Fanfare on Ein feste Burg

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Fanfare on Ein feste Burg. Two versions. 1’30”
A. For 7 Renaissance instruments: 2 Soprano Shawms, Alto Shawm, 2 Sackbuts, Quartbass Dulcian, large Tabor
B. Brass Quintet with optional large Drum

Commissioned and Premiered 20 Oct 2017 by Piffaro, the Renaissance Band, Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Brass Quintet version premiered 29 Oct 2017 by Musica Concordia, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Abington, Pa. My Broad Street Review essay on the composing this is here.

From the Minneapolis Star Tribune: “Smith’s piece exploded into life…. A slew of heavy thwacks on a tabor (a Renaissance snare drum) launched Smith’s Fanfare, mimicking the bang of hammer on nail in Wittenberg. The rasp of shawms and the splendid snort of a quartbass dulcian (a bassoon-like instrument) intoned Luther’s great hymn melody as Smith worked bristling variations on it. It was a bracing opening gesture…”

Here’s the recording of one of the premiere performances (thanks, Piffaro!):

Here’s the first page of the Piffaro version, and below that, the brass quintet version:

Skills

Posted on

6 February, 2018

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