(SW 1037)
The title alone reveals that this is once again a work rich in associations, as is so typical of Christian Ridil. Thus, not only are impressions from Ridil’s time as an American lecturer translated into music, but also - as for example in the second movement (like a Bavarian “Zwiefacher”) - reminiscent of his apprenticeship in Bavarian. Of course, such autobiographical material must be viewed with a wink of the eye.
Behind all of this is a wonderfully compact piece for a classical brass quintet, formally arranged in traditional four movements, which can enthuse both with its fresh rhythm and its contrapuntal finesse.
Martin Schmeck