The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass Section has long been renowned for its mighty sound and spectacular power. The origins of the legendary CSO brass can be traced back to the early days of the orchestra - driven, in part by a Germanic repertory favored by early music directors, in which the CSO excelled. As each of the Orchestras subsequent music directors put his own stamp on the CSO's style of playing, the Chicago Symphony always maintained its essential strong, robust and brilliant sound.
Over the years, the fabled Chicago sound was defined by its distinctive style of brass playing, particularly in the 1950s under the baton of Fritz Reiner. Led by principal Trumpet Adolph Bud Herseth (1948-2001) and anchored by tubist Arnold Jacobs (1944-1988). The section's sound - characterized by precision, brilliance, and the fullness of its tonal color throughout the entire section and in all dynamic ranges - developed an identity distinct from other orchestral brass sections.
In February, 1966 music director Jean Martinon appointed twenty-six year old Dale Clevenger as Principal Horn. The brass tradition grew under music director Georg Solti, the splendor of this unmistakable sound helped to define the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as a world-class institution. Arnold Jacobs commented that Clevenger was "one of the best in the business." The next generation of members of the CSO brass section came in as Daniel Barenboim became music director. A primary anchor of the section is Dale Clevenger, still principal horn.
