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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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£15.00Celtic Lullaby - Helen Douthwaite
An original composition by Helen Douthwaite for solo baritone, euphonium or trombone with brass band (reduced score) accompaniment.The piece was written with training/junior band level players in mind, and offers a great opportunity to spotlight a soloist through this moment of musical beauty.Set includes score and parts for:Soloist - Euphonium/Baritone/TromboneCornet 1Cornet 2Eb Tenor Horn 1Eb Tenor Horn 2Trombone 1Trombone 2Baritone/EuphoniumEb Bass (optional)GlockenspielPercussion
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£15.95Finale from Symphony No.3 (Organ Symphony) (Brass Band) Additional Parts
Saint-Saens' magnificent Finale from Symphony No.3 (widely known as the 'Organ Symphony') has here been arranged for brass band with optional organ by Kevin Norbury. It was recorded by The International Staff Band on its CD Manuscripts, although this version has been revised in places. Saint-Saens decided to add the organ and piano to his 3rd symphony as a pragmatic orchestration innovation. The composition of this symphony was probably started in 1885 and a first draft was completed in Prague in 1886. Saint-Saens later recalled its eventful genesis: 'The Symphony in C was three-quarters sketched out when I found it impossible to write the finale. I did not know how to resolve this situation, until one night I suddenly woke up and, in a sort of hallucination, I heard the whole finale, which I hastily wrote down in outline, knowing that if I went back to sleep without having put anything on paper, I would have forgotten it all the next day.' The symphony was first performed under the composer's direction at Saint James's Hall in London on May 19, 1886. This arrangement by Kevin Norbury can both function as a stand-alone brass band piece, and be performed with an organ by omitting the notes found in square brackets in the parts and score. To view a rolling score video please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlUd_FppBY8 PDF download includes additional parts as listed below. Full set including score available here. Sheet music available from: UK - www.brassband.co.uk USA - www.cimarronmusic.com Difficulty Level: 1st Section + Length: 8.30 mins. Alternative Parts included in this download: Solo Horn F 1st Horn F 2nd Horn F 1st Baritone B.C. 2nd Baritone B.C. 1st Trombone B.C. 2nd Trombone B.C. Euphonium B.C. Tuba 1 B.C. (Bass Eb equivalent) Tuba 2 B.C. (Bass Bb equivalent)
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£12.00Dragon Dances
DescriptionDragon Dances was commissioned by Owen Farr, who is also the work's dedicatee, gave the first performance with the Cornwall Youth Band conducted by Richard Evans on 5 April 2010 and has recorded it on his solo CD "A New Dawn" accompanied by the Cory Band conducted by Philip Harper.Being a Welsh composer, writing music for a Welsh soloist, I was naturally keen to reflect this in the music, and I drew inspiration from two particularly Welsh concepts - "hiraeth" and "hwyl". "Hiraeth" is a word that has no direct translation into English, but an approximation would be 'yearning for home'. Like the other celtic nations, Wales has a widespread diaspora of people who left to seek new lives out in the empire and "hiraeth" is a way of summing up the homesickness felt by these exiles, some of whom return each year for a special ceremony at the Royal National Eisteddfod. "Hwyl" is an even more complicated word, variously meaning ecstatic joy, fervour, equable temperament and even the characteristic sing-song oration style of the great Welsh Methodist preachers.I have attempted to make the music reflect both of these, with the melancholy first part of the work inspired by the hymns and solo songs for which Wales is famous, and the second part having a much more dance-like, joyful quality.Performance Notes:2 solo cornets, 2nd and 3rd cornets require cup mutes. 2 solo cornets require harmon mutes with tubes removed (marked 'TR' in the score).1st horn and 1st baritone require straight mutes, preferably fibre.1st trombone requires a straight mute, 2nd and bass require cup mutes.Percussion instruments required are vibraphone, glockenspiel, timpani, snare drum, suspended cymbal and tam tamWatch/Listen to the score below:
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£24.95
Lloyd (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Howard, Cuthbert - Coles, Bramwell
