CD - Austrian Colors - Georg Pranger - accompanied by piano and brass band
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It is with huge pleasure that I can recommend this debut CD recording by the Austrian euphonium player Georg Pranger.  His ambassadorial work for the euphonium over the last years in Austria is well known to all those who had contact with him and the brass band scene in that country.

 So now he has released an album entitled Austrian Colors,  and this demonstrates his fine sound, outstanding control and a desire to put the euphonium on the map in Austria by commissioning, performing and now recording new works by leading Austrian composers.

 The established works are Café 1930 by Piazzolla,  Respectfully Yours by Manchester-based Andy Scott,  In Gardens of Piece by Philip Harper and Euphonium Fantasia  by the American composer Stephen Bulla.  These are well played with sensitivity and complete understanding of the styles.

 The Austrian works are what make this CD so significant, starting with Pulse by Thomas Doss,  then we hear  the very evocative work entitled Nachtmusik Fragmente by Jakob Gruchmann,  and then two fantastic original works: Chamäleon Concertino,  a brand-new 10 minute work by Thomas Doss  and the Euphonium Concerto for Euphonium and Brass Band by Martin Rainer.

 The development of the euphonium in Austria has been slow but significant, enhanced by the rising popularity of brass bands.  I myself have been involved with the Austrian scene, working with ensembles and bands for many years, and during this time I have noticed the developing skill and musical intelligence of Georg Pranger which is now fully realised on this magnificent CD.  Congratulations to pianist Johanna Hengg and the RET Brass Band, conductor Andreas Lackner,  who share the accompanying duties with great skill and sensitivity.

 This CD is highly recommended, and congratulations to Georg  and everyone else involved in making this such an outstanding project.

Repertoire

Pulse - Thomas Doss 7.20

Cafe 1930 - Astor Piazzolla Arr. Ken-ichiro Isoda 7.11

Nachtmusik Fragmente - Jacob Gruchmann

i. Allegro 2.42

ii. Wiegenlied 2.07

iii. Espressivo 2.13

iv. Allegro 2.17

Respectfully Yours - Andy Scott 4.26

Euphonium Fantasia - Stephen Bulla 6.56

Chamaleon Concertino  for Euphonium and Brass Band - Thomas Doss  10.00

In Garden of Peace - Philip Harper 5.51

Euphonium Concerto for Euphonium and Brass Band - Martin Rainer

i. Allegro con moto 4.25

ii. Marcia Funebre 9.06

iii. Allegro con brio 4.33

Recorded between October 2018 and February 2019