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£25.95Hymn for Africa - Peter Meechan
Part of the Brass Band Aid SeriesBrass Band Aid is a Charitable Organisation formed by members of Stanhope Silver Band, based in the North of England. From an original aim to raise awareness of the Make Poverty History campaign in their local area, a brass band CD recording was planned. The initiative took on a whole new dimension when the collection of local bands performing on CD were then joined by, what is now known as, The Brass Band Aid Celebrity Band, made up of many of the top brass musicians in the country.Following the success of this initial project the Celebrity Band has come together again to record a new CD - "Into Africa". This is a compilation of pieces especially written for the recording by some of the most esteemed brass band writers of today. 'Hymn for Africa' is one such piece, generously contributed by Peter Meechan in support of the ongoing work of the charity."Hymn for Africa is inspired by the the release of Nelson Mandela in the early 1990's and the effect it had upon not only South Africa, but all over the continent of Africa, as well as the World as a whole. The fact that one man can achieve this with peace and great dignity will always be an inspiration, not only to me, but many, many millions of humans around the globe.sense of dignity and peace the composer . A simple 8 bar melody, first heard on an unaccompanied flugel horn at the beginning, is the basis of the composition. A drone is then added, before a chorale, and finally a rousing climax when the percussion and full band enter. The piece ends at it began, with a peaceful, unaccompanied, flugel solo." (Peter Meechan).All sets sold raise money for Brass Band Aid - a charity The Music Company has continued to actively support since 25.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£30.00Introduction and Allegro Spiritoso - Senaille
Euphonium Solo with brass band accompaniment.Jean Baptiste Senaille was a French born Baroque composer and violin virtuoso. Senaille studied under Tomaso Antonio Vitali and imported Italian musical techniques and pieces into the French court. He wrote around 50 violin sonatas and this arrangement of his most well known offers the soloist a perfect opportunity to showcase their style and technical ability.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£30.00Janacek's 'Taras Bulba' - Janacek
Comments from Tim Paton, the arranger of Janacek's 'Taras Bulba': "I will never forget the day in 1967 when I was introduced to the music of Leos Janacek, a Czech composer born in 1854, who died in 1928. Janacek was little known in Britain until the 1960's, when the conductor Charles Macherras introduced his unique music. I heard a recording of Macherras conducting the Pro Arte Orchestra in a performance of Janacek's "Sinfonietta".It was in 1969 that I first heard Janacek's Symphonic Rhapsody, "Taras Bulba".Janacek's music is exciting, powerful, emotive, impassioned and unpredictable.I have taken the first and third movements of this piece, and adapted them for Brass Band, which was at times extremely difficult, but rewarding. It sometimes took up to an hour to be satisfied that a mere several bars had been reproduced to convey the composer's intentions.The Death of AndriThe Cossaks, under the leadership of Taras Bulba, are fighting against the Poles in the 17th century. Taras's son Andri seeks to rescue his love, a Polish princess, from a city which is being besieged by the Cossaks. Having found her, he throws in his lot with the Poles, but is finally captured by his father, who executes him as a traitor before riding off again to battle.Prophesy and Death of Taras BulbaTaras himself is finally captured and condemned to be nailed to a tree and burned alive. As the flames creep around him, Taras has the satisfaction of seeing histroops escape, and as he dies, sees a vision of his country freed at last.This is incredibly descriptive music. The mood is constantly changing, creating feelings of love and anger, celebration and melancholy, despair and triumph.This Brass Band EditionThe duration of the original symphonic rhapsody, three movements, is approximately 23 minutes. I chose the first and third movements, so the Brass Band edition is approximately 14 minutes. The main reason is twofold: Being realistic about the demands this music would place on the stamina of the brass player; Keeping the piece less than 15 minutes, so that, if desired, it could be used on the contest platform.Two unique qualities of Janacek's music had to be taken into account when preparing this brass band version. His compositional technique was individual, at times not sticking to traditional expectations, in both form and orchestration. I imagined what the genius himself would have said looking at my work, and how to tackle a particular section to emulate his original intentions. This was particularly the case when dealing with high woodwind and violin parts, the use of tremolo in string parts, and the orchestral harp.Percussion: Janacek included timpani, side drum, cymbals, triangle and tubular bells. For reasons stated previously, I have also included xylophone and glockenspiel. I have also added the gong in a couple of places to enhance the dramatic effect of the music.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£30.00
Pioneers
The 19th Century was a time of great pioneering spirit, where developments in industry, and transport were to begin a process, which was to transform societies around the world beyond recognition.In the vast, so-called "New World" of America these changes were exemplified as the railways spread out to reach hitherto remote and largely unexplored expanses.Steve Robson has composed Pioneers as a three movement piece for brass band (also available for brass and percussion ensemble), written in the spirit of John Philip Sousa (1854 - 1932), Stephen Foster (1826 - 1864) and Scott Joplin (1868 - 1917).The three movements consist of:March - The US Marine Band (1880)Spiritual - I'm Lookin' Up To HeavenRagtime - Canonball Rag
