Review

Noah D. Taylor
Legends: for brass quintet

Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Publisher: Potenza Music Publishing
Date of Publication: 2013

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 5 brass

In this work, Noah Taylor wishes to musically stage the concept of a legend as “grand storytelling.” This odyssey begins with a slow introduction, which contains thematic material similar to that of an old western, setting the stage for the “legend” to be told. The bulk of the work utilizes 7/8 meter as a vehicle to convey urgency as the vigorous tempo drives the material forward. The slower introductory material appears toward the end once more in a strong, forte dynamic followed by a flourish to the end.

The character of the composition is most clearly described in the fact that it was originally composed as a tuba-euphonium quartet (written for the Eufonix Quartet). The piece is somewhat campy, lacking in musical substance. That being said, it could serve as a high-energy recital opener for an undergraduate quintet, so long as the first trumpet has solid high-range chops. It should be noted that the publisher has neglected to format the music in such a way that would facilitate easy page-turns.