MUSIC AND DANCE REVIEWS : BRASS RING IN DEBUT

Creative pairing of site and sound has always been one of the distinguishing features of the Chamber Music in Historic Sites concerts. The playful side of that imagination manifested itself Friday in a performance by Brass Ring at the Santa Monica Carousel.

Formed in 1981 by Yale students, Brass Ring has already garnered considerable acclaim. It has also undergone a recent personnel change, adding trumpeter Daniel D’Addio to a lineup of Claire Newbold, trumpet; Kirsten Bendixen, horn; David Kayser, trombone; and Karl Kramer, tuba.

The ensemble might have wished for a less whimsical setting for its California debut. But the beautifully restored indoor carousel at the Santa Monica Pier offered a surprisingly hospitable acoustic. Sight lines ranged from inadequate to non-existent, dominated by the motionless carousel in the center of the room. But the players changed locations for each piece, and the audience was encouraged to move about and allowed to ride the ponies before and after.

Only one piece required the spatial dispersal of the quintet itself. “Call,” a substantial fanfare by Luciano Berio, gave the players ample opportunity for antiphonal chatter. Heard in its local premiere, it seemed a clearly shaped, slightly jazzy work, effectively employing unusual techniques.

Alvin Etler’s Quintet required the greatest effort for the listener. A melodically craggy, rhythmically powerful atonal work, it gave Brass Ring a chance to probe complex relationships and demonstrate thoroughly controlled ensemble skills.

Verne Reynolds’ Suite provided a more conservative vehicle for mellifluous brooding and stirring bravura, while Joseph Horovitz’ “Music Hall Suite” proved a brilliant nostalgia collection. Arrangements of music by Praetorius and Albeniz completed the offering, played throughout with great zest and ability.