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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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£93.50The Polka'phone - Fredrick Schjelderup
"The Polka'phone" is a jolly little xylophone duet inspired by traditional polka music. The duet fits every occasion and suits young percussion players. The piece can also be performed by one soloist, using the Xylophone 1-part.The Xylophone 1-part can be played one octave up if the players use the same instrument during the performance.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£102.60Joyful Life - Jerker Johansson
When Jerker Johansson in the 80's started to compose he was for a while obsessed with writing music in odd time signatures, more specifically 7/8. He was asked during the fall of 2020 by Leif Karlsson (former member of the legendary percussion ensemble Kroumata and nowadays conductor) to write something challenging for Uppsala Blasarsymfoniker and this resulted in Joyful Life. The piece is, to say the least, difficult to tap the pulse along to and is something of a baptism of fire for the musicians, regarding rhythmic precision. Joyful Life is dedicated to the always likeable Leif Karlsson (Joyful Leif!) and was premiered on the 15th November 2020 by The Swedish Air Force Band under the baton of the composer.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£120.80Model T - Sammy Nestico
Sammy Nestico's legendary car ride in an old T-Ford has long been a classic in the wind band repertoire. Now, the brass bands also can enjoy this car ride.In the piece Nestico uses percussion and wind players to make a sonic landscape where the listener easily hears how an old veteran car is started, with some problems, and then is accelerated into narrow country lanes.This is a piece for bands looking for programmatic music of a certain character. It's a big crowd-pleaser which appeals to most listeners, especially those who are into nice, old cars.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£74.99
American Dances - Bertrand Moren
This entertaining work highlights the cornet and trombone sections. Several dances of American origin are presented by the soloists, supported by band accompaniment. Following a short introduction a country and western passage takes us to the far West and the home of the cowboys. The second part, a blues section, opens with a terrific trombone cadenza. The final jazz based passage is rather acrobatic in style and ends with a fantastic percussion improvisation.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.99Entry of the Celts - Bertrand Moren
Entry of the Celts is a delightful light concert opener. As its title implies, this work features Celtic-inspired music. All the instruments in the band are given the opportunity to display their most beautiful sound colours: from the bass section to the cornets, via the tenor horns, euphoniums/baritones and trombones. Each section plays a solo passage, accompanied by percussion instruments. The solo for soprano cornet leads to a sparkling and impressive finale. A wonderful Celtic work that will enchant and delight your audiences.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£74.99
Haexdonck - Guido De Ranter
This work was commissioned by the municipality of Kapelle-op-den-Bos on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of canon Jaak Muyldermans. Haexdonck is the old spelling of the present day region of "Oxdonk" where Jaak Muyldermans lived. In this three-part work the composer describes the different human aspects of canon Muyldermans' rich life. The first part, slow and dreamy, describes the writer/poet. The second dissonant part with much percussion describes his time as an army chaplain during the Great War. The third hymn-like part depicts his time as a priest. This work by Guido De Ranter, a newcomer to composition,is suitable for competitions or concerts.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£54.99
Inter-Pop - Kees Vlak
Five movements in techno-pop style. The work begins with Rock March with a few pithy chords over a driving percussion accompaniment. Feeling Free is a slow ballad. Rockarab is devoted to 'the ship of the desert', the camel. Little Chi Yan is a very charming, romantic song for a sweet little girl. In Disco Lights, we hear the stirring sounds of drums and bass guitar while the lights flash in the crowded discotheque.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£53.50
First Jazz - André Waignein
First Jazz, a fine swinging piece, was written by Roland Kernen, who is the composer and arranger of a great deal of successful concert band music. It's a cheerful piece in ABA form for four-part variable instrumentation and additional percussion. It is very suitable for beginners who want to play light music and the swing style will appeal to the musicians as well as the audience.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£54.99Rock in the Mountains
The well-known traditional melodies Rock My Soul, Go Tell It on the Mountain and Marys Boy Child have been put together by Roland Kernen in this attractive medley. Arranged in a way that enables flexible instrumentation this work isplayable by a non-standard brass band line-up. The percussion parts are optional. A lively work that will leave your audience rockin off to Christmas.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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