DOUGLAS HEDWIG
COMPOSER
THE MUSIC OF DOUGLAS HEDWIG
What is striking is the coherent yet adventurous character of these [Hedwig's] compositions, which has everything to do with the cleverly worked out motifs that culminate in an expression that is partly fueled by chromaticism as well as rhythmic complexity... an adventurous listening experience. - Aart van der Wal, Opus Klassiek (Netherlands)
Passion is elegantly led by culture...an American eclecticism of inspiration (even occasional exoticism) is unified by a coherent style...great complexity, accomplished with equally impressive competence and love...showcases the eloquent sincerity of a contemporary American voice. - Aloma Bardi, President, The International Center for American Music
Hedwig's imaginative soundscapes are endlessly interesting and are sure to engage the ears...not only in his choice of instrumentation, but also compositional language and style. - Lydia Van Dreel, Journal of the International Horn Society (The Horn Call)
Energetic and expressive…ingenious…an auditory adventure. - Helen Gaudeus, Klassiek Central (Belgium)
Reviews & Testimonials
“Dr. Hedwig is a superb musician, a fine scholar, and a splendid teacher. He is a gentleman in every way.”
- Dr. Gideon Waldrop, President, The Juilliard School -
Published REVIEWS of Music Composed by Douglas Hedwig
A Certain Slant of Light for brass quintet, organ and percussion:
“A mature and commanding composition, but the overall work is highly accessible by a wide range of audiences…Even though this is an extended, multi-movement work, it remains unified because it is so tight motivically…Most of the piece makes use of chromatic harmonies, and intricate rhythmic patterns.
Luis C. Engelke, International Trumpet Guild Journal, Oct 2017
A powerful and dramatic work that makes full use of the colors available for brass quintet, percussion and organ. This ‘tour-de-force’ is an outstanding addition to the brass quintet literature. All audiences will be moved by the formidable nature, as well as the interesting programmatic ties…an impressive work in many ways.”
Travis Bennett, The Horn Call (International Horn Society Journal), Oct 2017
ONYX for brass quintet:
“An onyx is a semiprecious stone that some believe to be a powerful protector against harm. The spirit of this quintet brings forth the strength and authority of the onyx through its energetic trumpet lines, driving ostinato rhythm, and charging bass line.”
Sarah Paradis, International Trombone Journal, Jan 2019
Published REVIEWS of Recordings Conducted by Douglas Hedwig
Thomas Coates: The Father of Band Music in America, MSR Classics [MS 1556]:
“Douglas Hedwig and his ensemble give rousing, note-perfect performances that will have you tramping about your house in a one-person parade!”
James A. Altena, Fanfare Magazine, Nov/Dec 2016
“Recorded on period instruments, Hedwig and his Newberry forces exude highly polished performances full of fun and joy…with an unmatched sense of ensemble and attention to detail.”
Gerald Fenech, Music & Vision Magazine, October 2016
“The pieces on this recording are performed with great sensitivity, clarity, precision and nuance …Douglas Hedwig clearly encouraged a deep sense of ensemble within the group.”
James T. Decker, International Trombone Association Journal, January 2018
Published Solo Trumpet Performance Reviews
“The solo trumpet soars in his own world…Mr. Hedwig’s performance is superb!”
- International Trumpet Guild, ITG Journal, Dec. 1990 (Edward Miltenberger)
“Hedwig’s performance radiates music, even through the most challenging registers and passages.”
- International Trumpet Guild, ITG Journal, June 2007 (Amanda Pepping)
“Dr Doug Hedwig delivered a bumper package of fascinating sounds and facts straight onto the breakfast table of our awareness…We left the recital with the warm sound of Dr. Hedwig’s posthorn still ringing gently round the Grand Ballroom.”
International Trumpet Guild, ITG Journal, June 2005 (Neville Young)
“Doug Hedwig’s performances are lively and very musical...[the] solos are played with a grace and lilt that complements the idioms...What [he] has presented in this CD in not only his work as a performer and researcher, but a sort of auditory museum exhibit on the practical and musical uses of the posthorn in the 1800s, presented with the social context in which it thrived."
