Air

Parts:

• B-flat Trumpet 1
• B-flat Trumpet 2
• F Horn 1
• Trombone 1
• Tuba 1
• B-flat Trumpet 3
• B-flat Trumpet 4
• F Horn 2
• Trombone 2
• Tuba 2

The Air is a lovely slow movement that came from Baroquial Suite, a suite in the Baroque style for brass quintet. Reminiscent of the famous Air from J.S. Bachs Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D, Mr. Smallmans Air explores more chromatic harmonies while still maintaining a Baroque feel.

The ensemble writing is truly for two antiphonal quintets. The melody flows between the two ensembles and then combines certain instruments at various times to link the two quintets. The staccatos in the tuba part should not be played too short.