NOAH FISHMAN, Staff Writer—

Denison University’s Burke Recital Hall is often the host of some of the most skilled and unique artists, and last Tuesday was no exception. The Factory Seconds Brass Trio performed a set of six pieces, including one written by one of our own Denison faculty members. Jack Sutte on trumpet, Jesse McCormick on French Horn, and Richard Stout on trombone took the stage at 7pm, donning matching bald heads, black suits, and glasses. The first piece, “Sonatina,” by Marius Flothius, began with low and subtle work from Stout on the trombone. As the piece continued, all three instruments were equally involved, and concluded with a bold, resoundingly fun ending. 

Next up came Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Charterhouse Suite,” with each player hastily, yet gracefully putting mutes in their instruments. The prelude section, falling into the rest of the piece soon became an unpredictable roller coaster of changing pitches. 

The third song, Jacues Arcadelt’s “Three Chansons,” began with a foreboding slowness, but flowed into a higher and lighter tone as the song progressed. Changes in the pace and time signature kept the tune engaging as it drew to a close, and transitioned into “Trio for Brass Instruments.” The 1961 song by Robert Sanders started out with a bang. The fanfares were high and loud, and the piece featured sections where the trumpet, french horn, and trombone were all playing synchronously. 

The fifth piece was titled “Curios,” written by Denison’s own Hye Kyung Lee, Associate Professor and Chair of the Music Department. Prior to playing, McCormick took some time to explain that this piece was written with the intention of conveying openness and curiosity, becoming quite evident after an initial melancholy opening, for the tune soon turned triumphant, with high and loud trumpet blasts reverberating around the recital hall. 

As the performance came to a close, the final selection, Arthur Meulmans’ “Brass Trio No. 1” provided a vibrant and thrilling ending to the night’s music, receiving over a minute of applause from the audience.

Annie Whitley/The Denisonian