Review

Eduardo Nogueroles
Brass Turbulences:

Louisville, KY, United States
Publisher: Potenza Music Publishing
Date of Publication: 2013
URL: http://www.potenzamusic.com

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

Brass Turbulences is a new, three-section work for brass quintet. The composer, Eduardo Nogueroles, was born and raised in Spain and educated at conservatories in both Europe and the United States. His studies include upper level degrees in tuba performance, conducting and composition from Arizona State University and the Royal School of Music (UK) among others. As the composer states: “The title of the work refers to the experience of air travel that brass ensembles make on tour. The nerves, tiredness and the turbulence in the air inspired the piece, so that these sensations are recreated with the sounds of a group of brass instruments.” 
 
The piece is cast in three sections, Allegro, Adagio, Allegro and is based on five small melodic motives. Each motive is given its own exposition and development as well as being combined with other motives. The opening 4-note motive is heard frequently through the piece with alterations of interval and rhythm elongation. The middle Adagio section, introduced by a trombone cadenza, is in 6/8 meter and contrasts the opening allegro with not only tempo and meter but also stylistically with a legato motive. The Adagio also employs tapping on the mouthpieces to create a rhythmic pulse. This is an interesting extended technique that works quite well in this setting. The conclusion of the work layers many of the motives simultaneously creating an intense and exciting climax. Harmonically, the piece hovers around c minor with addition of the raised fourth, f-sharp, adding a lydian sound to the mix. The harmonic dissonance supports and enhances the rhythmic drive featured in both Allegro sections. All of the parts are clear and concise.  Articulations and dynamics are notated in great detail. Range and difficulty are well within reach of a collegiate quintet. The piece makes an exciting opener or closer for a professional quintet concert and a quality challenge of balance and coordination for younger groups.

-Thomas Zugger
Capitol University