52. Class of Brass

Sinfonia Varsovia Brass, an ensemble of orchestra musicians playing brass and percussion instruments, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. And although Class of Brass isn’t an anniversary concert, it could easily be one. Admittedly, the program doesn’t showcase the full range of genres performed by the group – it lacks arrangements of early music or symphonic works – but the selection of jazz and popular music, with a cinematic touch in the form of Michael Giacchino’s hit soundtrack for Pixar’s equally hit film The Incredibles, is perfectly suited for a celebration! Ernesto Lecuona’s passionate Malagueña and Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango, Maurice White’s In the Stone and David Foster’s Winter Games (the latter written for the Winter Olympics, which is perfectly evident in the track), both brimming with unbridled energy, the danceable Sing Sing Sing by Louis Prima and Soul Bossa Nova by Quincy Jones (he’s said to have written it in twenty minutes!), plus Jock McKenzie’s Django, which showcases the vibrant sound of brass and percussion – will all lead up to the finale: Niemen’s anthem in honor of Warsaw.

– Dominika Micał (pisanezesluchu.pl)