Biography
Brass ensembles flourish across numerous nations, yet phil Blech Wien—colloquially denoting the Vienna Brass Philharmonic—distinguishes itself through an unmistakably Viennese character. Augmented by percussion, the group draws upon longstanding local customs in its performances.
The concept for phil Blech Wien originated amid the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2010 concert tour. In the musicians’ own phrasing, the aim was “to maintain and foster the Viennese brass and percussion tradition, but also give that tradition new impetus.” Personnel came from the Vienna Philharmonic alongside other prominent Viennese ensembles; every member had trained in Vienna and maintained deep local ties. They engaged Anton Mittermayr as conductor, a Vienna Philharmonic percussionist who also constructs instruments and personifies the seamless connection between instrument craftsmanship and orchestral performance in the city. Phil Blech Wien comprises fifteen players altogether: five trumpeters, three hornists, three trombonists, one tuba player, two percussionists, and the director. Its timbres recall those of traditional Viennese brass groups through the use of rotary-valve trumpet, Viennese horn, and Viennese timpani. The ensemble swiftly integrated itself into the fabric of Viennese musical activity.
Under contract with Deutsche Grammophon, phil Blech Wien issued its self-titled debut album of pieces by Verdi, Wagner, and additional composers in 2013. That same year the group featured in an intermission film during the Vienna New Year’s Concert, presenting an arrangement of Joaquín Rodrigo’s Fantasia para un gentilhombre for guitar. In 2015 phil Blech Wien brought out the holiday recording Weihnachten. The musicians have provided accompaniment for tenor Piotr Beczala, the Vienna Boys’ Choir, and the Chorus Viennensis. During 2019 phil Blech Wien gave its first performance at the Vienna Musikverein hall alongside organist Olivier Latry; following a delay caused by the pandemic, the concert appeared as the album Live from Vienna in 2022.
The concept for phil Blech Wien originated amid the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2010 concert tour. In the musicians’ own phrasing, the aim was “to maintain and foster the Viennese brass and percussion tradition, but also give that tradition new impetus.” Personnel came from the Vienna Philharmonic alongside other prominent Viennese ensembles; every member had trained in Vienna and maintained deep local ties. They engaged Anton Mittermayr as conductor, a Vienna Philharmonic percussionist who also constructs instruments and personifies the seamless connection between instrument craftsmanship and orchestral performance in the city. Phil Blech Wien comprises fifteen players altogether: five trumpeters, three hornists, three trombonists, one tuba player, two percussionists, and the director. Its timbres recall those of traditional Viennese brass groups through the use of rotary-valve trumpet, Viennese horn, and Viennese timpani. The ensemble swiftly integrated itself into the fabric of Viennese musical activity.
Under contract with Deutsche Grammophon, phil Blech Wien issued its self-titled debut album of pieces by Verdi, Wagner, and additional composers in 2013. That same year the group featured in an intermission film during the Vienna New Year’s Concert, presenting an arrangement of Joaquín Rodrigo’s Fantasia para un gentilhombre for guitar. In 2015 phil Blech Wien brought out the holiday recording Weihnachten. The musicians have provided accompaniment for tenor Piotr Beczala, the Vienna Boys’ Choir, and the Chorus Viennensis. During 2019 phil Blech Wien gave its first performance at the Vienna Musikverein hall alongside organist Olivier Latry; following a delay caused by the pandemic, the concert appeared as the album Live from Vienna in 2022.
Albums
Live
