Hector Berlioz has written some of the most electrifying music of all time for brass players. Whose hair hasn't stood on end after the last chord of Roman Carnival? The "Hungarian March" from the Damnation of Faust has all the components of a rip-roaring good time for audience and performer alike, complete with that effective (loud) ending. Distilled to it's essence (without those superfluous string and woodwind parts) this piece is scored for double brass quintet with bass drum.

Johann Strauss Jr. is known primarily for his beautiful waltzes, hence his renown in Vienna and elsewhere as the Waltz King. "The Blue Danube" and "Emperor" assume their rightful place in this medley for brass quintet, but also represented are two of his rousing polkas---"Tritsch Tratsch" and "Thunder and Lightning." The beautiful Andante from Die Fledermaus is present as well to showcase the melodic genius of Strauss. A great addition to any program