Suite Americana No. I

Enrique Crespo [born 1941]

Suite Americana No.1 (1977)

1. Ragtime

2. Bossa Nova

3. Vals Peruano

4. Zamba Gaucha

5. Son de Mexico

Originally hailing from Uruguay, Enrique Crespo is a trombonist and founding member of German Brass. He is a prolific arranger of brass and his compositions are often inspired by his Latin and South American background.

Suite Americana No. 1 has become a staple of brass chamber music repertoire, due to its diverse styles. Over the course of its five movements, he takes the listener on a veritable travelogue around the Americas. He opens with a New Orleans rag, before an irresistible Brazilian bossa nova. Next is a Peruvian waltz, followed by an Argentinean samba and finally a Mexican song. His extensive knowledge of the capabilities and strengths of each instrument allow for the brass ensemble to really shine.

Seb Philpott