Ancient Airs for Brass and Organ
by Washington Symphonic Brass
Like most brass recordings, "Ancient Airs for Brass & Organ" contains no works originally done for modern brass instruments. What is unusual about the collection is that none of these works (with the exception of the Bach) were written for any specific instrument.
Some were folk melodies handed down throughout the ages to be performed or sung on whatever was available. Others (like Ancient Airs) were originally written for Lute, but traditionally played on many different instruments, culminating in it's most famous arrangement by Resphigi for orchestra. The selections convey prominently a spirit of joy and celebration; repertoire from previous centuries that inspires and pleases.