events. Over time, composers began to write bespoke music for these groups of musicians (Stadtpfeifer) to play; both up on the tower and down in the town.
Part of a collection of thirty original compositions and arrangements entitled Ba-Da-Boom Brass.
Inspired by the heritage and culture of world and historical brass-related styles.
We hope this repertoire will prompt a growing inquisitiveness for brass players of all ages and styles and was created with a brass club or gathering in mind.
Set at a moderate / training band standard, these pieces can be played by a flexi group of mixed brass instruments plus assorted optional percussion.
A minimum of 4 brass players is necessary, but the maximum is limitless.
All 4 brass voices have occasional divisi passages; in these instances more texture and harmonic colour is added.
In the instance of using just four brass players, playing just the top part in each case will provide a cohesive performance.
