With their perfect blend of musical selections and artistry, the Burning River Brass enchanted the nearly sold-out audience Thursday evening at Severance Hall. Usually by this time in the holidays most folks are approaching Christmas Carol Burn-out. To our great fortune, the Burning River Brass not only put a new twist to some old favorites but also introduced a number of unique Christmas Carols from around the world. The show was fast paced, witty and most important started right on time.
The show began with a beautiful solemn rendition of O Come, All Ye Faithful. This was followed by a medley of Christmas Around the World which included Riu, Riu, Chiu (a traditional Villancico (Iberia Carol)), Joseph est bien Marié (a French Noel) and Aquinalda a lively number from Porto Rico composed by José Quinton (1881-1925). Next on the bill was the familiar favorite Christmas Day which was followed by Colinda a collection of Romanian Christmas Carols. Carols for the Queen featured I Saw Three Ships, Away In The Manger andSussex Carol in their collection and the first portion of the program was closed with an enthusiastic rendition of Sleigh Ride with excellent percussion work by the very comparable and busy Feza Zweifel. Between the numbers, Heather Zweifel served as master of ceremonies gaving short entertaining and informative dissertation on the upcoming numbers which helped set up each piece and give the audience facts about the various pieces that they were not aware of before.
After a short Intermission, the group returned with a jolly interpretation of Jingle Bells. The audience was then treated to an extremely engaging Nutcracker Suite ala Burning River Brass with the Overture, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Mother Gigogne represented. To say the least, this was not your grandmother’s version but had some wildly wonderful fusions of sound and tempo that made the music quite unique. Next was one of the most beautiful treatments of The Christmas Song that I have ever heard. I could not resist singing the song in my mind as they played. The Little Drummer Boy featured the drumming of Feza Zweifel who channeled the spirit of Gene Krupa into this past paced and exciting (at least it was to me) Christmas Classic. Last on the regular show list was a medley of Christmas Movie favorites titled Christmas ‘Toons this much loved collection of chestnuts included songs from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. After a standing ovation, the Brass returned for an encore of Ding Dong Merrily on High which closed out the program.
The Burning Brass members are: Trumpets: David Duro, Justin Emerich, Guy Piddington and Heather Zweifel; Horns: Chris Komer and Mollie Pate; Trombones: Rebecca Ciabattari, Amanda Davidson and David Mitchell; Bass Trombone: Andrew Chappell; Euponium: Rebecca Ciabattari; Tuba: Mathew Gaunt; Percussion/Timpani: Feza Zweifel.
What makes this group so outstanding is that not only are they fantastically talented musicians but it is apparent that they truly love what they do. This joy of music is transferred to the audience and this shared love fills the hall. The delicate blending of diverse sounds from the Bach Trumpet to the Tuba and all octaves in-between makes for a wondrous night of entertainment. I noticed as we were leaving that nearly everyone was humming their favorites as they made their way to the parking garage.
Of special mention was the set. At first it appeared very plain, but as the Burning River Brass took their positions in an inverted U shape with the percussion section stage right, suddenly the walls, ceiling and back wall were lit with a dazzling array of light patterns and colors that truly added to the festive atmosphere of the show.
The group now embarks on an arduous traveling tour as follows:
FRIDAY | DECEMBER 16, 8:00PM[more info]
Carlsen Center
Johnson County Community College
Overland Park, KS
SATURDAY | DECEMBER 17, 7:30PM[more info]
Ralph Holter Auditorium
Brown County Civic Music Association
Green Bay, WI
SUNDAY | DECEMBER 18, 5:00pm[more info]
Federated Church
Chagrin Falls, OH
MONDAY | DECEMBER 19, 7:30PM - PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE!!![more info]
Painesville United Methodist
Painesville, OH
TUESDAY | December 20, 6:30pm[more info]
Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, NY
TUESDAY | December 20, 8:30pm[more info]
Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, NY
WEDNESDAY | DECEMBER 21, 7:00PM[more info]
Rocky River Presbyterian
Rocky River, OH
THURSDAY | DECEMBER 22, 7:00PM[more info]
Arts Renaissance Tremont
Cleveland, OH
As you can see, they will be making four more appearances in our area before Christmas. If you are looking for a way to rejuvenate the Christmas Spirit in your life, I suggest you partake of this holiday treasure. It is music that truly brings back the joy of the holidays.
Comments