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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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£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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£38.95Unity Series Band Journal - Numbers 534 - 537, October 2024
534: Boldly Going (Wycliffe Kortin)This arrangement is derived from a Kenyan Swahili gospel melody Simama Imara, which means 'to stand firm'. The song is an encouragement to Christians to stay strong in the Lord, even in times of difficulty. The piece has a lively rock feel which requires precision in articulation and a sense of drive throughout.535: Fill me anew (Mark Feltwell)The melody Fill me anew (T.B. 611) has always been a favourite of the composer and this composition was used at the Worchester Corps in their Pentecost services. It is a simple melody with a simple purpose and associated prayer that is the focus of the piece, 536: There's something about that name (William Gaither arr. Kingsley Layton)The chorus (S.A.S.B. 80) from which this piece takes its title was composed by Bill and Gloria Gaither. They wrote it in 1970, having watched their grandparents near the end of their lives and pass away. At the same time, they were, as a couple, embracing parenthood. It resonated with them how the young loved to say the name of Jesus as well as those that were nearing the end of their lives. The chorus reflects the peace and comfort which comes to us when we call on that name during both the good and challenging times in life. The Gaithers are a performing and songwriting couple who have become well-known within the Southern Gospel music genre.537: Selection - Singing Praises! (Noel Jones)A motif, based on the phrase 'Praise him!, Praise him!, Ever in joyful song', appears throughout the selection. Songs also featured include I love to sing of the Saviour (S.A.S.B. 845) and Singing glory, glory, Glory be to God on high (S.A.S.B. 840)
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£34.95On the Castle Green
I was contacted by conductor and friend Desmond Graham who wanted to have a traditional concert march composed to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of his band; The Third Carrickfergus Band.Immediately my mind started wandering as I thought about all the great marches that I have enjoyed playing and listening to over the years. So when I put pen to paper I had already planned out the structure of the march and which instruments to feature.The march itself is split into two halves, the first in a minor key the second in a major key. The opening section starting loudly in F minor features stereotypical passages one would come to recognise in a traditional concert march: a cornet solo, a melodic bridging section and a robust bass solo led by the basses and trombones.The second half of the march changes pace and mood as it lifts into a major key giving it a more lighter feel. We hear a second cornet solo which plays the second theme of the march. After a second bridge section the theme is played by the front row cornets to allow the soprano to play an obligato melody similar to that heard in marches like "Army of the Nile" and "Stars and Stripes Forever". It all builds to a grandioso ending where the tempo drops and the final theme is played with a quick accel to the end.As for the title? In Carrickfergus lies an old castle that faces the town which is situated on a small plot of luscious green grass - "On The Castle Green".Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£40.00Battle of Britain Suite (Score only) - William Walton
It takes a special ability to compose film scores which serve the images perfectly yet translate into first class concert music. William Walton was such a talent as the continuing popularity of his brilliantly evocative film music shows. This suite includes the famous Dog Fight and majestic March - used for the end titles of the film - along with the Siegfried Music which parodies Wagner's horn call. You can practically feel the buzzing of Spitfires in the air! Winwood Music are delighted to make this music available to the brass band world in a fabulous arrangement by Edward Watson which captures the essence of the original while translating it seamlessly to the new idiom. Duration: 12:15
Estimated dispatch 7-9 working days
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£50.00Battle of Britain Suite (Parts only) - William Walton
It takes a special ability to compose film scores which serve the images perfectly yet translate into first class concert music. William Walton was such a talent as the continuing popularity of his brilliantly evocative film music shows. This suite includes the famous Dog Fight and majestic March - used for the end titles of the film - along with the Siegfried Music which parodies Wagner's horn call. You can practically feel the buzzing of Spitfires in the air! Winwood Music are delighted to make this music available to the brass band world in a fabulous arrangement by Edward Watson which captures the essence of the original while translating it seamlessly to the new idiom. Duration: 12:15
