New Arts International

Most of the wind instrumentalists in Saxony's classical orchestras have their musical roots in church brass choirs and village or town wind bands. Whether as a child, teenager or adult, sooner or later practically every brass player finds his or her way to this music. Nowadays, however, it seems to have fallen out of fashion. Today we search the hit parades and radio programmes in vain for unadorned Sunday afternoon concerts. Being part of Saxony's original folk culture, these concerts have given way to pseudo-folk pop songs that project an artificial picture of tradition and kitsch. Obviously a new and unbiased attitude is needed in order to approach this original and unassuming music. For where else is tradition more alive than in hand-made music that raises no claims to be anything special? Wind band music, when played lovingly and well, is instantaneous in its impact and remains imperishable. Suddenly the listener has all the time in the world. Once again the most important things in life, things far removed from the media and everyday affairs - leisure, conviviality, friendship and good musicare accompanied by the strains of polka, waltz and march, the warm sound of the high and low brass and perhaps an invigorating pint of beer. These qualities are all plain to hear. In sum, the CD you have in your hands embodies the musical roots of musicians who can appear before you in concert attire or in green-and-yellow embroidered vests. Whatever the case, they play music at the drop of a hat!

From Charles Bridge to the Blue Miracle