The sound of beloved Christmas carols performed by brass instruments conjures up images of snow-covered streets and Christmas as it used to be. On this recording, the acclaimed Pittsburgh Symphony Brass performs all the familiar favorites, as well as traditional Ukrainian, French and German carols.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Brass is comprised of seven of the orchestra's best brass players. What make this program special are the variety of selections presented, the originality of the arrangements and the extraordinary tonal beauty that the Pittsburgh Symphony Brass brings to each carol. For example, the low brass play the bass line of the familiar "Ding Dong! Merrily on High," in a clever arrangement by John Rutter, with solid organ-like sonorities. The beautiful German hymn, "How Brightly Shines the Morning Star," by Michael Praetorius, charms with tenderness and unaffected piety. Of course there is also lots of playful exuberance, especially in the renditions of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and the joyous "We Wish You A Merry Christmas."
This is an excellent holiday recording that will also delight lovers of brass music.