Founded: 1951 - England
Disbanded: 1996

The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble (= PJBE) was formed by Philip Jones in 1951, and soon consisted of two basic formations: a quintet (two trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba) and a ten-piece group for the larger concert halls in Germany, the USA and Japan. The ensemble, which disbanded in 1986, gained world renown. It made numerous recordings and gave many first performances of new or long-unheard works, and was widely emulated.

The PJBE was a leading force in establishing the brass quintet as a standard chamber ensemble in the UK, owing to the versatility and excellence of its individual members. Its success was partly supported by the revival of Renaissance and Baroque music during the period, coupled with Jones' championing of contemporary music. The Just Brass series, established during the 1970's and published by Chester Music, was a unique and important development in the dissemination of brass chamber music.

Autograph MS of pieces composed or arranged for the PJBE by Philip Jones and others, and annotated published editions and photocopies. The archive encompasses the vast range of repertoire from the Renaissance period to works contemporary with the Ensemble's lifetime. Composers represented include Ray Premru, Elgar Howarth, J.S. Bach, John Iveson, Samuel Scheidt, Arthur Bliss, Stephen Dodgson, Jan Koetsier, John McCabe and Victor Ewald.

Source: Archives Hub Website; O.J.'s Music Website
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (June 2006)

Recordings of Bach Cantatas & Other Vocal Works

Conductor

As

Works

Philip Jones

Leader

Selections from BWV 248

Links to other Sites

Archives Hub: Philip Jones Brass Ensemble Archive
Philip Jones Brass Ensemble (O.J.'s Music)

Philip Jones Brass Ensemble - LP / CD
Philip Jones Brass Ensemble - Biography (AMG)

Bibliography

Donna McDonald: The Odyssey of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble (Bulle Switzerland, Editions BIM; 1986).

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