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
-
£102.60Det er makt i de foldede hender - Trygve Bjerkrheim
This arrangement is written to commemorate Robert Kvam, a trumpeter, conductor and instrument repair technician.He died of cancer in 2019, only 54 years old.The quiet, beautiful hymn There is power in the folded hands (Trygve Bjerkrheim / Oivind Tonnesen) was his favorite song, and the tune and lyrics are the fundament of this arrangement. Especially the line in themselves, the hands are small and weak is an important motif to the arrangement.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£137.70Festivitas - Fredrick Schjelderup
"Festivitas" is written as an effective concert opener which fits every occasion.The piece includes fanfares, virtuose passages and hymn tune."Festivitas" is written as the 1st movement of the piece "Festive Fireworks", which also can be performed as a larger concert or contest piece.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£57.50Meditation - Hans Leo Hassler
This timeless melody by Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612), is now chiefly remembered because of its inclusion in J S Bach's St. Matthew Passion, (hence its title) where it is treated to a variety of rich harmonisations. It is mostly sung to Paulus Gerhardt's words, O Sacred head! sore wounded.This setting features the flugel and horns, who first play a lyrical descant to the famous hymn tune and then the melody itself, against a Bach-like obbligato in the accompaniment.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£57.50Old Hundredth - Louis Bourgeois
The tune Old Hundredth is one of the best-known melodies in all Christian musical traditions and first appeared in the 1551 psalter "Pseaumes Octante Trois de David", where it is used as a setting for a version of Psalm 134; it is usually attributed to the French composer Louis Bourgeois (c.1510 - c.1560). The melody was then used in 1561 by the Scots clergyman, William Kethe in Sternhold and Hopkins' Psalter for his paraphrase of Psalm 100 - All People that on Earth do Dwell, which is still the most familiar hymn sung to this noble tune. When Tate and Brady's "New Version of the Psalms" was published in 1696, the melody became know as the 'old' version - henceits current title. This arrangement presents three contrasting verses and is effective as a concert piece as well as an instrumental interlude as part of a church service or wedding.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£59.99
Eventide - Jacob de Haan
A composition with the liberation from the Second World War as its theme. After a solemn introduction one hears the melody of the hymn Abide with you, which was sung a lot during the war. Following there are variations on the theme, finally leading to the magisterial conclusion that represents the ultimate liberation.The work may be interpreted as popular music (with the part for drumset), but a more serious version without drums is possible and, indeed, preferable.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£59.99Glasnost - Dizzy Stratford
This composition by Dizzy Stratford symbolises the birth of the new Russia in the time of Mikhail Gorbachev with its new openness in public affairs (glasnost) accompanied by political and economic reform (perestroika). Glasnost is a work offering a modern vision of Russian music. Dizzy Stratford has chosen to combine the national hymn of the Soviet Union with two traditional melodies which, with a steady, energetic rhythm portray the wind of change and freedom in Russian society.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£59.99Macht hoch die Tur - Traditional
This Christmas carol arrangement consists of two continuous parts: Introductie and Koraal. Jan de Haan has orchestrated the hymn Macht hoch die Tur and has added his own introduction based on the melody.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£54.99Machet die Tore Weit
The numerous, mostly religious works of the Bohemian composer Andreas Hammerschmidt are composed with great craftmanship, and sound full and catchy. They were composed for 17th century village churches, in which they were sung by the congregation--and they are still familiar and popular today. Robert van Beringen took the advent hymn Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Gates and created this beautiful arrangement.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£68.99Meditation - Jan de Haan
Meditation is based on Dear Lord and Father of Mankind (1887) by the English composer and organist Frederick Charles Maker (1844-1927). This is a calm, introverted work that however has an intense effect. In the first section, the solo euphonium is given an important role, leading to one of the loveliest of all English hymn melodies.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
View Music