For centuries, brass music has been cherished as a multifaceted tradition that held a firm place in both royal court ensembles and sacred music. Numerous composers recognized the special allure of these gleaming golden instruments and adapted major orchestral works for brass ensembles, which proved highly popular with audiences. The Berlin Philharmonic’s brass ensemble continues this time-honored tradition as one of the longest-standing philharmonic chamber music groups. Characteristic features include the nuanced technique and the preference for German instruments, which are prized for their exceptional tonal beauty.

Just how virtuosic and at the same time soulful this can sound is demonstrated by Sarah Willis and her fellow brass players of the Berlin Philharmonic. In her usual engaging manner, the hornist guides the audience through the program—both as a presenter and as a performer—which features works by Richard Strauss, Claude Debussy, Dmitri Shostakovich, Franz Schubert, and other composers, spanning various eras and styles of music history.