BRUITS | The New York Times

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The work now being taken up by large institutions has long been the purpose of many smaller ones. We spoke with seven of them.

Imani Winds

WHAT IT DOES
Works have been written for wind quintets for more than two centuries; and for more than two decades, Imani Winds has expanded the repertoire even further. Its latest album, “Bruits,” is out Feb. 5 and features the premiere recording of the title piece, by Vijay Iyer.

“We always keep in mind the message behind the pieces we choose to perform,” said Toyin Spellman-Diaz, the quintet’s oboist. “For ‘Bruits,’ we chose pieces that speak to these times, but from different angles.”

Bruits, she added, are sonic indications of a troubled circulatory system. Iyer wrote “Bruits” — which is joined on the album by Reena Esmail’s “The Light Is the Same” and Frederic Rzewski’s “Sometimes” — during a retreat in Florida while George Zimmerman was on trial for the murder of Trayvon Martin.

“We made this album last summer, and the music was written four years prior,” said Monica Ellis, the group’s bassoonist. “This isn’t something that is just happening. It’s been happening since long before we were a group.”

LESSONS LEARNED
“As a golden rule, always try a person’s musical idea before rejecting it; that’s how sincerity is born,” Spellman-Diaz said. “And stop programming to draw people in. Program from the heart, and people will follow. Design events that attract the communities you want to attract. Is there easy transportation to the hall? Is there child care? Is there food that everyone can afford? You have to design events as opposed to concerts.”