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£80.00St. Magnus - Kenneth Downie
Dedicated to Alastair Massey, an inspirational music teacher. Commissioned by the Scottish Brass Band Association for the 2004 European Brass Band Championships in Glasgow. This music is a set of variations on the tune known as St Magnus, which is attributed to Jeremiah Clarke. Most people will associate it with Thomas Kelly's hymn which begins: "The Head that once was crowned with thorns is crowned with glory now". The tune is very simple, consisting of just two, four-bar phrases. Neither is there much in the way of rhythmic variety, every note being a crotchet with the exception of two quavers, and the last note in each phrase. Within such a simple structure, however, lies considerable strength. THEME The listener is given the opportunity of hearing it twice, in full, at the beginning, starting with one player but soon taken up by the full ensemble. It returns in the middle of the music and is stated again near the end. This has been done quite deliberately in the hope that there will be an appreciation of what material is being developed, by the listener as well as by those with access to the score, who are able to see the visual connections. VARIATION 1 This takes the rhythm of the last part of the theme and also uses the shape of the opening as a recurring figure. The mood is whimsical and skittish, with short, teasing rhythmic figures tossed around the band, and quick interplay with percussion, at a fast tempo. An energetic flourish finishes this variation before the Andante espress. VARIATION 2 This commences with chords related to the opening of Variation 1. The cantabile on solo comets establishes a new, lyrical mood and there is scope for expressive playing in a series of short solo passages. The theme works its way unobtrusively into the texture before a reprise of the solo cornet melody and some more lyrical interchanges between Eb bass, euphonium, flugel horn and comets. The variation ends serenely with clear references to the last phrase of the theme. VARIATION 3 The first idea to dominate is clearly linked to the shape of the theme's first phrase. There is a frenetic feel to much of this variation, with considerable energy and instability created by extensive use of cross-rhythms. A thinning-out of the score marks a clear change to development of the start of the second phrase of the theme. This proves to be short-lived however, and the opening material returns leading to a restatement of the theme, "Maestoso," after which a euphonium cadenza links to Variation 4. VARIATION 4 Here we have some solos for euphonium, cornet, trombone and Eb bass set against a background of horns and baritones presenting a pensive statement of the theme's opening. VARIATION 5 This commences Allegro, with lively work for cornet and euphonium spreading to the whole band before attention focuses on the beginning of the second phrase of the theme which is initially presented in diminution, then in regular rhythm, then in inversion. An increase in tempo coupled with a decrease in volume, requires dexterity and control, with several metrical challenges thrown in for good measure. The same fragment of phrase becomes an ostinato which generates a frenzied climax, punctuated by short, dramatic silence, before the opening figure returns and the music gradually winds down. The tubular bells herald the final return of the theme, in augmentation, marking the start of the Finale. FINALE This features the running semiquavers of the previous variation sounding in counterpoint. A fast, furious coda speeds the work to a conclusion while references to the opening of the theme are still trying to break into the texture of the music. Kenneth Downie
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.99Fanfare in Iubilo - Thomas Doss
The power of this bright fanfare reflects the optimism, joy and commitment to tradition that the people of the Italian town of Schlanders have deep within their souls. The golden trumpets from the valleys of South Tyrol echo across the mountains on both sides of the Austrian-Italian border and help to convey the composer's message: just as the sun shines on all parts of the world, music knows no boundaries. This message echoes throughout this brilliant fanfare.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£89.99Cry of the Falcon - Kevin Houben
The Cry of the Falcon refers to the Germanic Goddess Freya, who had a cloak of feathers that gave her the ability to change into a falcon. As a falcon Freya could make her way among people. Weeping and screaming, she searched for her lost husband Odur. Power and justice are the main ideas portrayed by Kevin Houben in this lyrical concert work.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£106.99Portrait of a City - Philip Sparke
In this exciting suite Philip Sparke sets out to capture the essence of his hometown, London, with each of the three movements depicting one of the many characteristics of this fascinating city. Skyline shows the frantic lifestyles of Londoners with millions of diverse people with different hopes and needs. Autumn shows the changes that take place in London during the different seasons and Downtown portrays the exciting nightlife of the West End.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£106.99Kaleidoscope - Philip Sparke
Kaleidoscope is a set of five variations of on the 'Brugger Lied' (Brugg Song) which is the traditional song of the town of Brugg. The lyrics tell of the geography, people and traditions of this charming and historic town, which is situated in the north of Switzerland, near to the German border, about halfway between Basel and Zurich.Each variation is based on tiny extracts of the theme, the whole piece therefore resembling the effect of a kaleidoscope, which juxtaposes small fragments of colour in a constantly changing pattern.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.99Let's Get Loud - Gloria Estefan
Jennifer Lopez caused a world-wide furore with this gigantic summer hit. What many people do not know is that this song was actually written by another pop diva, Gloria Estefan. Easy to play and masterfully arranged by our arranger, Steven Verhaert.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£74.99
Best Songs Ever
This fantastic medley will bring great joy to all those who remember these super hits. Some of your audience may like Bill Haley and some Michael Jackson, but they are all sure to sing-along when it comes to the Village People hit YMCA !
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£74.99The Heart of Lithuania - Jacob de Haan
Composer Jacob de Haan has based The Heart of Lithuania on five folk melodies from Lithuania, a country that despite its small size has a rich cultural heritage. The choice and diversity of emotions, largely determined by the characteristic melodies, take the listener straight to the heart of the Lithuanian people.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£72.99The Banks of Green Willow - George Butterworth
George Butterworth (1885-1916) was an English composer who died at a very young age, leaving behind few compositions. One of his best known and regularly played works is The Banks of Green Willow. People who have studied his work agree that Butterworth displayed great potential which would have flourished were it not for his untimely death. Duncan Wilson's arrangement makes Butterworth's imagination accessible to everyone!
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£40.00Unsquare Dance - Dave Brubeck
As in the famous 'Take Five' Brubeck enjoyed playing with time signatures that most people would find unfamiliar. The reason for the title of this piece is obvious when one notices that it is in 7/4 time! This arrangement forBrass Band is by Mark Freeh and includes the Score and all parts. It would be suitable for a good secondary school band.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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