In Conversation
Phil Whelan and Paul talk on RTHK's Morning Brew programme about some of the great conductors and what made them so remarkable. Conductors discussed are Carlos Kleiber. Sir Georg Solti, Claudio Abbado and Sir Simon Rattle   CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
Jean Francaix: Le Gay Paris
Paul Archibald (trumpet) and Blue Skies Music
Le Gay Paris is a brilliant and virtuosic piece for trumpet and wind ensemble. Jean Francaix captures the essence of 1920s Paris with all its gaiety and charm in this exhilarating piece of writing. As well as composing, Françaix was an accomplished pianist, earning First Prize in Piano at the Paris Conservatory, eventually touring throughout Europe and the U.S.    CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
Erik Leidzen: A Happy Day
Paul Archibald (cornet) and English Brass Ensemble.
Recorded for a fundraising CD on behalf of the trumpeter Clarence Adoo, Erik Leiden's 'A Happy Day' is a timeless classic cornet solo published by The Salvation Army Music Board. This performance was recorded in the BBC Maida Vale studios, one of the world's most famous recording venues   CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
Easy Vibes
Paul Acrhibald (trumpet)
This is a short soundtrack that demonstrates how scales can be used to create a simple piece of music. The idea is to encourage children to practice their scales, not because they are required for a test or exam, but for the sound world they offer and the beneficial effect playing scales can have as a foundation for creativity.   CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
Charles-Marie Widor Toccata from Organ Symphony No.5, Op.42 No.1
English Brass Ensemble
Widor composed this symphony in 1879 but it is the fifth movement that became his most famous piece. It lasts around six minutes and is best known for its use as recessional music at wedding ceremonies. This recording was made at Gateway Studios, Kingston University, Surrey in 1995 and uses some very clever multi-tracking techniques, allowing the ensemble to indulge in a display of brass virtuosity. This arrangement is by Paul Archibald   CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
Paul Archibald: All The Things You Are (Hommage to Chet Baker)
Paul Archibald (trumpet), Simon Limbrick (snare)
Simon and I both enjoy listening to the music of Chet Baker, the iconic jazz trumpeter of the 50's and 60's, I suggested we record some Chet Baker improvisations I'd been listening to. We didn't particulalry rehearse as such but just recorded two play throughs and this is one of them. Apologies to all jazz aficionados...   CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
JS Bach Toccata and Fugue D minor BMW 565
English Brass Ensemble
Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor needs no introduction. It is one of the most distinctive and dramatic works ever to have been composed and is recognisable immediately for it's dramatic and powerful open stanzas. This recording was made for the ASV album, 'Toccata'. This arrangement is by Paul Archibald   CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
Sergei Profofiev: Romeo and Juliet - Montagues & Capulets
English Brass Ensemble
This recording includes some of the legendary names in brass playing - Maurice Murphy, Rod Franks, Malcom Smith, Richard Martin, Mark Bennett, Geoff Bryant, James Gourlay, Patrick Harrild, Robert Childs and Gary Kettel on percussion. Recorded in the wonderful acoustic of St Jude's, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London. This arrangement is by Paul Archibald   CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
In Conversation
Phil Whelan and Paul talk on RTHK's Morning Brew programme about some of the glorious brass moments in the orchestral repertoire. Excerpts include music by Mahler, Wagner, Copland and Richard Strauss   CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
Marcel Bitsch/Paul Archibald Etude No 1
Paul Archibald (trumpet), Simon Limbrick (percussion)
Marcel Bitsch (1921-2011) was a French composer, teacher and analyst. He studied at the Conservatoire de Paris and also was professor of counterpoint there. In his latter years he concentrated on teaching and analysing the music of (mostly) J. S. Bach. He is highly regarded by trumpeters for his Vingt Etudes, a brilliant book of musically complex studies for the trumpet. I have added a percussion part to these studies and they have proved to be very effective concert pieces.   CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
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