Results
-
£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
-
£164.99Diamond Concerto - Philip Sparke
Diamond Concerto was commissioned by Musikverein Morschied from Germany - Dr. Eric Grandjean, conductor - for a special concert featuring Steven Mead as guest soloist. Together they gave the world premiere on 28th April 2012 in the town theatre of Idar-Oberstein.The commission is a highlight in the 30-year friendship between composer and soloist, which has included many mutual CD projects and concerts and, now, a concerto. Sparke had Steven Mead's special euphonium sound in his head throughout the composition process and made free use of the variety of styles which the world-renowned virtuoso has made his own during his highly successful solo career.The village ofMorschied lies to the west of Frankfurt am Main in the area known as the German Road of Precious Stones, which is famous for its thriving gem industry. Because of this it was decided to give the commission a local connection by choosing the title, Diamond Concerto. Each of the three movements is named after a famous diamond:1 EARTH STARis rather stern in mood, opening with a free fantasy for the soloist over a static chord from the band. This leads to an Allegro Moderato in minor mode where small motives are gradually repeated and developed by both band and soloist.2 OCEAN DREAMuses a varied quote from the composer's Music for Battle Creek, including a melting slow melody that was originally written with Steven Mead in mind.3 BLUE HEARTwas written, at Steven Mead's suggestion, in bebop style and takes the form of a jazz waltz. The quasi-improvisatory central section features a call-and-response passage for the soloist and upper woodwinds.Soloist: Difficulty 6Diamond Concerto is available for euphonium and piano (AMP 374-401) as well as for euphonium and concert band (AMP 354-010).
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£76.99The Green Hill - Bert Appermont
This piece was commissioned by Swiss Euphonium virtuoso Erich Schmidli. Bert Appermont dug deep into Celtic music for inspiration and created a fantasy that shows off the incredible, but often overlooked, versatility of the Euphonium. Charming lyrical melodies, virtuosic runs and exciting, colourful tuttis create plenty of contrast in this exciting work. The difficulty level for the soloist and band means almost any band to perform this piece and showcase their Euphonium player.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£30.00Journey Home - Lucy Pankhurst
Written for the Euphonium player of the Wingates Band by Lucy Pankhurst, this solo offers a wonderful variety of music all wrapped up in one piece.Starting with a hymnal melody with beautiful, building harmonies and incorporating some great techniques for added effect, the euphonium then moves into a more rhythmic element, which is brilliantly echoed throughout the band.Unusual and unexpected sounds and rhythms all combine to make this a a must for the euphonium player's repertoire collection!
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
-
£78.09Gothique Fantasy - On a theme by Boellmann (Brass Band) Andrew Wainwright
This magnificent work was commissioned by The Illinois Brass Band for the 2024 North American Brass Band Championships. Based on Leon Boellmann's epic organ work Suite Gothique, the 3rd movement of which is entitled Priere a Notre-Dame (A Prayer for Notre Dame), it pays tribute to the nearly 700-year-old Notre-Dame de Paris after the fire which did so much damage to this iconic building. Notre-Dame stands out for its three pipe organs (one historic) and its immense church bells, which are referenced at various times in Gothique Fantasy. Two of the other movements from Boellmann's work also provide inspiration for the piece, firstly the Introduction - Choral, and the famous Toccata, snippets of which appear at various times in the piece. Gothique Fantasy opens with the Choral, a solo offstage cornet sounding the opening statement. A quintet, stood to the side of the stage, takes up the Choral, while the rest of the band enters on held muted notes, creating a sustained effect evoking the harmonies spreading across the vast cathedral. Colossal organ-like sounds announce themselves as the full band takes on the theme. A lively Animato follows. Here there are continued references to the Choral, while the famous Toccata motif starts to appear. A Misterioso section ensues, which leads into a poignant Prayer for Notre Dame featuring a euphonium duet, where the music reflects upon the devasting fire and centuries of history and artefacts that were lost. A lone euphonium the sounds, representing the remaining