Passion des Cuivres
is an ensemble, which is unique in Germany and, indeed, unique throughout Europe. It was founded in 2004 and sees its mission in making audible the tonal intentions of Romantic composers.
The drastic changes in the sound ideal of the 19th century sparked very interesting developments such as the perfecting of musical instruments. Practical requirements for the making of brass instruments involved first and foremost the chromatic scale, a stronger dynamic and an expanded set of more differentiated timbres. Original historic musical instruments or their replicas allow the listener to discover and tap into a very special sound culture.
The term Romanticism refers to a style and art movement that was able to achieve a captivating impact in literature, painting and music, and that shaped the entire 19th century. Romanticism is characterized by the presentation of subjective experiences, dream worlds, longings, desires and emotions. In contrast to the music of the "Viennese Classicism", the composers then used freer, more open forms, an advanced harmony and programmatic ideas. Furthermore they involved additional musical instruments and even invented new ones.
Romanticism accommodates the people’s desire to address emotions, suspicions and fears, and to generalize these feelings in an artistical way. "Passion des Cuivres" prefers this momentum in their programmes. Yet, it goes without saying that the ensemble is certainly able to widen this scope.
Due to their in-depth knowledge, their long-standing performance and playing experience the members of the ensemble "Passion des Cuivres" also serve as advisers and contact persons for the cast and instrumentation of brass players for large-scale Romantic orchestras. In addition to the regular core group the ensemble is also always able to put you in contact with other experienced musicians who play historic wind and brass instruments.
Despite the disappearance of the trumpeter’s and hornists’ art of clarino playing at the end of the 18th century the art of brass playing did not perish - quite the contrary. Newly established associations, clubs and military bands began to replace the waits (also called "stadtpfeifer") who were organized in guilds. Wind ensembles and brassbands took over the representation and entertainment of the clubs and associations in the 19th century. Due to the industrial manufacturing of steadily improving metal wind instruments and the great demand for affordable musical instruments the number of minstrels and musicians increased almost explosively. Since the most important task of the civilian and military brass bands was to play at open air concerts in public spaces and parks, many composers had a particular interest in introducing their latest opera melodies through arangements for brass instruments. In this way regional brass bands became important in conveying the contemporary music of the 19th century.
Sound samples
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Hymne
The Carol of the Bells
The Three Kings
The Coventry Carol
