In this exercise, I am going to listen to and document my overall experience with the use of brass in three works by Bach, Mahler and Stockhausen. The three works differ significantly in their use of the orchestra. However, there are also similarities.
In Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, the brass instruments are primarily used to provide a festive and celebratory atmosphere to the music. There seem to be 3 instruments in the section, and there is a timpani which introduces the opening chorus and continues to feature prominently throughout the work. The trumpets appear to perform fanfare-like joyful melodies while the timpani adds rhythmic drive to the music. In addition, the brass section seems to support the harmony and rhythmic accompaniment of the choir and soloists. In contrast, Mahler’s Symphony makes more complex use of the Brass instruments using mutes and other extended techniques in order to alter the sound and create a sense of drama and tension. There seem to be often playing in unison or in close harmony. The brass section appears also to be used to contrast with other sections of the orchestra, like strings and woodwinds. The brass section selected by Mahler is significantly larger than the other two works. Finally, Stockhausen’s work seems to be the most radical using the brass section and instruments. He composed the work for three orchestras and, therefore, three brass sections. The composer, however, does not utilise the instruments conventionally or traditionally. Instead, the instruments often perform extended techniques producing an ethereal and otherworldly sound. I noticed flutter tongue technique, multiphonics and what seem to be microtones and various very dissonant sounds. The placement of the orchestras also will surely create a surrounding effect for the audience.
The three works and composers used the brass section for different purposes. However, it can be said that they all try to add intensity, reinforce voices or layers, and highlight and emphasise rhythm, pulse and motivic material.
Regarding the trends identified, these are clearly perceived as baroque due to the ornamental and elaboration of the material applied to the brass. Late Romantic trend, emotional and very expressive brass lines and contemporary trying to push the boundaries of music to the next level without following any tonal rule.
Next: Exercise: Big band style
Orchestration and Arrangement 