Review

Norman Wilcox
Fanfare for Symphonic Brass:
3 b-flat trumpets, 4 F horns, 3 trombones, and tuba

Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2008
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

New York State trombonist/composer/arranger Norman Wilcox has created an exciting, brief fanfare utilizing the standard brass section of a symphony orchestra, 3 b-flat trumpets, 4 F horns, 3 trombones and tuba, making this work a natural fit for an orchestra concert or other program where a fanfare is useful. The work is solidly tonal centered in the key of B-flat with portions touching on A-flat, G, D-flat, D and c minor. It is mainly in 6/8 meter with short sections in 4/4.

Fanfare is playable by an advanced high school orchestra brass section or college-level group. Ranges are not excessive; first trumpet is written up to c3, first horn to a2, first trombone to b-flat1. The third trombone part does not require F attachment. While the parts are not technically challenging, a good group sense of rhythm is needed, especially triple meter sections – the composer wants the triple feel of these sections brought out. This is a solid work with some challenges but nothing extreme, an enjoyable piece to play.

-Philip Brink
Mahidol University College of Music