Estimated dispatch 7-9 working days
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£35.87Margaret - Brass Band (Timothy Matthews arr.AKenneth Downie)
VIEW SCORE PDF The arranger, Kenneth Downie writes: 'This music was commissioned by Mike Griffiths, Music Director of Riviera Concert Brass, based in Torquay in Devon, England. It is developed around the hymn tune Margaret, and written in memory of the lady of that name who was a renowned supporter of, and generous donor to the band. The graceful melody was written by Timothy Matthews (1826-1910), and it is usually associated with the words of the hymn, the first verse of which says: Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown When thou camest to earth for me; But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room For thy holy nativity, O come to my heart, Lord Jesus; There is room in my heart for thee. I feel that there is a strong emotional core to this lovely tune and any performance should seek to bring out this quality, in a musical manner.' PDF download includes score and full set of parts. Sheet music available from: UK - www.brassband.co.uk USA - www.solidbrassmusic.com Difficulty Level: 4th Section + Instrumentation: Soprano Cornet Eb Solo Cornet Bb 1st Cornet Bb 2nd 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 Timpani Glockenspiel Percussion
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£29.95Scherzo No. 1 - Jonathan Bates
DURATION: 2'30". DIFFICULTY: 1st+. 'Scherzo No.1 (Sanguine)' was composed for the Reg Vardy Band's 2019 Brass in Concert Championships programme, which revolved around the 4 temperaments of Human Nature - a theory by the Greek philsopher Galen from 450 BC. Sanguine individuals are defined as being optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation. An extrovert, and someone that looks for the good in situations. They bring energy into a room and brighten people's life with their humour and cheerful nature. It is upon this definition which Scherzo No.1 is composed, with an optimistic and cheery feel to the music, with small interjections of anger and sadness soon giving way to the more upbeat music surrounding it. .
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£74.99Cornet Concerto No.1 - Jonathan Bates
My 'Cornet Concerto No.1' was composed for Lode Violet and Brass Band Willebroek in 2018 and features 2 movements, entitled 'Dystopia' and 'Utopia'. . The nature of the music in the opening section, 'Dystopia', is very jagged, disjointed and unsettling, as the soloist almost battles against the constant churning of the mechanical accompaniment, trying to persevere with it's own ideas and styles without being dragged into conforming to it's surroundings. The movement is based largely on the 3 note interval heard right at the outset of the piece (C, D & G#, a series of notes that lends itself so well to different modes, scales, harmonies and intervals) and this forms much of the rhythmic and harmonic structure of the opening section.Whilst this movement acts as a virtuoso feature to demonstrate the extended capabilities of both the soloist and instrument, I feel the accompanying ensemble plays an equal role in the narrative of 'dystopia', and features a number of demanding and prominent episodes for soloists within the accompanying band. A short and heavy coda concludes the movement, with a sense of real pain and sorrowfulness as the music fades away into darkness. . 'Utopia' opens in an instantly more hopeful nature, with the soloist introducing the first real 'theme' of the movement, taken up shortly by the accompaniment. Throughout this movement, there are a number of timbral and melodic references back to the darkness of 'dystopia', but transformed into a much more positive outlook and soundworld. There is a moment of quiet reflect (using the initial 3 note cell as a basis) before flying head first into a frenzied wild 'tarantella' like section, full of joy and energy which tests the dexterity and light-natured approach to virtuosity (much unlike the heavier material in the 1st movement) of the soloist. Primarily, the concept of this finale is fun - joy, happiness, and freedom from restraint, so the addition of a quirky 'tongue-in-cheek' habanera section offers a brief moment of respite from the craziness of the tarantella. To conclude the work, there is an extended cadenza for the soloist which is built on several motifs heard throughout the concerto, which leads the band into a dramatic and energetic final few bars.. Jonathan Bates. (2018). .
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£29.95Song for the Skies - Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Commissioned by tuba virtuoso Les Neish this piece is a simple yet beautiful solo for the E flat Tuba. It is a slow melody with a nice Celtic feel to it and is suitable for all tuba players who enjoy playing slow melodies. Circa 3'20". Soloist: Grade 4 ABRSM
Estimated dispatch 5-7 working days
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