Canadian Brass - FEATURE STORY

Malcolm Forsyth

In January 1999, the Canadian Brass performed and live-broadcast Sagittarius Concerto Grosso No.1 for brass quintet and orchestra with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra in Poland. Initially commissioned by the Banff Centre, Sagittarius was first performed by the Canadian Brass in 1975 with the Canadian Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Mario Bernardi. Maestro Bernardi also conducted a CBC recording with the National Arts Centre Orchestra.

Unusual in featuring a brass quintet as concertante group with orchestra, the work exploits all five players as full-fledged soloists in addition to many passages for unaccompanied ensemble. An extrovert piece in an accessible style, the title derives from the sporty, outdoor mood of the zodiacal sign of Sagittarius.

The Canadian Brass considers Dr. Forsyth one of Canada's cultural gems. He was Composer of the Year in 1989 and the recipient of Juno Awards for Atayoskewin (his Suite for Orchestra) 1987, Sketches from Natal 1995, and Electra Rising in 1998. Dr Forysth was born and educated in South Africa, majoring in trombone at the University of Capetown and later in conducting and composition.

He came to Canada in 1968. As a music faculty member of the University of Alberta, Dr. Forsyth is a professor of theory, composition, and conducting. It is his work as a composer, however, that brings his name to international attention, having also been commissioned by Maureen Forrester, Judith Forst, Helmut Brauss, the Blaeserenensemble Mainz, the Montreal, Edmonton and Capetown Symphonies, and the Natal Philharmonic. Dr. Forsyth's music has been heard on six continents. His catalogue includes over one hundred titles, and his discography continues to expand apace.

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