Jan 4, 2010

Mendelssohn's Seasons World Premiere for Choir and Historical and Modern Brass

In recognition of the bicentennial of Felix Mendelssohn's birth, Clifford Bevan's Mendelssohn's Seasons, a four-movement work for choir and brass, received its world premiere for both historical and modern brass. Oriented for choral forces common to Mendelssohn's (1809-1847) writing and incorporating four poems by the celebrated American poet and linguist Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), Mendelssohn's Seasons is scored for early 19th century brass: natural horn, trombone, English bass horn, and ophicleide -- instruments for which Mendelssohn exhibited particular fondness. The original composition, with its allusions to Lobgesang, Sechs Lieder ohne Worte, Elijah, Ein Sommernachtstraum, and Festgesang, is a delightful adaptation of Mendelssohn's musical style by the contemporary British composer, arranger, and instrumentalist Clifford Bevan.

Mendelssohn's Seasons was first performed in July at the Early Brass Festival, held at Connecticut College, and staged by Berlioz Historical Brass and The Anglican Singers of New London, CT. Early music brass specialist Wim Becu served as guest conductor, and members of Berlioz Historical Brass included Jeffrey Snedeker on natural horn, David Loucky on trombone, Craig Kridel on English bass horn, and Douglas Yeo on ophicleide. In November, The Anglican Singers, conducted by Simon Holt, staged the premiere of the work with modern brass, including two horns, trombone, and tuba. Mark E. Weaver, principal trombonist with the United States Coast Guard Band, and other brass instrumentalists participated in this performance. For more information, go to www.berliozhistoricalbrass.org

Photo B caption: members of Berlioz Historical Brass (l-r): Craig Kridel, English bass horn; Ralph Dudgeon, keyed bugle; Jeffrey Snedeker, natural horn; Wim Becu, conductor; Douglas Yeo, ophicleide; David Loucky, trombone