Canadian Brass
Encyclopedia
The Canadian Brass is a brass quintet
founded by Dr. Charles Daellenbach
and Gene Watts
in 1970. In addition to maintaining a heavy international touring schedule, the Canadian Brass have recorded over 80 CDs and DVDs. They have commissioned, performed, and recorded hundreds of transcriptions and original works for brass quintet.
, they perform a wide variety of musical styles, including baroque, classical, renaissance, medieval, jazz and pop.
The Canadian Brass (known for their unique performance attire of formal black suits with white athletic shoes) made its American debut at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC in 1975. A significant international visit was made in 1977 when they were sent to mainland China
as a cultural exchange between Canada
and China
. They were among the first Western music
ians allowed into China after the Cultural Revolution
had subverted Western art music.
In 1979 Canadian Brass became the first chamber ensemble to solo the main stage at Carnegie Hall
. As The New York Times
reported, their sold-out performance "clearly establishes the Canadian Brass as a main-stage attraction." In addition to their heavy international touring schedule for over 40 years, and their extensive recording catalog, they have been on the Billboard charts
in each decade of their existence, recording with the majors RCA
, BMG
, CBS, Sony, Philips
and Decca
, occupying virtually all the spots open to brass players. Canadian Brass recordings are currently released by Toronto
-based Opening Day Entertainment Group (ODEG), headed by Daellenbach.
There is virtually no major concert hall in the world in which Canadian Brass has not played.
*Contemporary Ensemble: Daellenbach, Ridenour, Coletti, Reed, Liarmakopoulos
Past members
*Original Ensemble: Daellenbach, Watts, Romm, Mills, Ohanian (Page)
Brass quintet
A brass quintet is a five-piece musical ensemble composed of brass instruments. The most common instrumentation is two trumpets or cornets, one horn, one trombone or euphonium/baritone horn, and one tuba or bass trombone....
founded by Dr. Charles Daellenbach
Charles Daellenbach
Charles "Chuck" Daellenbach is an American-Canadian tuba player. He is one of the founders of the Canadian Brass and remains the quintet's tuba player.-Early life and personal life:...
and Gene Watts
Gene Watts
Gene Watts is an American-born trombonist and a founding member of the Canadian Brass, a brass quintet based in Canada, known worldwide for its virtuosic skill, broad range of musical fare, and humorous presentation style....
in 1970. In addition to maintaining a heavy international touring schedule, the Canadian Brass have recorded over 80 CDs and DVDs. They have commissioned, performed, and recorded hundreds of transcriptions and original works for brass quintet.
Description and history
Named the "world's leading brass ensemble" by The Washington PostThe Washington Post
The Washington Post is Washington, D.C.'s largest newspaper and its oldest still-existing paper, founded in 1877. Located in the capital of the United States, The Post has a particular emphasis on national politics. D.C., Maryland, and Virginia editions are printed for daily circulation...
, they perform a wide variety of musical styles, including baroque, classical, renaissance, medieval, jazz and pop.
The Canadian Brass (known for their unique performance attire of formal black suits with white athletic shoes) made its American debut at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC in 1975. A significant international visit was made in 1977 when they were sent to mainland China
Mainland China
Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...
as a cultural exchange between Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. They were among the first Western music
Western music
Western music may refer to:* Classical music, a genre of art music produced or rooted in the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music from the 10th century onward...
ians allowed into China after the Cultural Revolution
Cultural Revolution
The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, commonly known as the Cultural Revolution , was a socio-political movement that took place in the People's Republic of China from 1966 through 1976...
had subverted Western art music.
In 1979 Canadian Brass became the first chamber ensemble to solo the main stage at Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States, located at 881 Seventh Avenue, occupying the east stretch of Seventh Avenue between West 56th Street and West 57th Street, two blocks south of Central Park....
. As The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
reported, their sold-out performance "clearly establishes the Canadian Brass as a main-stage attraction." In addition to their heavy international touring schedule for over 40 years, and their extensive recording catalog, they have been on the Billboard charts
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
in each decade of their existence, recording with the majors RCA
RCA
RCA Corporation, founded as the Radio Corporation of America, was an American electronics company in existence from 1919 to 1986. The RCA trademark is currently owned by the French conglomerate Technicolor SA through RCA Trademark Management S.A., a company owned by Technicolor...
, BMG
BMG
Bertelsmann Music Group, , was a division of Bertelsmann before its completion of sale of the majority of its assets to Japan's Sony Corporation of America on October 1, 2008. It was established in 1987 to combine the music label activities of Bertelsmann...