The first presentation of the theme can be used for the purpose of accompanying congregational singing. At Section A the second presentation of the tune appears in the key of the dominant, the melody being given throughout to Solo Horn, with First Horn, First Trombone, Soprano and Flugel reinforcing the melody in the various phrases. Incidentally, see that the players do not break these phrases; it should be possible to take the four bars in one breath quite easily. Take due care of the light and shade which should be delicately applied. In the last bar the music gathers strength as we pass back into the original key for the last verse; pay particular attention to the part allotted to Second Baritone and Euphonium which needs to be slightly stressed. For the last appearance of the tune at Section B the full Band is used, apart from the third phrase which is given solo by Solo Comet with a light accompaniment above a bass pedal. Notice the rit. operating from the end of the eleventh bar and also the short swell effect on the fourth beat of the fourteenth bar.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£12.50
Lloyd (Brass Band - Score only) - Howard, Cuthbert - Coles, Bramwell
The first presentation of the theme can be used for the purpose of accompanying congregational singing. At Section A the second presentation of the tune appears in the key of the dominant, the melody being given throughout to Solo Horn, with First Horn, First Trombone, Soprano and Flugel reinforcing the melody in the various phrases. Incidentally, see that the players do not break these phrases; it should be possible to take the four bars in one breath quite easily. Take due care of the light and shade which should be delicately applied. In the last bar the music gathers strength as we pass back into the original key for the last verse; pay particular attention to the part allotted to Second Baritone and Euphonium which needs to be slightly stressed. For the last appearance of the tune at Section B the full Band is used, apart from the third phrase which is given solo by Solo Comet with a light accompaniment above a bass pedal. Notice the rit. operating from the end of the eleventh bar and also the short swell effect on the fourth beat of the fourteenth bar.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£74.99Willow Pattern - Philip Harper
Composed in 2009 for Nicholas Childs and the Black Dyke BandThis piece tells the Willow Pattern legend through music. Several leitmotifs are used both for the different characters and also for some of the important emotions in the tale. Additionally, Knoon-se's part is mainly played by the flugel horn, Changby the euphonium, the Mandarin by the Eb Bass and the Duke Ta-jin by the trombone. The Willow Pattern LegendOnce, in ancient China, there lived a wealthy and powerful Mandarin who had a beautiful daughter, Knoon-se. She had fallen in love with Chang, a humble accountant, which angered her father who imprisoned her in the Pavilion by the river with only theexotic birds for company. She learnt that the Mandarin planned to marry her to the pompous Duke Ta-jin and that the wedding would take place on the day the blossom fell from the willow tree, so she sent Chang a message: "Gather thy blossom, ere it bestolen". The Duke arrived by sea amid great fanfare when the tree was heavy with bud, and nights of magnificent banquets followed. After one such occasion when the Mandarin slept, Chang crept over the crooked fence and tiptoed into the Pavilion to rescueKnoon-se, but as they escaped the alarm was raised. They fled over the bridge with the Mandarin close on their heels brandishing his whip.They managed to escape by boat to a secluded island where they lived happily for a time. Meanwhile, the Mandarin learned of their refuge and, intent on revenge, he ordered his soldiers to kill them. As Knoon-se and Chang slept at night, the men setfire to the pagoda in which they lived and the lovers perished in the flames. However, the Gods, moved by the lovers' plight, transformed their souls into two turtle-doves which rose from the charred remains, soaring above the Earth, symbolising eternal happiness. Willow Pattern is dedicated to the memory of Jean Harper who passed away as I was completing the piece and who was a great collector of porcelain and china-ware. NOTES ON PERFORMANCEMute Requirements:Metal mutes soprano cornet, repiano cornet, 2nd cornets, 3rd cornets (6 in total) Cup mutes all cornets and trombones (10 + 3) Harmon mutes soprano