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Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
(PJBE) was formed in 1951 by trumpeter Philip Jones
(1928 - 2000). PJBE had two basic formations: a quintet
(2 trumpets, horn,
trombone and tuba) and a ten-piece
group (see picture above) for the larger concert halls.
In February 1947, Philip Jones heard
the Amsterdam Koper Quartet (two trumpets, horn and trombone). It
was led by the Concergebouw's first trumpet, Marious Komst. A year
later Jones met Komst again and had a few lessons with him. In 1951
Jones was first trumpet with the Covent Garden Opera House Orchestra
and following the Dutch example he opted for a quartet drawn from
members of the Opera House orchestra. The first players were:
PJBE made its first recording in 1965
for EMI, The Glory of Venice, in collaboration with Denis Stevens and the
Ambrosian Singers. It was a
collection of brass and choral settings by Giovanni Gabrieli and Andrea
Gabrieli.
In 1986, Philip Jones announced his retirement. Last
recording was PJBE Finale.
Last
public performance by Philip Jones
Brass Ensemble, with Elgar Howart conducting, was Sunday 8 June 1986 at
7.15 pm in Queen Elizabeth Hall, London. Players were:
A detailed history of the PJBE can be
found in Donna McDonald's The
Odyssey of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble (pub. Bulle
Switzerland, Editions BIM; 1986). It includes lists of members of the
ensemble.
Links: