It was really fun, beyond the musical privilege of recording music of Bach, to have all our friends in the same room making music together. We were really proud to have Chris Lee on the sessions with us. Although Chris hasn't played an actual concert with the Brass, we have been associated with him since he was in 7th grade at the Winona Park School where we created the Canadian Brass Books of Quintets. Also, Shachar is featured on this CD, an amazing young trombone talent. It was Shachar that stepped in at the last minute to perform with us at the Blossom Festival when Gene had broken his arm!
Just about everything about Canadian Brass' past, present and future, can be read into a project like this. Our fans are already telling us how happy they are that we are keeping Bach as the constant as the group evolves. Perhaps more than any other Bach piece, the Little Fugue in G minor has its finest moment on this recording.
Of special note, we have been fortunate to have two of the most outstanding horn virtuosi of this era: pay special attention to the famous Air on a G String realized for two horns (track 5) , and also the Menuet (track 3). There is a plethora of outstanding individual playing on this recording along with the almost 'chamber orchestra' sound of the large Bach pieces.