Strauss, R: Feierlicher Einzug der Ritter des Johanniter-Ordens, Op. 103

The Venezuelan Brass Ensemble came into being in 2003 from Venezuela's state youth orchestra system (FESNOJIV) under the patronage of José Antonio Abreu and Thomas Clamor. This unique, state-sponsored system comprises some 200 children's and young people's orchestras and about 100 music centres, spread all over the country. In the meantime, thanks to this work, numerous successful youth ensembles have emerged. Leading the way is the “Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela”, where most of the members of the “Venezuelan Brass Ensemble” come from.

This wonderful Christmas CD balances a number of different elements – choral showcases from Musica Sacra, an organ solo, the splendour of the brass both by itself and in combination with the choir and organ. There is some ‘serious’ classical music as well as lighter, more popular repetoire, which overall, has something for everyone and should be a welcome addition to the musical joys of Christmas.

Winfried Bönig, appointed Cologne Cathedral organist in 2001, plays the two cathedral organs together from the new console “towards using the greatest possible number of stop combinations when both organs are played simultaneously . . . [the recording is] dedicated in its entirety to the Romantic symphonic conception.” The Klais firm of Bonn built a new “swallow’s nest” tracker organ of 71 ranks in the nave in 1998, and completed in 2002 the rebuilding and enlargement to 117 ranks the electropneumatic Choir organ which the firm had originally built 1948-56, providing a new console from which both others may be played electrically. Hybrid SACD Compatible with conventional CD players and SACD surround sound.

The Royal Academy's brass department has established itself as one of the foremost in the world. The department's professors are active performers at the highest professional level, and include principal players with London's leading orchestras and world-renowned solo performers. In addition to the resident teachers, visiting specialists regularly teach at the Academy-further increasing the range of expertise which students can draw on. Brass students are prepared for every aspect of the profession, from period performance on original instruments through big band to the avant-garde and session work. Professor James Watson divides his time between playing, teaching and conducting. He studied trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music, where he now holds the position of Artistic Director and Head of Brass. James's orchestral work has included principal trumpet posts with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, London Sinfonietta, the Nash Ensemble and Philip Jones Brass Ensemble. Conducting positions have included Artistic Director of the renowned Black Dyke Mills Band, Artistic Director of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales and Vice President of the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain.

"Excellent playing in an entertaining recital…brilliantly played and detailed… Throughout, the playing and ensemble of these brass professionals of the future are excellent" Gramophone

Massimo Nosetti once again proves why he is regarded as one of the foremost musicians in his field. This sonic spectacular is played with all the technical brilliance and assured musicianship we have come to expect of him. He performs on the Great Organ of Messina Cathedral, the third largest in Europe.