The Witches' Sabbath - Berlioz

An effective arrangement of the exciting finale from Berlioz's greatest masterpiece 'Symphonie Fantastique'.This new 'finisher' is all about an opium induced fantasy Berlioz had about rescuing a woman he was madly in love with from a group of evil witches and other assorted ghouls.After many brilliant musical descriptions of the eerie scenes, Berlioz triumphantly rescues his beloved narrowly saving her from being sacrificed by the witches!First performed by Whitburn Band at Spennymoor 24 and recorded by them on the 'Live from Spennymoor 24' CD.

There and Back - Martyn Brabbins

An original composition for brass band by Martyn Brabbins.This work was created by Brabbins early in his career and combines his creativity and passion for the sounds of brass bands . It is one of two compositions from that era (the other being Here and There) which have now been given a new lease of life and made available to the general public through The Music Company (UK) Ltd.A fast-paced and lyrical piece lasting just over 2 minutes. It's a piece which can work well across a concert programme - giving flourish as an opener and equally effective if placed between longer content.Available here for brass band and also available orchestral wind, brass & percussion.**Brass Band version for purchase/orchestral wind, brass and percussion version for hire only.Listen InFind out more about Martyn Brabbins, listen in to the fascinating podcast presented as part of the British Bandsman's On The Record series:Apple podcasts:apple.co/3ufSsfXSpotify:spoti.fi/3duqoj5Podbean:bit.ly/3k3B75h

Three Pieces from Czechoslovakia - Leos Janacek

This is the music of Leos Janacek (1854-1928) - exciting, powerful, emotive, impassioned, unpredictable, and many other definitions all rolled into one! Janacek was little known in Britain until the 1960's, when the conductor Charles Macherras introduced his unique music and opera to the western audience. His orchestral Sinfonietta was an instant hit. Janacek has since been one of the featured composers in the 'Proms'.The three pieces which I have arranged for brass band are INTRODUCTION, ORGAN SOLO and INTRADA from Janacek's Glagolitic Mass. They work equally well together or on their own, as they each have their own identity. They can be purchased together or separately.1. INTRODUCTIONA great 'starter' for the first or second half of a concert. 2. ORGAN SOLOThis is a 'must' if you want to impress your audience - every section of the band is incredibly busy, (although they can be assured that they do have time to breath)! 3. INTRADAThis piece, (and no.1 "Introduction"), both contain that 'fanfare' like quality which Janacek is famous for in his Sinfonietta.

Toreador's March from Carmen - Bizet

Performance Notes from Andrew Duncan:The main feature of this arrangement is perhaps the wide range of dynamics used. Every dynamic from p through to ffis written and if played will, greatly enhance a performance of the piece.The distinctive style of the piece is also an important element for the players to embrace. Although the original rhythm has been simplified to facilitate ability, it has retained the intended 'feel' of the bravado style and offers a useful development of the players' musical awareness.The Flexi-Collection ApproachFlexible scoring tailored to your needs - A perfect solution for expanding the repertoire of training and junior brass bands. The Flexi-Collection currently offers two series - Popular Classics and World Tour. Based on four-part harmony, these collections provide groups with the advantage of complete flexibility when they may not be balanced. If players or instruments are missing, the show can still go on!The Flexi-Collection - Popular Classics Series, encapsulates all that is great about the wonderful range of musical styles produced by Holst, Elgar, Handel, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Grieg, Bizet and Parry.The thoughtful scoring and arranging by Andrew Duncan now means that groups of all abilities have access to a truly flexible set of music for their needs. With world parts, rudimentary theory, terminology translations and large format typesetting, The Flexi-Collection ticks all the boxes when it comes to bringing interesting music to the training and junior band/brass group environment.Available individually or as part of the money-saving Flexi-Collection Popular ClassicsAlbum.Scored for Brass Band and supplied with additional Easy Bb, Easy Eb and world parts - The Flexi-Collection offers flexibility in every sense of the word.