remnants of the cathedral. A chaotic and rhythmic Presto, based on the Toccata, then follows and tests the technique of the band from top to bottom, whilst moving through various time signatures, the pulse lacking any sense of stability. A return to the Choral theme leads into a further reflective section, this time featuring the secondary theme from the Toccata with a flugel and solo horn duet. Next the music arrives at an aleatory section (Senza Misura), which depicts the remnants of the fire, followed by the grand cathedral emerging out of the ashes. Various motifs from earlier in the piece are heard across the band. At this point, various parts enter at different times on the conductor's signal, before building towards a 6/8 Presto. Here the music gathers momentum as it leads to a Grandioso finale featuring the Choral in all its glory. However, to conclude the work, the final strains of the Toccata sound, bringing the work to a glorious conclusion as Notre-Dame rises again! To view a video of The Illinois Brass Band performing the work please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG3JB6Ye5aU Duration: 15.00 minutes approx. Difficulty Level: Championship Section This PDF download includes parts and score. Sheet music available from www.brassband.co.uk Instrumentation: Soprano Cornet Eb Solo Cornet Bb Repiano Cornet Bb 2nd Cornet Bb 3rd Cornet Bb Flugel Horn Bb Solo Horn Eb 1st Horn Eb 2nd Horn Eb 1st Baritone Bb 2nd Baritone Bb 1st Trombone Bb 2nd Trombone Bb Bass Trombone Euphonium Bb Bass Eb Bass Bb Percussion 1-4
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
-
£34.95Canzona Bravura - Paul Lovatt-Cooper
A fresh new and exciting euphonium solo that shows off the technical skills of the soloist and also their musicality in the beautiful middle section. Commissioned by Louise Martin for euphonium soloist Martin Smith. Circa 5'30". Soloist: Grade 6 ABRSM.
Estimated dispatch 5-7 working days
-
£57.50Erin's Isle - Philip Sparke
Erin's Isle was commissioned by euphonium player Micah Parsons and premiered by him in June 2024. The idea was to write a slow melody with an Irish flavour and the title is a romantic, 19th century name often used to refer to the island of Ireland itself. The work opens with fluttering, muted cornets, under which a tentative theme appears. This leads to an accompanied cadenza for the soloist, out of which the main theme emerges. This is a long and expansive melody, which winds through several related phrases with a folk-like flavour. A change of key heralds snatches of the theme by the band with interjections from the soloist, leading to a second cadenza. Eventually the band takes up the main theme again, over which the euphonium weaves an elaborate counter melody. The fluttering cornets return to allow the soloist to close the work with a brief and flowery coda.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£84.99Pulse - Thomas Doss
Pulse is a solo work for euphonium and brass band. As the title suggests, this piece is very rhythmic in nature. Pulse represents life and vitality, which also characterises the work. The tempo remains virtually constant throughout the piece. Even during the cadenza, played by the euphonium, the pulse of the timpani continues to beat steadily. Even though the piece stays at a constant tempo, it can be performed at half speed.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£54.99Till We Meet Again - Philip Sparke
Till We Meet Again was commissioned by Floraskulen Brassband, Floro, Norway, as a tribute to their former tuba player, Gunstein Stromsnes, who died tragically young in a traffic accident in 2017. They gave the premiere in December 2018. After a short introduction, a solo euphonium intones a modal, folk-like melody. This is taken up by the flugel horn and leads to a series of short solos which build to a majestic chorale for the full band. The mood subsides to reintroduce the modal melody before hints of the introduction and a short euphonium cadenza bring the work peacefully to a close.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£102.99Chameleon - Thomas Doss
Chameleon is a three-part solo piece for euphonium and brass band. The different styles within the piece provide lots of variety, requiring refined technique and a great deal of flexibility from the soloist. This composition was commissioned by Georg Pranger, to whom the piece is also dedicated. As a pioneer of the Austrian euphonium soloist scene, Pranger is committed to the 'unshackling' of this wonderful instrument and the creation of great musical momentum, as achieved by this commission.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
View Music