Two Pieces (score & parts)(Cramer) - WW5

Guillaume Balay (1871-1943) served in the French military for 18 years as a musician. He was a virtuoso cornetist and attended the Paris Conservatoire where he studied with Paul Vidal and Vincent d'Indy, winning the first prize in the concours of 1894. In June, 1911, he was appointed head of the Music of the Republican Guard. Balay enjoyed a long career as a performer and composer, and is known mostly for his works for members of the brass family of instruments. The two compositions for wind quintet are somewhat unique in his oeuvre and represent a musical style that was popular in the early 20th century.