The Wallace Collection - Hammered Brass - The Observer

The tight sound of the Wallace Collection is lent a further dimension by the inclusion of percussion in the compositions by Crawford and Xenakis on this disc. Subtlety in their use and interplay with the quintet allows the percussion instruments, paradoxically, to mellow the explosive nature of the brass writing. In spite of the instrumental combination, this is not a recording reminiscent of Souza or marching band music but one of the most refreshing listening experiences to enjoy on CD at the moment.