cornet, solo cornets, repiano cornet (6) Percussion Requirements:There are two parts for percussion on the score. The minimum requirements are as follows: 2 players - Timpani, 2 Large tom toms, 2 Wood Blocks, Triangle, Sleigh Bells, Whip, Clash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Hi-hat, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Tam tam (or susp. cym.) For performances with extra resources, and to achieve closer authenticity, the full requirements are as follows: 3 players - Timpani, 3 Taiko Drums played with thick wooden sticks (or Large tom toms), 2 Wood Blocks, Triangle, Chinese Bells (or Sleigh Bells), Whip, Clash Cymbals, Chinese Cymbals (small clash cymbals approx 12"), Suspended Cymbal, Glockenspiel,Xylophone, Tam tam
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£90.90Milonga del Angel - Astor Piazzolla
This arrangement was made after hearing Astor Piazzolla's 1986 recording of his own work written in 1965.The original instrumentation of bandoneon, violin and string bass is here arranged for three wind soloists with Concert Band.The Eb Cornet is the main soloist (filling the bandoneon role), while the trombone and Solo Bb Cornet shares the violin part as a kind of flirting undertone to the Eb Cornet.It's not possible to make a 100% correct notation of the solo parts, so it's recommended to listen to the record album "Zero Hour" from 1986 to get the best impression of the work.Enjoy "Milonga Del Angel" and imagine a small, dark cafe in Buenos Aires!
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£77.00General Series Brass Band Journal, Numbers 2242 - 2245, April 2024
2242: Fanfare Prelude - Faithful in every way (Simon Gash)Lord, I come before your throne of grace (S.A.S.B. 378) has become a popular song for Sunday worship. These words of great assurance are married to a strong tune which, unlike many contemporary worship songs, suits the brass band idiom well. Although this piece will work without Percussion, the Snare Drum part, which underpins a lot of the piece, will help drive the music forward.2243: The wonders of thy grace (Norman Bearcroft)Herbert Booth's song Within my heart, O Lord, fulfil (S.A.S.B. 211) was the inspiration behind Lieut-Colonel Norman Bearcroft's three-verse setting of the hymn tune Wareham, with the title being taken from the lyrics of verse two.2244: Trombone Solo - I will wait (Andrew Mackereth)Major Leonard Ballantine has an astonishing gift for contemporary song writing. This song is a brilliant example of this, taking the idea of Jesus waiting patiently for us to accept the fullness of his offer of love.This arrangement was made at the request of Andrew Justice, former Principal Trombonist of The International Staff Band. For many years, Andrew has used this song with piano accompaniment. In making this arrangement, the composers aim was to capture the transparency you can create in piano playing.2245: The battle cry! (David Edmonds)Inspired by Lorne Barry's Trinity (F.S. 599), this piece would be well suited as a concert opener but would work in many settings as a contribution to worship. Its main feature is the driving rhythmic pattern in the Bass and Percussion sections. The music needs to be played with confidence and purpose. As the title suggests, it is a strong, inspiring battle cry, corralling the troops. This is a setting of the song by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty, O Church, arise (S.A.S.B. 819), which has become popular in recent years, not only within The Salvation Army, but also the wider Christian church.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£40.00Activate - Matthew Hall
ActivateTop to bottom in less than 2 minutes! Originally composed for Tredegar Town Band under the direction of Ian Porthouse, Activate is a fantastic way to start any programme in a concert or on the contest stage.The original conception of Activate occurred when Tredegar had 18 minutes of a 20 minute contest programme and couldn't find a piece to start the performance to fit in the time slot.With funky bass lines, percussion and melody lines as well as some devilish rhythmical elements in the inner parts, Activate is a sure fire way of getting the audience's feet tapping.The trombone solo in the middle section of the piece can be substituted on to any other Bb instrument should the need occur, and the piece can also be started with a drum kit rhythm rather than straight into the first bar.Activate
Estimated dispatch 5-7 working days
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