William Alwyn’s Fanfare for a Joyful Occasion sounds more ceremonial than joyful (unless you find processionals to be particularly joy-inducing), but it’s a fine example of British brass writing, with some interesting wind and xylophone interplay in the central section. Very different is Alwyn’s Concerto for Flute and Eight Wind Instruments which finds the composer in a playfully pensive mood as he writes in a style that borrows equally from Stravinsky and Debussy. Flautist Mary Stolper handles the elaborate solo part with aplomb.
Constant Lambert’s suite from Tiresias contains a number of dance pieces in which the propulsive rhythms impart an engaging energy, while the tonal angularity gives the music a rather tart taste. But it’s quite interesting texturally, especially as Lambert makes clever and imaginative use of the piano.
Finally, Gunther Schuller’s modernist Eine Kleine Posaunenmusik is the most challenging work on the disc, and not just for the listener. Essentially a bass trombone concerto, the piece makes great demands on soloist Charles Vernon–demands he meets with imagination and impeccable virtuosity. This, plus Schuller’s brilliantly atmospheric writing make the piece a fascinating if not cozy-comfy listen. Under conductor Donald DeRoche the DePaul University Wind Ensemble plays magnificently throughout the program, adapting fully to each work’s unique style and tone. The recording is top-notch–quite vivid and realistic. For fans of 20th-century wind ensemble music, this disc is a real treat.
