Ave Maria, composed in 1889 is the first movement of Verdi's Quattro pezzi sacri for a cappella chorus. Verdi was inspired to compose this work, prompted by the challenge put forth to harmonize the Enigmatic Scale (Scala Enigmatica Armonizzata) by composer Adolfo Crescentini. The rather bizarre scale is passed around to all the parts throughout the entire work and is part of the mystery of this sacred work.

This 4-minute piece has been brilliantly arranged by Denis Jiron for 13-part Brass Ensemble with the following instrumentation: Cornet in B-flat, 3 Flugelhorns, 4 Horns, 2 Trombones, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba.

This work may be performed by moderately advanced performers.

Ecce Sacerdos Magnus (?Behold the Great Priest?) comes from the early European tradition of plainchant. Bruckner?s setting of the responsory, originally scored for eight-part mixed choir, organ and three trombones, brings certain medieval qualities to an otherwise Romantic-era composition.



This transcription for 10-part brass choir is appropriate for intermediate level and above and attempts to retain the majesty, power, and beauty of the original piece. It should be approached as a choral piece: connected and fluid. The harmonic language is essentially triadic; great care should be taken in the tuning of each chord throughout the piece.



Instrumentation is for: 3 Trumpets in B-flat, 2 Horns, 3 Trombones, Euphonium and Tuba.



Listen to the live performance by a young group of musicians conducted by Dr. Paul Stevens, Professor of Horn at KU.