Results
-
£40.00Alchemists' Fire - Lucy Pankhurst
An original composition from Lucy Pankhurst and Winner of the 2011 John Golland Award, receiving its premiere at the RNCM Festival of Brass that same year.It is a complex, energetic and invigorating major work for brass band, and one which rightly demands attention through its intricate scoring, impact-making effects and bubbling brilliance!Comments from the composer on the work's title and its multi-purpose influence and inspiration upon her composition:"The phrase "Alchemists' Fire" has several possible connotations:Firstly, Alchemists' Fire is a magical weapon featured in the Dungeons & Dragon role playing game. It is a potion, so can be used to splash, throw or pour onto a target, dealing fire damage if it hits successfully.The second possible meaning comes from an historical source, where it was also known as Greek Fire, from which the D&D element takes its influence. This was an incendiary weapon used by the Byzantine Empire, typically used in naval battles to great effect, as it could continue to burn on water. It provided a technological advantage and was responsible for many key Byzantine victories. The manufacture of this 'fire' was kept a deadly secret; so much so that the formula was eventually lost and contemporary scientists and historians can only speculate at what the chemical make-up might have been.The final implication is a much more visual and sensory concept; that of the fire actually used by the Alchemist in his work - raging, dangerous and white-hot. Some sections of the work reflect the idea of 'magic' and ongoing experiments, some successful, some failing dangerously, in a cacophony of pops, fizzes and explosions amidst furious heat and brief moments of calm as the fire slowly cools, sizzling with residual components and elemental energy."
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
-
£19.34Second Quartet - A Hint of Bach (Brass Quartet) Kenneth Downie
This thrilling work for brass quartet from the pen of Kenneth Downie is based on Bach's Two-part Invention in F major, BWV779. The composer writes: 'I wrote this quartet during the early days of Covid, when only small groups of instrumentalists were allowed to play together. Chamber music is something I enjoyed during my student days - it really is wonderful for developing good musicianship, requiring an awareness of what everyone in the group is doing, and calling for tight ensemble, keen balance and tuning, as well as a uniformity of style in performance. Playing the two and three part inventions of J.S. Bach formed an important part of my piano studies, and since I found myself writing more counterpoint than usual in these quartets, it seemed entirely appropriate to reference the great master of counterpoint in this work. At bar 49, the euphonium quotes from the opening of Bach's Two-part Invention in F major, BWV779, the first keyboard work of Bach that I ever learned, and this phrase pops up quite frequently thereafter. The rising arpeggio figure has a bouncy, positive feel to it, and I really enjoyed developing this material. I hope that players and listeners will share the fun as they rehearse and perform the quartet.' To view a rolling score video of this work please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG7LeUCan8U Difficulty Level: Medium Advanced Duration: Approx. 4 minutes Instrumentation: Part 1 - Cornet/Trumpet in Bb Part 2 - Cornet/Trumpet in Bb Part 3 - Horn in Eb or F Part 4 - Euphonium Bb (Treble Clef & Bass Clef parts provided)
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
-
£38.69The First Nowell (Brass Band, opt. Choir & Piano) Traditional arr. Barrie Gott
This charming setting by Australian composer Barrie Gott is of the favourite carol The First Nowell. Although this version is for brass band, choir and piano, it is orchestrated such that it will work for standalone brass band. The arranger writes: 'I have always been fascinated with the words and music of this majestic carol. It was first written for choir and piano and then orchestrated for the Brisbane Lord Mayor's Carols with the Queensland Pops Orchestra. A further arrangement for brass band was done for a Salvation Army event. The setting is for four verses (1,2,5 and 6) and tells the Gospel story in a nutshell. It starts very simply and builds to a spectacular climax.' To view a rolling score video of this work please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KH6u0MUiaY Duration: 4.45 minutes approx. Difficulty Level: 3rd Section + PDF download includes parts and score. Sheet music available from www.brassband.co.uk Instrumentation: Soprano Cornet Eb Solo Cornet 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 BbTimpani Percussion 1-2 SATB Choir (optional) Piano (optional)
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
Watch video