Historic Brass Society, Online CD Review, 2008 (Flora Newberry)
“Return and Rebuild the Desolate Places by Alan Hovhaness is a pleasingly atmospheric piece featuring solo trumpet, well-played [in this NY Premiere performance at Lincoln Center] by Douglas Hedwig.”
- Bill Zakariasen, New York Daily News
“Gentle and Elegiac trumpet solos…Douglas Hedwig was the soloist.”
- Bernard Holland, New York Times
Reviews as Trumpeter and Music Director of the Metropolitan Brass Quartet
“Excellent…The Metropolitan’s playing was a model of infectious spirit, dashing virtuosity.”
- Jack Hiemenz, Musical America / High Fidelity
“Always admirable; with smooth attacks, nicely balanced sound, and appropriate interpretive shadings.”
- Joseph Horowitz, New York Times
“This [MBQ CD reissue] recording remains as gorgeous as it is revelatory.”
- World Magazine, April 2008
“It is a pleasure to hear the Metropolitan Brass Quartet's warm and round sound, superior intonation and blend, and easy way with difficult passages."
- American Record Guide, January / February 2008
“The Metropolitan Brass Quartet was an important part of the renaissance of brass chamber music; they were founded in 1977 and gave their final concert at Lincoln Center in l986.”
- Audiophile Audition, October 2007
“It is a pleasure for me to welcome the Metropolitan Brass Quartet on its first visit to Japan…This talented foursome will delight audiences throughout Japan…[as they have] in other parts of the world where they have played. Such visits help to strengthen the ties of cultural understanding between our two great nations.”
- Mike Mansfield, Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, U.S. Senate Majority Leader, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Performance/Teaching/General Testimonials & Quotes
“Mr. Hedwig’s performances have been refined and elegant, his innate musicality and taste everywhere in evidence…His thought process is as focused as his playing; in both he makes a remarkable impression…his solo appearance was a triumph!”
- Ainslee Cox: Conductor, Oklahoma City Symphony; Assistant Conductor, New York Philharmonic (under Leonard Bernstein & Pierre Boulez); Conductor, Goldman Concert Band (Lincoln Center) and American Composer's Orchestra
“Mr. Hedwig is a superb musician, a fine scholar, and a splendid teacher. He is a gentleman in every way.”
- Dr. Gideon Waldrop: President & Dean, The Juilliard School; President, Manhattan School of Music; Composer
“Yet another superb recital from this gifted performer who is a technical wizard and can apparently play anything in any style convincingly!...Mr. Hedwig plays with vivacity and deep involvement.”
- Leonard Raver: Concert Organist, New York Philharmonic; Faculty, The Juilliard School
“Doug, your concert last night was a sheer delight from beginning to end; a varied program superbly played!”
- Robert Starer, Internationally renowned composer, author. Faculty, The Juilliard School, Brooklyn College
“Doug, your [cornet] playing is wonderful in every way…most impressive…Thank you very much for your expert musicianship!”
- Leonard Smith, one of the great cornet soloists of the 20th century; Conductor, Detroit Concert Band.
“Douglas Hedwig is an excellent trumpet and cornet player; a most valuable asset to the band.”
- Richard Franko Goldman, Conductor, the Goldman Band. President, The Peabody Conservatory of Music.
“Mr. Hedwig, your superb interpretive ability and serious professional demeanor contributed considerably to the critical and popular success of the 4th International Tour of the Mexico City Philharmonic.”
- Maestro Fernando Lozano, Artistic Director & Conductor, Mexico City Philharmonic
Douglas Hedwig is a player with many superlative qualities. His tone, facility and musicianship are truly exceptional. His recent performance of the Hadyn Trumpet Concerto was the finest performance of that work that I have ever heard!”
- William Arrowsmith, Principal Oboe, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
“I must compliment you on our very nice presentation of the Herbert Clarke solo cornet piece the other evening. It was a nicely controlled and effective performance. All best wishes!”
- Robert Russell Bennett, Internationally renowned composer and arranger.
“Douglas Hedwig is a gifted trumpet artist, a musician of the highest caliber, and a responsible and business-like organizer. His solo recital appearances on our Concert Series have consistently met with overwhelming success. His programs have always been musically rewarding and refreshingly versatile.”
- Jack H. Ossewaarde, former Organist and Choirmaster, St. Bartholomew’s Church, NY, NY.