Review

Douglas Hill
Intrada for Brass Quintet:

Portland, ME, United States
Publisher: Manduca Music Publications
Date of Publication: 1997

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

This short fanfare is written in a style reminiscent of the Dukas Fanfare from La Péri, and is similarly divided into three sections. The opening is a lively, articulated statement cast in a slow march feel, followed by a more legato middle section featuring layered eighth note entrances and syncopated pulse in the tuba part. The piece returns to a lively third section, closing with flourishing sixteenth notes or triplets in all five parts, followed by a rousing crescendo and rallentando. 
Ranges are comfortable, with the exception of piccolo trumpet, which must ascend up to e-flat3 multiple times at the end of the piece. Tuba does not go below BB-flat, and could be performed on bass trombone if preferred. Trombone is restricted to a range between B-flat and f1. Horn must be able to play c3, and remains in the high register for the last few bars of the piece. 

Only rarely written in homophonic style, the rhythms of the piece require independence within the ensemble, whose members need a strong sense of pulse and ability to play soloistic manner. All five parts are nearly equal in melodic importance. The work is engraved clearly, and the only non-standard mark is that of f+, which is used to indicate a dynamic level louder than forte, but not quite fortissimo. Flugelhorn is indicated for portions of the second trumpet part. 
Overall, this is a lively and engaging concert opener or event fanfare, a nice challenge to a strong brass quintet at the high school or collegiate level. 

-James Adams
Valley City State University