Paris Brass Band recently put the finishing touches to their forthcoming CD release which features the music of composer Thierry Deleruyelle.
The recording project was inspired by former MD Florent Didier and Band President Dominique Collin, and has finally come to fruition under present MD Laurent Douvre.
Twin centrepieces
The twin centrepieces are the composer's major work, 'Crazy Twenties' which the band premiered at the 2022 French National Championships, as well as 'Crossing Worlds', a substantive new concerto, which was commissioned and performed by Swiss cornet star Kathleen Gaspoz.
It was recorded at the Conservatory of Creteil by Digistyle and Luc Fourneau, and produced by Thierry Deleruyelle alongside euphonium player Philippe Schwartz.
Close to our hearts
Speaking about the project to 4BR, MD Laurent Douvre said: "This CD is the result of a project which has been close to all our hearts. It offered us a wonderful opportunity to work with Thierry and to showcase his music to the world.
We performed 'Crazy Twenties' at the French Championships and it was so successful that we wanted to ensure it was recorded. We thank him for his kindness, professionalism and talent, and hope that we will have the opportunity to work together again."
Musical style
In response, Thierry said: "'Crazy Twenties' is the third part of a major cycle of works I'm writing for the brass band medium that will retrace the history of the 20th century.
I wanted to change the musical style that I had adopted for the first two pieces by using a much more 'old jazz' material from the era, but also combining fairly classic writing styles too."
He added: "I have so much friendship for the Paris musicians and conductor Laurent Douvre, and Kathleen is a fantastic musician. Her playing on 'Crossing Worlds' which is a major concerto of great difficulty, is simply fantastic."
This CD is the result of a project which has been close to all our hearts. It offered us a wonderful opportunity to work with Thierry and to showcase his music to the worldParis Brass Band
Crossing Worlds
The three part work tells the tale of a journey through three countries — much like that taken by the Kathleen in her studies and work.
Speaking about the solo, Kathleen said: "Thierry is a composer I admire a great deal. 'Crossing Worlds' is the moment where I wanted to discover new horizons as a player and present something that suited me — and Thierry did that incredibly well."
Also included on the release are 'Superjet' composed for the Paris Brass Band, 'Columbus', written for Brass Band Bourgueillois and 'Keystone' which was written as the set-work for the 2023 First Section French National Finals.
