Download Brass Section

The Brass Section Classroom Resource
The
than
Brass Section
Where did the brass section
come from?
Trumpets and horns were original used for military purposes, ceremonies or hunting
but in the 17th century the instruments were introduced into the orchestra. At first
they were only used to provide special effects, but as the instruments became better
made and the musicians became more skilled composers began to write more
interesting music for them. It was the composer Beethoven who established horns
and trumpets as permanent members of his orchestra. Composers such as Berlioz,
Wagner and Mahler expanded the size and purpose of the brass section. Today,
although there is a standard brass section format (5 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones
and tuba), composers regularly ask for many more players to achieve their desired
effect (which s often a bigger, louder sound!).
Repertoire that
features the
brass section
Many composers have written pieces just
for groups of brass players (called a brass
ensemble). The Renaissance composer
Gabrieli is well known for his large and complex
brass music. Since his time composers have
enjoyed writing stirring and often challenging
music for groups of brass players.
What is a spit valve?
Otherwise known as a water key, a spit valve allows brass players to empty fluid
which collects inside their instruments. Brass instruments make their sound
by air being blown into metal tubing. The warm air which the players blow into
the instruments is full of moisture and this moisture turns into liquid inside the
instrument. It builds up and eventually, if it isn’t released, it will make a gurgling
sound when the player blows through the instrument. This would ruin the sound
that the player was trying to make! Next time you come to hear the NZSO, watch
the brass section and see if you can spot when they are letting fluid out of their
instrument via the spit valve.
Research task...
The renaissance was a period of great advancement and change in the arts, in politic and in the way
people thought.
8IBUEPTFUIFXPSESFOBJTTBODFBDUVBMMZNFBO Researsch this period in history and find out when it happened and where it took place.
NZSO Music for Schools - Rachel Hyde ©2011
nzso.co.nz/education