Varushkin

Whilst at the RNCM, Thomas Pitfield asked me to write a set of variations on a Russian folk tune, (the same one used by Tchaikovsky in his Serenade for Strings). Pianist Heather Slade-Lipkin said that it sounded like it should be played by a band!! So here it is! A pretty tune, and a good programme filler."The variations are divided into two sections with an interconnecting bridge. Tim Paton subjects his theme to a number of transions, which includes a 'grand waltz' and comic effects". Rodney Newton

Victoriana - Alun N Prest

A great opener of a concert piece with lots of interest all around the band.Originally commissioned for the opening of the Saltburn Bandstand in 1996, we are delighted that the music, with all its grandeur and pomp & circumstance that such a ceremony would demand is now available to enjoy by all bands.Lots of traditional sounds and chordal structures, mixed with some lovely motifs go together to make for a perfect concert programme item.Also ideal for massed band concerts as the scoring lends itself well to being performed by multiple players to create an impressive end result.

Welsh Echoes - Andrew Duncan

Commissioned by The Charles Church Camberley Band in 2007 as a gift to mark the 90th Birthday of their previous conductor, Gerallt Hughes. The piece has been well received, having been performed by Grimethorpe Colliery Band and by Brighouse & Rastrick Band on Listen To The Band.The striking Welsh folk tunes, Sospan Fach, David of the White Rock and Watching the Wheat are all woven into this delightful composition. There is a feature for the solo cornet in David of the White Rock, and some nice touches with a saucepan and wooden spoon in the Percussion to make Sospan Fach true to its name (Little Saucepan!).The contrasting styles this composition offers with the incorporation of the melodies make this piece an ideal concert work and has already proven popular with audiences of all nationalities!

What's The Matter Horn? - Steve Robson

Composed by Steve Robson and scored specifically for our Flexi-Collection World Tour Series. Steve has been inspired by fond memories of hearing Alpine Bands and seeing knee slapping dancers performing in Switzerland for this piece. It starts with some off-stage calls (which could even be from an Alpine Horn if one is available), and moves into a lively dance section, ending with a little yodeling! There are various ways to convey the yodeling through instruments, but a bit of vocal yodel practice could be a novel new addition to the band's warm-up routine!Our Flexi-Collection Series:Flexible scoring tailored to your needs - a perfect solution for expanding the repertoire of Junior/Youth brass bands and ensembles. The Flexi-Collection currently offers two series and these will be regularly expanded to offer groups an even wider variation of music. Based on four-part harmony, these collections provide brass groups with the advantage of complete flexibility when may not be balanced.Added Extras:Each part of The World Tour Series also includes rudimentary theory reference sheet andLearn Together Moments(warm-up passages which relate to each of the styles of pieces included in the whole series). The score also includes background/programme notes andCheck It Outideas to encourage the players to find out more about the music style and/or inspiration behind the piece.If players or instruments are missing, the show can still go on! The thoughtful scoring and arranging by Steve Robson now means that groups of all abilities have access to a truly flexible set of music for their needs.Available for Brass Band (with world parts included), pieces included in our World Tour Series offer flexibility in every sense of the word.(Available individually or as part of the completeFlexi-Collection World Tour Series Album).

Wicked - Lucy Pankhurst

A fascinating and upbeat composition from Lucy Pankhurst, offering great creativity with sound combinations and some funky rhythms!Originally written for and dedicated to The Wingates Band, the opening of this wild piece features the euphonium with some challenging playing effects - all the better for grabbing the attention of the audience. It's not long before the strong rhythms get those toes tapping, and other players join in with their own 'wicked' contributions.It's fast-paced, incredibly rhythmic and demands the listeners' attention right from the outset. Take a look at the performance below to fully appreciate the captivating nature of the piece.Look and Listen (courtesy of Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan):

Will You Love Me Tomorrow

This haunting song from the early 1960's was sung by The Shirrelles, and is better remembered as "Will you still love me tomorrow".Tim Paton writes:This arrangement features the Tenor Horns and Baritones, although there is still plenty to do for the rest of the band. Also, I have made sure that, if your band were unfortunately missing a 2nd Horn or/and 2nd Baritone, I have cued any important parts elsewhere so that they are covered.

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