Recorded in 1971 and rereleased on CD in 2002, this disc is an excellent example of how an orchestral low brass section can sound. The disc contains fifteen orchestral excerpts and four pieces for low brass ensemble, including Tomasi’s Etre ou ne pas etre (To Be or not to Be).

This recording was made in 1971 for the purpose of providing students, teachers and music lovers in general with a better aural perspective of the trombone and tuba section of a great symphony orchestra. It is perhaps the first attempt to present the sound of an orchestral section playing the standard orchestral excerpts, thus enabling the listener to hear the professional orchestral approach to sound, style, phrasing and other musical problems in greater detail. In addition, it was felt that the considerable body of fine original literature for trombones and tuba deserved attention. It is hoped that this record will provide a source of inspiration to the young players, a stimulation of interest in the literature and playing style on the part of the teacher, and an enjoyable, aural and musical experience for all listeners.

On this recording, Mr. Friedman plays First Trombone; Mr. Gilbertsen plays second trombone on those pieces requiring four trombones; Mr. Crisafulli plays the second part on those pieces requiring three trombones and the third part on those requiring four; Mr. Kleinhammer plays bass trombone on all selections. Arnold Jacobs plays tuba.

This recording was made in July 1971 at Lederer Hall, Temple Emanuel, in Chicago. Joseph Kreines produced the recording, and Norman Pellegrini engineered it. Once levels had been set for the three Sony microphones employed, they remained unchanged throughout the sessions. The only alteration in microphone placement occurred when pieces without tuba were recorded. The participants wish to thank Temple Emanuel for their generous cooperation in making their facilities available for this recording. This CD has been remastered by Konrad Strauss.
Program Notes by Joseph Kreines

It was published by Kagarice Brass Editions.