Inspired by pioneering recordings made with the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, Michael Allen, principal tuba player of the Boulder Philharmonic, founded the Boulder Brass in 1993. On its first Dorian CD, the 16-member group plays arrangements of generally well-known Baroque and Renaissance literature, all of it arranged by Allen. The players, most of whom are involved with the Boulder Philharmonic or Colorado Symphony, are all of virtuoso caliber, making the success of the opening Mouret Rondeau almost a given. The surprises here come from some of the quieter pieces, overdone works like Bach’s “Air” from the Third orchestral suite and “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”, which are played in a simple, direct manner that is thoroughly disarming. The only work with which I could find much fault is the Byrd selection, here called “Lord Fitzwilliam Suite”. Perhaps it is not a fair comparison, but these tunes were arranged–more successfully–by Gordon Jacob in his William Byrd Suite for band. Surely these pieces cry out for some percussion, and the Boulder Brass has none in evidence, at least not on this CD. If you like the sonorous sound of full brass choir in this repertoire, however, you will want this release for the Baroque masterpieces. The sound is rich and full, close to ideal.
