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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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£179.50Abstractions - Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen
1. Aurora Borealis (Lento espressivo) The first movement is inspired by the northern lights. It constantly changes in colour and shape. 2. Rocks (Moderato ben ritmico) The title of the second movement is a play with the word "rock" is a well-known word describing a musical genre. But it is also a giant stone or a part of a mountain. 3. Seascape (Allegro) The third movement is inspired by different aspects of the sea. It also sums up different ideas that occurs in the two previous movements to round off the whole piece. Third Edition - 2015
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£213.90Aubade - Dawn Songs of the Fabulous Birds - Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen
Commissioned by The Norwegian Band Federation for The European Brass Band Championship 2003, in Bergen, Norway (Third edition) I remember as a kid the very early morning wake-up ceremonies caused by Seagulls having a "party" outside our home. Very few would describe it as beautiful, particularly not at 4:30 in the morning... But by listening carefully to birds I was fascinated by their diversity and musical language: they dont sing tunes or long phrases, they rather make sounds and signals, based on short motives. Aubade is based on musical pictures of the imaginary birds: the creatures with wings that exists only in myths and legends. The whole story starts with aBaritone-cadenza that evoke all the sleeping creatures. Very soon they all start to sing their songs in one way or another. The composition has a burlesque scherzo-character including slow espressive intersections. Traditional elements like melody and harmony is combined with extensive sounds and textural effects created by use of multiple muting, singing and playing at the same time. I am not too concerned about having a program for the piece. I just know that by thinking of the unheard dragon-songs, griffin-songs, the sound of the dodo, my creativity was stimultated. As a piece of music, Aubade follows its own rules based on well-known elements like melodies, arpeggio-figures, harmonies, rhythms, variations and recapitulation of ideas. - Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£102.60Run Away - Hans Offerdal
This piece is about running away. First there is restlessness, then the escape begins. But what are we running away from? That is for you to find out!Playing time: appx. 4:30 To the conductor:There are challenges in the use of dynamics and rhythm. It is important that energy and pace is upheld all the way up until the next to last page. Dissonances are present several places, but the voice leading is diatonic within the given scale.The whole piece is based on one single scale: F melodic minor with lowered second degree. It is notated as a concert F major scale with two accidentals. Feel free to use it during warm-ups!
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£113.00Var sang - Svein H. Giske
Our song was commissioned by Knarvik Skolekorps for their junior band in 2020. They wanted an original piece that could challenge their young players.This became a suite in three movements with themes that run through the whole piece.In the 2. movement there is a possibility for the band to sing in Song of friendship.. Young people finding friendship through music, as I myself have done, is one of the nicest things one can experience, in my opinion.Should you choose not to sing, you can just play the notes as printed.Svein H. Giske-September 2022-
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£68.99South Down Pictures - Philip Sparke
South Down Pictures was commissioned by Millenium Brass 2000, an organisation comprising three brass bands from the county of Sussex, England.The bands (Patcham Silver, Hangleton and Brighton Silver) had got together to organise many events to mark the new millennium and these culminated in a concert in Hove Town Hall on July 9th 2000 when all three bands combined to give the first performance of South Down Pictures. The composer spent much of his childhood amongst the South Downs, a range of hills in Sussex which runs parallel to the sea.Opening with a strong unison passage, interrupted briefly by faster figures based on the interval of a fifth, South Down Picturesdevelops with an often-passionate legato melody. Reaching a climax, this is then followed by the main vivo section of the work, whose main theme is based on the earlier 'fifth' figures. A bridge passage leads to a short chorale figure and a rhythmic climax which dissolves into a plaintive cornet solo over staccato chords. This theme is taken up by the whole band and leads back to a recapitulation of the main theme and earlier material. The cornet tune returns triumphantly in the major key before the opening unison passage reappears to provide a stirring coda.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£89.99
Dies Infernus - Bert Appermont
Dies Infernus means 'Day of Hell'. The reason for this title is the dreadful disaster that befell the Dutch village of Kolhorn in 1788, when the whole village went up in flames. Afterwards, a huge appeal was launched to rebuild the unfortunate village. Many people were willing to contribute, resulting in the collection of the enormous sum at the time of eighteen thousand guilders, with which the village could be rebuilt. This work was commissioned by Harmonie De Eendracht in Kolhorn to mark its 110th Anniversary.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£74.99Catedrales - Bert Appermont
Cathedrals have always appealed to the imagination. Hundreds of years of manpower have been invested in their building and it is not for nothing that today they represent imposing symbols of architecture and history. The cathedral is also a great source of inspiration for compositions, drawing on a full palette of acoustic echo effects, Gregorian melodies and organ based choral themes.The work "Catedrals" opens with a five tone motif using double tonguing which resonates through space. Then comes a Gregorian antiphonal theme "Salve Regina" which is heard in the euphonium and later combines with the opening motif. The quicker passage that follows is basedentirely on the intervals in the motif which by now has added rhythmic variations and develops in different forms, including a fugue. The work then builds towards its first climax, from which unusual muted sounds emerge creating an atmosphere shrouded in mystery.Gradually, more melodious fragments are added to the Gregorian antiphonal theme which develops into an expansive choral, emulating the organ and which rises above the sound mass. The work grows more powerful and brilliant in sound until it culminates in a short and explosive finale wherein elements from the whole work come together.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.99The Mayor's Blues - John Blanken
Why should rock musicians have all the fun? Now your band can experience the thrill of playing a piece in a classic 12-bar blues style. Many players are given the chance to show off their skills as a soloist before the work builds to a grand fortissimo finale with the whole band playin' the blues!
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£53.50Rockin' Juniors - Christian Bouthier
Young people have their whole future in front of them. Such a message is reflected in this fresh and sparkling short work by Christian Bouthier. It is composed for a flexible line-up, with each part plays a significant role meaning there is something of interest for all players. The lively rock tempo is maintained throughout, providing an easy work which is full of energy!
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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