Pipers, March 2004 issue No.271 Initiated in the tradition of the glory of Leningrad Brass Russian Brass The famed Leningrad Brass Quintet that won the 3" International Brass Quintet Concours that was held in Norbone, France in 1990 is the predecessor of Russian Brass. The members of the Canadian Brass who were judges at this concours praised the group highly, saying, “Wonderful! Perfect! Clearly highest skill in terms of both musicality, ensemble work, and refinement. They are physically extremely tough, and extremely professional.” But, they were fated to be effected by the violent changes in the subsequent national establishment. One of the members, the tuba player Valentin Avvakumov spoke of their subsequent disbanding when he came to Japan on the St. Petersburg Phil tour last October. “After that time, the members were scattered far and wide. Two went to the Kirov Theater, one to New Zealand, one to Japan, and | don't know where the other one went. . .” Avvakumov himself worked with the Kirov Theater for a time, but it is now the third season since he returned to his old home (St. Petersburg Phil). A brass quintet was also formed at the Kirov Theater, but after he returned to St. Petersburg, he once again formed the Russian Brass with fellow orchestra members. While the name is now different, it is made up of master musicians in the tradition of the former Leningrad Phil, and it immediately became one of the most popular brass groups in all of Russia. “Of course, our repertory is centered around arrangements, all of which are our own original arrangements. Various devices have been utilized to keep the audience from getting bored during our two-hour concerts. We give joint concerts with strings, percussion, and organ, and recently we performed Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite with percussion instruments. We have even experimented withcollaborations with visual images. “Eward? His works might best be explained as etudes for students. When you play them in concert, the audience immediately goes to sleep. They are often utilized as subjects for concours, but they are not suited to concerts. “Both in the past and the present, at Russia's music conservatories, enthusiastic lessons are give on chamber music and brass ensembles, and we understand that there are far more professional groups in this genre than one could possibly imagine. “ In passing, Avvakumov himself plays the Bb tuba exclusively in ensembles. His favorite instrument has been imported to Japan where it has attracted great: attention, and its name is “St. Petersburg.” It is made by a company with long traditions in the style of the famed Zimmerman Company. During the Soviet period, the company made brass instruments under the brand name of Leningrad, but at present, it continues making only tubas, for which it has gained world renown. “Of course, this is an instrument that can also be used in an orchestra, but | think that it is particularly effective in solo and ensemble work. | always use this instrument in brass ensemble work. After all, it would be quite exhausting to carry two or three tubas along with me all the time. (Laugh.) “The basic design was inherited from the Zimmerman company, but | think that it also incorporates advice received from the first chair tuba player Garuzman of the Leningrad Phil. | have heard that they are still carrying out enthusiastic development, working toward the addition of C and F tubes.” This Russian Brass is slated to make its debut tour of Japan this autumn. As soon as the details have been set, they will be introduced in this magazine.