, CBS, Sony, Philips
Philips Records
Philips Records is a record label that was founded by Dutch electronics company Philips. It was started by "Philips Phonographische Industrie" in 1950. Recordings were made with popular artists of various nationalities and also with classical artists from Germany, France and Holland. Philips also...
and Decca
Decca Records
Decca Records began as a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis. Its U.S. label was established in late 1934; however, owing to World War II, the link with the British company was broken for several decades....
, occupying virtually all the spots open to brass players. Canadian Brass recordings are currently released by Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
-based Opening Day Entertainment Group (ODEG), headed by Daellenbach.
There is virtually no major concert hall in the world in which Canadian Brass has not played.
Members
Current members*Contemporary Ensemble: Daellenbach, Ridenour, Coletti, Reed, Liarmakopoulos
- Dr Charles "Chuck" DaellenbachCharles DaellenbachCharles "Chuck" Daellenbach is an American-Canadian tuba player. He is one of the founders of the Canadian Brass and remains the quintet's tuba player.-Early life and personal life:...
, tubaTubaThe tuba is the largest and lowest-pitched brass instrument. Sound is produced by vibrating or "buzzing" the lips into a large cupped mouthpiece. It is one of the most recent additions to the modern symphony orchestra, first appearing in the mid-19th century, when it largely replaced the...
(1970— ) - Brandon Ridenour, trumpet* (2005-)
- Chris Coletti, trumpetTrumpetThe trumpet is the musical instrument with the highest register in the brass family. Trumpets are among the oldest musical instruments, dating back to at least 1500 BCE. They are played by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound which starts a standing wave vibration in the air...
* (2009-) - Eric Reed, hornHorn (instrument)The horn is a brass instrument consisting of about of tubing wrapped into a coil with a flared bell. A musician who plays the horn is called a horn player ....
* (2010-) - Achilles LiarmakopoulosAchilles liarmakopoulosAchilles Liarmakopoulos is a Greek trombonist.-Biography:Achilles Liarmakopoulos, native of Greece, plays trombone in . As a soloist, he is dedicated to an expanding, attractive repertoire of new pieces and important works revived from the archives as well as standard repertoire...
, tromboneTromboneThe trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate...
, (2011-)
Past members
*Original Ensemble: Daellenbach, Watts, Romm, Mills, Ohanian (Page)
- Eugene Watts, trombone (1970–2010)
- David Ohanian, horn (1986–1998)
- Jeff Nelsen, horn (2000–2004, 2007-2010 )
- Keith Dyrda, tromboneTromboneThe trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate...
, (2010—2011 ) - Stuart LaughtonStuart LaughtonStuart John Laughton is a Canadian musician, record company owner and new music advocate.In his youth, Laughton studied trumpet with Joseph Umbrico in Toronto and became one of the original members of the Canadian Brass in 1970 at the age of 19...
. trumpet (1970–1971, 2003–2005) - Ronald Romm, trumpet (1971–2000) & "Trumpet Dream Team"
- Fred MillsFred Mills (musician)Fred Mills was University of Georgia music professor from 1996–2009, and a 1992 Grammy nominee who made more than 40 records as a trumpeter with the Canadian Brass quintet from 1972-1996....
, trumpet (1972–1996) - Ryan AnthonyRyan AnthonyRyan Anthony is a trumpet player, most notable for his performances as a member of Canadian Brass, has had his performances used in many broadcasts of major U.S. television networks.-History:...
, trumpet (2000–2003) & "Trumpet Dream Team" - Bernhard Scully, horn (2004–2007)
- Joe Burgstaller, trumpet* (2001-2004, 2007-2009 )
- Jeroen Berwaerts, "Trumpet Dream Team"
- Manon Lafrance, "Trumpet Dream Team"
- Jens Lindemann, trumpet (1996-2001)
- Graeme Page, horn (1970–1983)
- Martin Hackleman, horn (1983–1986)
- Christopher CooperChristopher Cooper-Biography:Cooper is co-creator, along with Richard Case of Darkhold, part of the Marvel Comics universe. He also wrote a number of stories for Marvel Comics Presents, often featuring Ghost Rider and Vengeance. Cooper has also edited a number of X-Men collections.In his work, in addition to usual...
, horn (1998–2000)
Discography
- Canadian Brass (self-titled)' (1971,1972) CBC
- Rag-Ma-Tazz (1973) CBC
- Make We Joy (1973) CBC w/Festival Singers of Canada
- Royal Fanfare (1973) Boot Master Concert Series
- Canadian Brass in Paris (1973) Boot Master Concert Series
- Rag-Ma-Tazz (1974) Boot Master Concert Series
- A Touch of Brass (1974) Welk Group
- Canadian Brass: Pachelbel to JoplinScott JoplinScott Joplin was an American composer and pianist. Joplin achieved fame for his ragtime compositions, and was later dubbed "The King of Ragtime". During his brief career, Joplin wrote 44 original ragtime pieces, one ragtime ballet, and two operas...
