Title

Quintet

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Composed

2001

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Composer

Michael Kamen (1948-2003)

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Composer Information

Michael Kamen was an American composer, arranger, and conductor. He is mostly remembered for his prolific film scoring career, including X-Men, Lethal Weapon, Mr. Holland's Opus, and many others. Kamen was highly successful as an arranger for many popular rock and roll bands, including “Pink Floyd”, “Metallica”, “Aerosmith”, “Eric Clapton”, “Bon Jovi”, “Rush” and “Bryan Adams”. Many of his works for popular music included orchestral backing music for bands. Michael was a tremendous advocate for school music programs and won four Grammy Awards during his lifetime. He passed away in 2003 due to a heart attack.

 

Publisher

Canadian Brass Ensemble Series. Hal Leonard Corporation

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Duration

4:00

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Difficulty

1

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Ranking Position

21

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Discography

Canadian Brass Takes Flight by Canadian Brass: Steinway and Sons, 2012.

Amazing Brass by Canadian Brass: Opening Day Entertainment Group Inc., 2003.

Magic Horn by Canadian Brass: Opening Day Entertainment Group Inc., 2004.

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Types of Instruments/Mutes

No mutes

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Final Considerations

Kamen’s Juilliard schoolmate, Ronald Romm, asked him to write a work for the Canadian Brass, and Quintet is the result. This piece quickly earned a place in the standard brass quintet repertoire. The work itself is based on an opening, undeveloped motive sounded by the horn. It is a short reflective essay, emphasizing warmth and lyricism that can be attributed to years of film scoring influences. Aside from the multiple dynamic climaxes in the work, the technical challenges contained in this piece are easily managed within the capabilities of less proficient performers, and it will be a great teaching tool of learning ensemble balance and work on musicality. It is also very effective as a recital closer for more advanced players.