Brass Bagatelles

Skilfully written for a range of instruments that suffer from a dearth of repertoire, Bryan Kelly’s Brass Bagatelles offer a variety of enticing moods and styles at an intermediate level that will ensure their popularity amongst brass players of around Grades 4 to 5 standard.

The first two movements – a stern minuet and rollicking march – take a tongue-in-cheek look at aspects of ceremonial music. The third, marked ‘Tenero’ is more introspective, a winsome tune in lilting rhythm. The finale is a gig that contrasts wicked offbeat accents with smooth melody – very typical of this composer – and ends with a splendid glissando from the piano.

Many of Bryan Kelly’s pieces for brass have featured on examination syllabuses over the years – reflecting his talent to create fresh, approachable music that delights students, teachers and examiners alike.