ITG Journal March 2005, pag. 71

Recording Reviews - Elisa Koehler, Editor

GomalanBrass Quintet



A newcomer on the quintet scene, the Gomalan Brass Quintet was formed in 1999
and won first prize at the international "Passau City" competition in Germany
just two years later in 2001. Each of the members of this quintet is a virtuoso
in his instrument. This CD, the group's first (hopefully not the last one!),
features a number of Italian compositions. From Verdi to Piazzolla, the quintet
displays outstanding intonation, musicianship, and unified ensemble playing. It
is difficult to single out one member of the group for special praise, but the
hornist Nilo Caracristi deserves special recognition for his many wonderful
solos throughout the recording. Recorded in Italy in 2002, this CD is produced
and distributed by Summit Records. The recording quality is impeccable, and the
liner notes are full of information about the members of the quintet as well as
the composers. This CD is highly recommended for all brass players, not just
brass quintet enthusiasts. I look forward to hearing more from the Gomalan Brass
Quintet.

(Tomislav M. Spoljar, freelance trumpeter, Zagreb, Croatia)


The Horn Call

Journal of the International Horn Society

Volume XXXV, No.2, February 2005



Recording Reviews, Pag. 79



The first few moments of listening to this CD are going to make a very large
impression on you. I am willing to guarantee that it will be a very good
impression. The group sound, the intonation, the balance, the rhythmic
precision, and the extraordinary ensemble-playing make the Gomalan Brass Quintet
a truly elite chamber music ensemble. I do not mean an elite brass quintet,
although they are that, but they should be considered among the finest chamber
music ensemble of any kind.

The members of this quintet use their first rate individual skills to create
something that is better than the sum of the parts. Having archieved their
remarkable ensemble unity, they use the quintet to draw all the emotion and
energy that the music contains and project it with sensitivity and flair to the
listener. It's a simple sounding progression: individual virtuosity, group
mastery, and superb musical performances. I know that this progression is not
guaranteed. Many small ensembles start out with the individual virtuosity and
never move to the other positions. The Gomalan Brass Quintet has made that
progression!

Nilo Caracristi plays with immense precision, power, sensitivity , and flair. In
a brass quintet, it can be difficult for the hornist to mach the others,
especially the trumpets, in the "flash" department. Mr. Caracristi has lot of
"flash": he is a very skilled ensemble player and, when given the opportunity to
be a leading voice or soloist, he is sensational. It was a pleasure to hear him
play. All but one arrangement on this CD are by GBQ trumpeter Marco Pierobon.
The arrangements exhibit an exceptionally fine skill at adapting music from a
variety of sources and making them sound as though they belong to the brass
quintet literature. I hope to hear much more from the Gomalan Brass Quintet in
the future.

CS



THE INSTRUMENTALIST,

Feb. 2005



GOMALANBRASSQUINTET (2004 Summit Records, DCD 386) is a superb recording
by one of the premier brass groups in the world. The Gomalan Brass
Quintet was formed in 1999 and in 2001 was awarded First Prize at the
prestigious International Brass Competition in Passau, Germany. Marco
Braito and Marco Pierobon (trumpets), Nilo Caracristi (horn), Gianluca
Scipioni (trombone) and Oswald Prader (tuba) comprise this exciting
brass group recently formed. The professional and educational
credentials of these musicians belie their relative youth.

The album contains 12 selections, and the program varies from Italian
opera to American movie themes. All of the arrangements are by Marco
Pierobon except for the opening track, "Sinfonia" from La forza del
destino by Verdi and arranged by J.P. Bouchard. The playing throughout
the album is flawless and displays technical assurance possessed only by
outstanding brass players. The liner notes indicate that Marco Pierobon
is 'Acting Principal Trumpet' with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and
that Nilo Caracristi and Gianluca Scipioni have each engaged in advanced
study with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This influence is
heard in the ensemble resonance and power that sounds more like an
orchestral brass section than an intimate chamber ensemble.

From the powerful textures in the Verdi to the comedic rendition of The
Flintstones that closes the album, something will appeal to most musical
tastes. The group is at its best when performing the selections by Verdi
and Puccini. The adaptation of this repertoire to the brass quintet
works extremely well and the Gomalans are at home in the genre. The
adaptations of Nel blue dipinto di blu (Volare) and The Flintstones are
less successful. The limited instrumentation sounds awkward in these
pieces.

GOMALANBRASSQUINTET is worthy of a listen by all students and
professional brass players. These musicians are among the best in the
world and much of the album is impressive. School music directors can
use this album to demonstrate great brass sound production to their
students.

- Thomas Dust



www.gomalanbrass.com




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