Brass, Reeds, and Percussion: December 2, 2023

This edition of Brass, Reeds, and Percussion features original classical wind-band music by Haydn (harmoniemusik), Advent music, and a medley of Medieval Christmas carols. In Christian denominations that observe it, Advent is a period of waiting and anticipation that begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. There are many good and old hymn tunes that are associated with this period of the Christian liturgical calendar. So today’s edition will begin with “Savior of the Nations, Come,” the words of which can be traced back to a hymn written by St. Ambrose of Milan. The words most commonly used can be traced to Martin Luther, who may have also adapted the hymn tune heard from a Gregorian chant.

More about harmonie (also known as harmoniemusik).

1. Nun komm der Heiden Heiland (Savior of the Nations, Come)
   Composer:  St. Ambrose of Milan (340-397)
   Performer:  Ulmer Brass Ensemble
   Album:  Intrsumental Music for Advent and Christmas
     
2. O Savior, Tear Open the Heavens (1622)
   Composer:  Andreas Ludwig Schulte (1960- )
   Performer:  Portuguese National Police Band
   Album:  Au Cirque
     
3. Medieval Christmas Medley
   Composer:  Alastair Wheeler (British composer and arranger)
   Performer:  Portuguese National Police Band
   Album:  Au Cirque
     
4. Pie Jesu
   Composer:  Gabriel Faure (1845-1924)
   Performer:  Signum Saxophone Quartet
   Album:  Echoes
     
5. March from the "Nutcracker" (1892)
   Composer:  Peter Tchaikowsky (1840-1893)
   Performer:  Minsk Winds
   Album:  Return to Ithaca
     
6. Octet in C: Allegro
   Composer:  Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
   Performer:  Consortium Classicum
   Album:  Joseph Haydn: Arrangements for Harmonie
     
7. Octet in C: Andante
   Composer:  Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
   Performer:  Consortium Classicum
   Album:  Joseph Haydn: Arrangements for Harmonie
     
8. Octet in C: Allegro assai
   Composer:  Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
   Performer:  Consortium Classicum
   Album:  Joseph Haydn: Arrangements for Harmonie
     
9. High Society (1928 recording)
   Composer:  Porter Steele (1880-1966)
   Performer:  Monk Hazel's Bienville Roof Orchestra
   Album:  New Orleans: Great Original Performances 1918-1934
     
10. High Society
    Composer:  Porter Steele (1880-1966)
    Performer:  Pete Fountain
    Album:  Best of Pete Fountain
      
11. Bartokian Mutations
    Composer:  Teo Aparicio Barberan (1967- )
    Performer:  Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Guides
    Album:  Phoenix Ascending
    Also see.
      
12. Commando March (1943)
    Composer:  Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
    Performer:  U.S. Marine Band
    Album:  Three Hit Albums from U.S. Military Bands