Initially, the sound of these old brass instruments, a mix of originals and modern reproductions, is beguiling. The mellow horns and keyed bugles have a musty, appealing timbre when compared to the more biting sonorities of today’s instruments. But by the fourth or fifth track, one becomes acutely aware that there might not be any good music on this disc, and this supposition turns out to be true. Many of these works sound like exercises, while others sound like third-drawer stuff penned for some occasion that had to have music that wouldn’t be the focus of attention. If you are a brass player or an aficionado of that family of instruments, this CD will prove interesting, and you’ll marvel at the virtuoso acrobatics; other listeners are most likely to find it deadly dull noodling. Both sides probably can agree that the playing is exceptionally accomplished and well recorded. The jacket notes provide a lot of detail, rare portraits of many of the composers, and a complete list of the instruments used.