(1974) Welk Group - Pucker & Valve Society Band (1975) Umbrella
- Unexplored Territory (1977) CBC w/Don Gillis Jazz Quartet
- Canadian Brass Plus Organ (1977) CBC w/organist Doug Haas
- Toccata, Fugues & Other Diversions (1977) Umbrella Direct-to-Disk
- Canadian Brass Encore (1977) CBC
- Bells and Brass (1978, with Gordon SlaterGordon Slater (carillonneur)Gordon Slater is a Canadian carillonneur and bassoonist. He released several records in the 1970s, including the 1978 record Bells and Brass with the Canadian Brass. He is a graduate of The Royal Conservatory of Music and the University of Toronto.-References:...
) Independent - Mostly Fats; Fats WallerFats WallerFats Waller , born Thomas Wright Waller, was a jazz pianist, organist, composer, singer, and comedic entertainer...
's Greatest Hits (1979) RCA Red Seal - Pachelbel Canon & Other Great Baroque Hits (1980) RCA Red Seal
- ChristmasChristmasChristmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
with the Canadian Brass (1981) RCA Red Seal - The Village Band (1981) RCA Red Seal
- Champions (1983) SONY
- Canadian Brass Greatest Hits (1983) RCA Red Seal
- High, Bright, Light and Clear (1983) RCA Red Seal
- Ain't Misbehavin' and Other Fats Waller Hits (1984) RCA
- Brass in Berlin (1984) SONY
- Canadian Brass Live! (1984) SONY
- A Canadian Brass Christmas (1985) SONY
- Vivaldi: The Four SeasonsThe Four Seasons (Vivaldi)The Four Seasons is a set of four violin concertos by Antonio Vivaldi. Composed in 1723, The Four Seasons is Vivaldi's best-known work, and is among the most popular pieces of Baroque music. The texture of each concerto is varied, each resembling its respective season...
(1986) SONY - Basin StreetBasin StreetBasin Street or Rue Basin in French, is a street in New Orleans, Louisiana. It parallels Rampart Street one block lakeside, or inland, from the boundary of the French Quarter, running from Canal Street down 5 blocks past Saint Louis Cemetery...
(1987) SONY - Strike Up the Band — Canadian Brass Plays GershwinGeorge GershwinGeorge Gershwin was an American composer and pianist. Gershwin's compositions spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular melodies are widely known...
(1987) RCA Red Seal - BachJohann Sebastian BachJohann Sebastian Bach was a German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, and violinist whose sacred and secular works for choir, orchestra, and solo instruments drew together the strands of the Baroque period and brought it to its ultimate maturity...
: The Art of Fugue (1988) SONY - The Mozart Album (1988) SONY
- Canadian Brass More Greatest Hits (1988) SONY
- Best of the Canadian Brass (1989) SONY
- GabrieliGabrieliGabrieli as a surname can refer to:* Andrea Gabrieli , Italian composer and organist at San Marco di Venezia* Giovanni Gabrieli , composer and organist at San Marco di Venezia...
/MonteverdiClaudio MonteverdiClaudio Giovanni Antonio Monteverdi – 29 November 1643) was an Italian composer, gambist, and singer.Monteverdi's work, often regarded as revolutionary, marked the transition from the Renaissance style of music to that of the Baroque period. He developed two individual styles of composition – the...
: Antiphonal Music (1990) SONY - English Renaissance Music (1990) PHILIPS
- Super Hits SONY
- The Christmas Album (1990) PHILIPS
- BeethovenLudwig van BeethovenLudwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential composers of all time.Born in Bonn, then the capital of the Electorate of Cologne and part of...
Fifth SymphonySymphony No. 5 (Beethoven)The Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, was written by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1804–08. This symphony is one of the most popular and best-known compositions in all of classical music, and one of the most often played symphonies. It comprises four movements: an opening sonata, an andante, and a fast...
& Overtures (1991) PHILIPS - Red, White & Brass: Made in the USA (1991) PHILIPS w/New York Philharmonic & Boston Philharmonic
- The Essential Canadian Brass (1991) PHILIPS
- Red Hot Jazz: The DixielandDixielandDixieland music, sometimes referred to as Hot jazz, Early Jazz or New Orleans jazz, is a style of jazz music which developed in New Orleans at the start of the 20th century, and was spread to Chicago and New York City by New Orleans bands in the 1910s.Well-known jazz standard songs from the...
