Review

Folke Rabe
Escalations for brass quintet:

Stockholm, , Sweden
Publisher: Editions Reimers AB
Date of Publication: 1988

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

Escalations for brass quintet was commissioned by and dedicated to The Swedish Brass Quintet. The 8 minute work oscillates between presto possible eighth note passages and rhythmically free tranquillo sections. The presto sections feature one instrument repeating a pitch underneath running scale patterns with accented injections and/or glissandi. With each return of the presto the patterns gradually ‘escalate’ with increasing range and a shift from chromatic to whole tone scales. The interjections also become more intense. Tranquillo sections are given in graphic notation and also build towards the final tranquillo, marked Rubato quasi una cadenza, which is for solo tuba. A final presto section concludes with a return to the opening. Score and parts are well thought out with the free tranquillo sections appearing in an easy to decipher score form within each part. Since each part has 8 to 10 pages, each page is a separate sheet to allow page turning (or sliding.) Ranges are not extreme and the effects extend only to trills, flutter tonguing and glissandi. Keeping the presto sections together and coordinating the free sections are good exercises for the ensemble. The main challenge: how fast is presto possible? The composer notes a minimum of quartet note equals 192. Escalations is an energetic work with a number of reasonable challenges for the ensemble and significant appeal for the audience. Any good, collegiate level quintet will benefit from learning this piece.

-Andrew Glendening
University of Redlands