In 1989, to teach the world of international music, five Spanish musicians created the Spanish Brass. Spanish Brass has given hundreds of concerts across the globe and has become “world renown for its performances, educational activities and creative collaborations” according to their public relations materials. On Oct. 8, Spanish Brass performed at the Center For the Arts to a crowd of approximately 250.

Photograph by Kate Olsen
Members of Spanish Brass, which includes a French horn, two trumpets, a trombone and tuba, performed Oct. 8 at the Center for the Arts. Their musical repitoire included pieces from European and American composers. Spanish Brass travels all over the world, performing at festivals.

Spanish Brass includes four original members: Manuel Pérez Ortega, French horn; Carlos Benetó Grau, trumpet; Juanjo Serna Salvador, trumpet; Indalecio Bonet Manrique on the trombone; and the youngest and newest member Sergio Finca Quirós, tuba. The group has given concerts in venues such as Great American Brass Band Festival, Julliard School of Music, Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival (Germany), Kalavrita Festival (Greece) and more.

“They are bold and then they are soft; I think they are great and they can blend really well,” Valerie Stendel, senior civil engineering major, said.

Music was played from different composers from around the world; from Juan Bautista Cabanilles of Spain, to Johann Sebastian Bach of Germany, and Duke Ellington from the United States. The first half of the performance included music from European composers.

One song they played was “Suite-Impromptu,” composed by André Lafosse. Jr. Grau introduced this song as soft and sensitive.

“We love to play this song because it’s the opposite of how brass music is usually played,” Grau said.

The most interesting part of the performance prior to intermission was “Questions and Answers” composed by Xavier Montsalvatge. It’s a contemporary piece, in which the members of the band alternate entrances and exits through the duration of the piece.

After “Questions and Answers,” there was a short intermission. Grau was surprised by the crowd that was still in attendance.

“It’s great to come back from intermission and see the audience is still here after our last song,” Grau joked.

The second half of the performance included composers from Latin America and the U.S.. One of the group’s favorite songs was comoposed by Chick Corea.

“I’m here for my music appreciation class but it’s interesting to watch them play really fast and meticulous,” Ann Lazare, freshman software engineer, said.

“Spanish Brass is in a totally different league of brass ensembles – completely world class players,” John Hassig, Director of Performing & Visual Arts Programs and Facilities, said. “They definitely showed that in their performance.”