The Cambridge companion to brass instruments /

This valuable new volume is not strictly a history of brass instruments, but rather a collection of 18 essays about various aspects of brass. Though most of the essays are concerned with brass in the Western tradition, the opening essay deals with "lip-vibrated instruments of the ancient and non-western world." A sampling of the topics covered: design, technology and manufacture of instruments (one essay covers before 1800, another since 1800), the cornett, the sackbut, keyed brass, literature for brass during various musical eras, the use of the instruments in different types of groups in different eras, the brass band tradition, jazz and improvisation on brass, brass in the avant-garde. All essays are authoritatively written, although none pretends to be exhaustive. Some focus much of their attention on primarily academic terminology and issues--such as the jazz article's discussion of "phallic" and "postphallic" styles, individualizing and collectivizing techniques and styles. A helpful glossary and a fairly comprehensive select bibliography. This book does not really replace any other volumes about brass, but it will certainly be a noteworthy addition to the literature. Academic collections serving undergraduates, graduates, faculty. K. R. Dietrich Ripon College