In addition to touring troupes and performances on parlor pianos, much of Foster's music circulated during his lifetime in versions for brass bands. Adolphe Sax, best known today as the inventor of the saxophone, had perfected "saxhorns" in the 1840s, a matched family of conical bore brasses using the recently developed valve system, and their powerful yet sweet sound quickly came to dominate public music throughout mid-19th century America. As an adventure in musical time travel the sounds that listeners in Foster's time would have heard are duplicated on this recording by a quintet of authentic period instruments. Their unique sound is strikingly different from that of modern brasses. Additionally, at a time when the distinctions between classical and popular music were less marked than today, their performers would have blended elements of classical, popular and folk traditions. Though Foster wrote few instrumental pieces himself, his sturdy melodies were regularly adapted as marches, quick steps and dance pieces by other composers, a typical practice of the time.

Tracklist:

Ellen Bayne Quick Step
Bronze Bob Tail Horse Quick Step
Why, No One To Love
California Quick Step
Beautiful Dreamer
Dolly Day Quick Step
Hard Times Waltz
We Are Coming Father Abraam, 300,000 More
Colonel Meeker's Quick Step
March. My Old Kentucky Home
My Wife Is A Most Knowing Woman
Maggie By My Side Grand March
Santa Anna's Retreat From Buena Vista
Willie Schottisch
George Hart's Quick Step
Some Folks
Open Thy Lattice Love
Old Dog Tray March
Camptown Quick Step
Massa's In The Cold Ground
When This Dreadful War Is Over
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming Quick Step
Gentle Annie
Lulu Is Gone
Where Has Lula Gone
Farewell My Lily Dear Quick Step

UPC: 636943912423
Label: Naxos American
Release Date: 5.18.04
Format: CD

Chestnut Brass Company - Foster Brass (CD)