Went to see Mnozil Brass tonight

[scottw]

They played their first stop on their US tour tonight and I was privileged to see them. I must say, however, that I enjoyed them much more the last time I saw them, 2 years ago. Yes, they still play impeccably but the motion and pantomime, etc. was just silly at times and we all agreed that it detracted from the over all product. There are a lot of new faces, notably Albert Wieder on tuba instead of Willi Bandstotter. This man can play! Much as I enjoyed Willi, Wieder produces a wonderful sound with great range and musicality. He plays a huge horn, easily a 6/4 the equal of a Rudy [might be]. From row R it appears to be just 4 valves, probably a BBb, but I don't know for certain. I do know he could be playing almost any horn and make terrific music! He is that good.
Catch them if you can, but don't expect it to meet the excellence of the tour 2 years ago. Still, well worth your going. Run time is almost 2 hours with intermission.

[Zoop Soup]

Yes, they still play impeccably but the motion and pantomime, etc. was just silly at times and we all agreed that it detracted from the over all product.

Isn't this part of the Mnozil charm?

I saw their two-year-ago tour (the Happy Birthday Tour) and there was much more silly performance wankery accompanying their show than I expected, not to say it was a bad thing.

[P@rick]

I saw them twice and they are indeed a joy to hear and see! Last time was 4 months ago in Germany with Albert Wieder on the Tuba. He had indeed a huge 4 valve Bb tuba and made it look so easy . I think it was a Hirsbrunner...not really sure.

Willie is taking a break.

[scottw]

Yes, they still play impeccably but the motion and pantomime, etc. was just silly at times and we all agreed that it detracted from the over all product.

Isn't this part of the Mnozil charm?

I saw their two-year-ago tour (the Happy Birthday Tour) and there was much more silly performance wankery accompanying their show than I expected, not to say it was a bad thing.

All the motion is a lot of fun to watch and it does add to the overall product. But. The music is what we want most of all and, with the exception of McArthur Park right at the end, there was not much jaw-dropping "wow" stuff. All was very, very good, but not "wow" like the tour we caught 2 years ago. We wanted more. I guess we were spoiled from the last time!

[timothy42b]

You guys would watch the Harlem Globetrotters and complain it wasn't straight ahead professional basketball - all that rotten show off stuff.

Seriously, the Mnozil schtick IS to do all the extra showmanship stuff, that's what they built their act on. The fact they play some awesome music at times is frosting, not cake, and you know that when you buy a ticket. They are selling entertainment, not chamber music.

I saw Zoltan in DC a couple weeks ago. That's a ridiculous level of skill, amazing. But included was a VERY high level of entertainment.

[daktx2]

There are a lot of new faces, notably Albert Wieder on tuba instead of Willi Bandstotter. This man can play! Much as I enjoyed Willi, Wieder produces a wonderful sound with great range and musicality. He plays a huge horn, easily a 6/4 the equal of a Rudy [might be]. From row R it appears to be just 4 valves, probably a BBb, but I don't know for certain.

When I saw them in October, I was close enough to read Bohland and Fuchs on the bell of Albert Wieder's tuba.

Mr. Wieder was an awesome, awesome player and it was an unbelievable show. I was lucky enough to see them in 2010 as well, and I'm gonna have to disagree (gently) with you. I think they're better than ever!