Download Victor Ewald`s Brass Quintet No.1, Op. 5 John Eagan, Michael

Russian Music of the Romantic Era: Victor Ewald’s Brass Quintet No.1, Op. 5
John Eagan, Michael Friesen, Cynthia Hartwell, Matthew LaMar, Kyle Shirk
Major(s): Biochemistry; Business Finance; Spanish, Education, ACT-In; Oxbridge:
Music; Business Admin/Finance, Spanish
Faculty Sponsor: Mr. Phil Schaefer
The Russian-born Victor Ewald made his living as a highly successful civil
engineer, being appointed in 1900 as professor and manager of the Faculty of
Construction Materials at the Institute of Civil Engineers. However, those who know his
name today may find it more relevant and important to know that for sixteen years he
performed as the cellist with the Beliaeff Quartet, the most influential ensemble in St.
Petersburg during the late 19th century. Though originally a string musician, his name is
known for composing some of the first—and most highly notable—pieces of literature
for brass quintet. The most famous of his four brass quintet pieces is his Op. 5 in B flat
minor, and was the only one published during his lifetime (in 1912). Inspired by Ewald’s
interest in Russian folk music, this piece is cherished for its minor tonality, rich harmonic
structures, and atypical meters. These aspects and others which make up Ewald’s
stylistic mannerisms make the quintet demanding, but rewarding, for players. After
presenting a brief look into Ewald’s life as a composer, we will perform from his Brass
Quintet No. 1, Op. 5—an excerpt from the second movement, Adagio non troppo lento,
and the third movement, Allegro moderato, in its entirety.