Album (1992) PHILIPS - WagnerRichard WagnerWilhelm Richard Wagner was a German composer, conductor, theatre director, philosopher, music theorist, poet, essayist and writer primarily known for his operas...
for Brass (1992) PHILIPS w/Bayreuth Festival Principals - Rejoice! -- Brass and Voice (1993) ODEG w/Indiannoplis Children's Choir
- An Evening of Brass Theater (1994) ODEG (Opening Day Entertainment Group)
- Brass on Broadway (1994) PHILIPS
- Gabrieli for Brass (1994) PHILIPS
- Noel (1994) BMG with James Galway, Kings Singers, Angel Romero & others
- BoleroBoleroBolero is a form of slow-tempo Latin music and its associated dance and song. There are Spanish and Cuban forms which are both significant and which have separate origins.The term is also used for some art music...
& Other Great Melodies (1995) BMG - Brass Busters (1995) BMG w/New York Philharmonic & Boston Symphony Orchestra
- Fireworks: Baroque Brass Favorites (1995) BMG
- Go for Baroque! (1995) BMG
- Ragtime (1995) BMG
- Renaissance Men (1995) BMG
- Swingtime!Swingtime!Swingtime! is an album by the Canadian Brass, released in 1995. The album featured new arrangements of several jazz standards.-Personnel:The Canadian Brass:*Charles Daellenbach: tuba*Fred Mills: trumpet*David Ohanian: horn*Ronald Romm: trumpet...
(1995) BMG - Brass Theater II with Star of Indiana (1995) ODEG
- Brass Theater III with Star of Indiana (1996) ODEG
- Canadian Brass Plays BernsteinLeonard BernsteinLeonard Bernstein August 25, 1918 – October 14, 1990) was an American conductor, composer, author, music lecturer and pianist. He was among the first conductors born and educated in the United States of America to receive worldwide acclaim...
(1996) BMG - The Canadian Brass Live in Germany (1997) BMG
- Christmas Experiment (1997) BMG
- All You Need is Love (1998) BMG
- A Christmas Gloria (1999) TELARC w/Morman Tabernacle Choir
- Take the "A" Train (1999) BMG
- Celebration (1999) ODEG
- Bach Goldberg VariationsGoldberg VariationsThe Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, is a work for harpsichord by Johann Sebastian Bach, consisting of an aria and a set of 30 variations. First published in 1741, the work is considered to be one of the most important examples of variation form...
(2001) BMG - CBC Radio Years (2001) CBC
- Holidays with Canadian Brass (2002) BMG
- Sacred Brass (2002) BMG
- Amazing Brass (2002) ODEG/LINUS
- Sweet Songs of Christmas (2002) ODEG
- A Holiday Tradition (2003) LINUS
- Magic Horn (2004) ODEG
- Joyful Sounds (2005) ODEG
- High Society" (2006) ODEG
- People of Faith (2006) ODEG
- Wedding Essentials (2006) ODEG
- Concert Band Essentials (2007) ODEG
- Christmas Tradition (2007) ODEG
- Bach (2008) ODEG
- Legends (2008) ODEG
- Jazz Roots (2008) ODEG
- Manhattan Music (2008) ODEG
- Echo — Glory of Gabrieli (2009) ODEG
- Swing That Music — A Tribute to Louis ArmstrongLouis ArmstrongLouis Armstrong , nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American jazz trumpeter and singer from New Orleans, Louisiana....
(2010) ODEG - Stars & Stripes" — Canadian Brass Salute America (2010) ODEG
- Spirit Dance (2010) ODEG w/pianist David Braid
- A Very Merry Christmas (2010) w/various artists
- The Classics: From Pachelbel to Purcell (2011) ODEG
- The Classics: Between Bach & Handel (2011) ODEG
- The Classics: Mozart & More (2011) ODEG
- Brahms on Brass (2011) ODEG
- Canadian Brass 'Takes Flight (2011) ODEG
Videography
- Canadian Brass Live (1986)
- The Canadian Brass Masterclass (1989)
- The Canadian Brass Spectacular (1989)
- On Stage at Wolftrap (1990)
- Home Movies (1991)
- Strings, Winds, and All That Brass (1992)
- The Canadian Brass Live in Germany (1994)
- Christmas Experiment (1998)
- A Christmas Gloria (1999)
- Bootleg Canadian Brass — Authorized Version (2002)
- Three Nights with Canadian Brass (2003)
- Inside Brass (2003)