The Electrum Brass Electrifies Brass Lovers
The talent is obvious. The unexpected is the intricate shading. The music of the Electrum Brass Trio is self-described as “woodwind brass” and this characterization is especially appropriate when the ensemble plays Debussy. The trio consists of Richard Burdick on horn, Shaun Poisson-Fast, trombone and Mark Preece, tuba. Burdick is first horn for the Regina Symphony Orchestra, and Preece is their tubist. Poisson-Fast has a different background. He began playing trombone at five and has participated in many community orchestras. All three are accomplished performers, providing a wealth of music extremely well played. Mark Preece is an outstanding arranger, and because of his gift, the trio can play a variety of pieces originally written for other instruments. At their second performance at Zion United Church in as many years, they chose as their title, “On the Lighter Side.” They were true to their word. Included for the first time were program items such as, “Traditional: Arrangement Mark Preece.” However, neither the composer nor the name of the piece was included. This was part of a game played several times with the audience. In a page taken from the British radio program, “Name That Tune”, the listeners were asked to provide the details. The Allegro from Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik was one of the mystery tunes as was a number of Gospel favorites. The second half of the concert began in a unique way. As people returned to their seats, the tuba could be heard sounding two notes in a steady, repetitive umpah rhythm. It continued and continued until everyone was ready, and then the other instruments entered the music in turn. Soon the entire combo was involved in alternate interchanges between intricate counterpoint and implacable rhythm. This was Palladio by Karl Jenkins, an engaging and innovative piece. Other features of the program were Hommage á Count Basie, Three Cowboys Poolside, a Shostakovich Waltz, a Polonaise, Cantata and Fugue by Bach, a composition by Burdick – Electrum Fanfare IV, and The Little Shepherd from Children’s Corner, Claude Debussy’s six-movement suite for solo piano. It was The Little Shepherd and also Debussy’s Elegie that fit best with the ensemble’s attribute as playing woodwind brass. Debussy represents Impressionism in music, a movement inherited from the visual arts. It is difficult enough to manage the subtle sounds and interplay of voices with a performance on the piano. With brass instruments able to “take the roof off”, the nuances are challenging. There is no question that the Electrum Brass Trio handled these intricacies with ease; yet anyone who has performed Debussy with any instrument knows that mastering his music is never easy. The concert was well received, and the music was electrifying for those who love brass.