In a captivating evening at Severance Music Center, the Canadian Brass delivered an engaging and refined holiday concert that showcased both their musical prowess and charming rapport with the audience. Unlike the more playful performances of the past, this show presented a more disciplined yet equally enjoyable experience. The ensemble's seamless transitions between classical masterpieces and holiday favorites highlighted their versatility and commitment to maintaining high artistic standards. The audience was treated to arrangements of works by Mozart, Bach, Piazzolla, and Vince Guaraldi, among others, each piece demonstrating the quintet's technical precision and interpretive depth. The concert concluded with two encores that left the crowd yearning for more, proving the enduring appeal of this iconic brass ensemble.
A Night of Musical Mastery in Cleveland
In the heart of Ohio, on a Monday night in the season of festivities, the Canadian Brass graced the stage of the Severance Music Center with their annual holiday program titled "Make Spirits Bright." Dressed in black suits with a modern twist—white Nikes—the quintet made a striking entrance, marching New Orleans-style from the back of the hall while playing their signature tune, "Just a Closer Walk." This lively performance, which turned out to be an encore rather than an opening number, set the tone for an evening filled with surprises and musical delights.
The concert officially began with an elegant rendition of Mozart's The Magic Flute Overture, where the quintet demonstrated their ability to perform classical repertoire with the same grace as any full orchestra. The music flowed effortlessly, capturing the essence of Mozart's work without losing its brass quintet charm. Later, during J.S. Bach's Italian Concerto, the group achieved a remarkable blend, producing smooth, legato lines that seemed almost effortless. Trumpeter Joe Burgstaller, who also arranged several pieces, took center stage multiple times, particularly in Astor Piazzolla's compositions, where his virtuosic playing and improvisations mesmerized the audience.
A standout moment came with Vince Guaraldi's jazz classic, "Christmas Time Is Here," featuring flugelhorn solos by Burgstaller and Mikio Sasaki. Their lightning-fast quotes from "Linus and Lucy" added a playful touch to the otherwise impressionistic arrangement. Other highlights included Keith Dyrda's humorous use of wa-wa mutes in "O Tannenbaum" and Jeff Nelsen's impeccable timing in "What Child Is This."
The concert's final selection, Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade, though somewhat unconventional for a holiday show, provided an interesting narrative link to the three Christmases mentioned in the Arabian Nights story. The evening concluded with two encores: Luther Henderson's arrangements of "Frosty the Snowman" and "Saints Hallelujah," the latter being a signature piece that crossed "When the Saints Go Marching In" with Handel's "Hallelujah" chorus. These final performances reaffirmed the Canadian Brass's ability to excel in both classical and popular genres.
The musicians' ease at interacting with the audience was another highlight, as each member shared insightful comments that demystified the art of performance. Their ability to connect with the crowd made the evening not only musically enriching but also personally engaging.
From a journalist's perspective, this concert served as a testament to the Canadian Brass's evolution over the years. While they have retained the fun and lightheartedness that made them famous, they have also embraced a level of musical discipline that elevates their performances to new heights. The balance between tradition and innovation, combined with their undeniable chemistry as a group, ensures that the Canadian Brass remains a beloved and respected presence in the world of chamber music. Their ability to adapt while staying true to their roots is a valuable lesson for artists in any field.