Holiday Brass Tickets

Music

The holiday season is a time for celebration and gatherings filled with music, and nothing sets the spirit quite like the sounds of holiday brass. From the iconic trumpets in Handel's "Messiah" to the jingle bells in "Sleigh Ride," brass instruments have played an essential role in classical holiday music.

Through the years, holiday brass has been a prominent part of classical music and has become synonymous with the it. During the holiday season, many orchestras will add extra brass players to their ensemble or switch out some of the woodwind players for brass players to create a more festive sound. This is why holiday concerts often feature performances by brass ensembles.

One of the most recognizable pieces that features brass instruments during the holidays is Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite." The well-known "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" is played entirely on a celesta, but the celebrated "Waltz of the Flowers" and "March" are prime examples of how brass can define the sound of classical music.

Other prominent works featuring holiday brass include:

- Bach's "Christmas Oratorio": In this famous work, trumpeters were used to herald in the birth of Jesus, giving a grand, regal feel to the composition.

- Mendelssohn's "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing": While not exclusively a brass-centric piece, this holiday classic features a rousing brass arrangement that fills the listener with joy.

- "Joy to the World": Composed by Lowell Mason, this hymn is another example of the perfect marriage between brass and vocals.

Holiday brass isn't only for the familiar classics, either. Newer compositions like Leroy Anderson's "A Christmas Festival" and John Williams' "Home Alone" score use brass instruments to create festive holiday sounds.

While brass may seem like a loud or overpowering addition to traditional choral arrangements, its sharp sound brings a unique energy and exotic dimension, increasing the appeal of the classics. Furthermore, brass instruments are usually only featured during the most celebratory moments of classical works, adding depth to the high points of the piece.

In conclusion, the use of brass instruments during the holiday season has created an iconic sound associated with classical music. From rocky fanfares to joyful melodies, brass brings an exciting energy that evokes a sense of celebration and reminds us of holidays. It is because of its precision and power that brass will always have a vital role in classical holiday music.