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£30.00Resplendence - Lucy Pankhurst
An exciting solo, commissioned by cornet virtuoso Mark Wilkinson, and composed by Lucy Pankhurst.The piece is featured on Mark's solo CD - Milestone (released in 2013). Whilst the originally recorded solo is appropriately challenging to fully display Mark's versatility and technical prowess, an alternative solo part is also included which offers a more comfortable range for performance.It features a strong driving rock beat and uses some great optional effects (including an echo cornet), to produce an extremely refreshing new addition to the advanced cornet soloist's repertoire.A wonderful piece, composed by one of today's leading composers for one of today's foremost cornet players - a fine combination which is now available to cornet players around the world.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£30.00Roots - Lucy Pankhurst
Commissioned by Katrina Marzella in 2008, this modern 'duet' for Baritone and Euphonium soloists with brass band accompaniment has been inspired by 'nature and environment' as its primary muse. The music takes the listener through 7 stages of environmental atmosphere, in its combination of sounds and effects. It is a very uplifting work and with the back-story in mind (see programme notes below), it makes for an incredibly effective concert feature.Programme notes from the composer, Lucy Pankhurst:There are 7 main sections in the piece :RainGerminationGrowthTransionSunshineRainstormRestThe work begins with Rain, symbolised by the rainstick and 'rain sounds' in the brass , which allows the themes to germinate. The 'roots' of the music themselves, are firmly established in the tonic (root Eb) and 5ths in the low brass, from which the solo lines eventually grow, using triads and 5ths.During Growth, the solo baritone and euphonium begin with separate melodies which begin to twist around each other (much like tree roots), interlocking to produce harmonies and counterpoint, complimenting one another and firmly keeping the music in Eb major. Muted cornets and trombones continue to play overlapping semiquavers, reflecting the raindrops as they fall from the trees and leaves.A brief interlude, featuring brass sextet drives the music back to its Germination stage - here, named Transion, as it grows once more, evolving into something new. The Sunshine section is a dance. Moving rapidly through different keys, the warm sunlight catches on the dewy foliage, creating dazzling moments of clarity and beauty.However, the change in conditions also lead to brief moments of uncertainty, as the various creatures tentatively reappear from their shelter to bask as the earth is warmed. Birdsong can be heard in the solo lines as the entire band join in the celebrations.The jollity does not last long, however, as a Rainstorm, more violent than the last , ensues - stopping the dance in its tracks. The tam-tam and bass drum signify thunder, crashing into the music abruptly. However, the music still survives and re-emerges from the storm, delicately but securely establishing itself into a new key (C major), before softly concluding with the two soloists in rhythmic unison as the rain subsides and the world is at Rest.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£30.00Stuck In The Middle With You - Egan/Rafferty
Arranged by Lucy Pankhurst, this is a refreshing remake of the original 70's hit song for Stealers Wheel, that combines nostalgia with some showy and innovative solo work.The melody travels around the band and the overall feel of the melody, rhythms and beat are brilliantly scored to recapture the original song, with the added benefit of soloists being to shine in riff spotlight moments. This classy makeover ensures thepiece can't help but get those toes tapping with its funky beat.A great concert feature which is bound to bring back fond memories for the audience and band members alike!
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£25.00
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.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£115.60Chanson de Matin - Edward Elgar
Chanson de Matin ("Morning Song") (Op. 15, No. 2) was likely written by Edward Elgar around 1889, originally for violin and piano. He later created an orchestral version. The premiere of this version in 1901 was conducted by none other than Henry Wood. Wood conducted the Promenade Concerts in London for almost 50 years and is considered the "father" of The Proms.The English composer Edward Elgar is perhaps best known for his Enigma Variations and Pomp and Circumstance marches.This arrangement was written during the COVID-19 pandemic for Askoy Brass Band's album "Gjensyn", available on Spotify and other streaming services.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£94.9920,000 Leagues under the Sea - Philip Harper
Frenchman Jules Verne was a pioneer in science fiction during the late 19th Century, penning some classic stories such as Journey to the Centre of the Earth and Around the World in 80 Days - both of which have already been the subject of brass band test-pieces. It was therefore natural for me to choose Verne's 1869 watery magnum opus as the subject for this piece to which there are five sections, as well as an introduction and a finale.I. THE NAUTILUS. After a mysterious introduction we are introduced to The Nautilus - a fantastical submarine.II. THE CORAL KINGDOM. We visit awe-inspiring underwater coral formations.III. SQUID ATTACK. The Nautilus is attacked by a school of giant squid, or 'devilfish'.IV. CAPTAIN NEMO. Captain Nemo is a loner and an eccentric. Some say he is a madman. Soloists of the band help to uncover the character of this enigmatic but powerful figure.V. MAELSTROM. The Nautilus is dragged into the ocean's deadliest whirlpool but Captain Nemo lives to fight another day.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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