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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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£67.00
Stealing Apples - Fats Waller - Reid Gilje
"Stealing Apples" is an old swing-tune written by Fats Waller. Performances by Benny Goodman and his big band made the song very popular.In this arrangement for brass band, the mallet percussion is very essential. Mallet Percussion presents the melody from letter A and is also featured as soli-instruments from letter L to P. These parts can alternatively be played as vibraphone solo.Please be aware of the balance at letter A. Horn and Trombones must play piano but well articulated. Letter D must sound sparkling and fresh with articulated and powerful trombones and cornets (using straight-mute).Make shue that the 8th-notes are not played too dotted two bars before letter G. Almost even 8th-notes accentuated on the start of the slur is a good tip.Watch the balance at letter H. This part have to sound homogeniously.The soloistic Soprano Cornet at letter Q must be played in the style of Benny Goodan. The accompaniment must not be too powerful from letter R to S. Best of luck with the performance!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£70.00
Shine - Peter Meechan
Shine is my second large scale work for solo tuba, following on from my concerto Episodes and Echoes. Like the concerto, Shine was commissioned and premiered (with the Grimethorpe Brass Band, conducted by Howard Evans) by Les Neish - the title being an anagram of the soloist surname.Although in one movement, Shine has 3 broad sections, each requiring virtuosic skill and dexterity from the soloist. The opening section features lots of bright, metallic sounds - especially in the percussion section - providing the accompaniment to soloist as they demonstrate the range and flexibility of the tuba.The second section gives the soloist the opportunity to demonstrate the considerable lyricism that the tuba is capable of. The solo line weaves in and out of textures in the accompaniment, exchanging snippets of melody with other players in the ensemble.After a short unaccompanied passage, the final section emerges juxtaposing new solo lines and material from the opening section. This builds in momentum - and difficulty for the soloist - as the piece reaches its climatic ending.Shine is dedicated to my good friend, fellow Liverpool supporter, and amazing musician, Les Neish.Peter Meechan, 2011
Estimated dispatch 12-14 working days
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Dardanella | Bernard & Black arr. Dario Salvi
'Oh Sweet Dardanella, I love your harem eyes. I'm a lucky fellow, to capture such a prize'Dardanella was written in 1919 and became one of the most popular songs of the 1920's selling 13 million copies, going on to become a huge jazz standard covered by the likes of Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby amongst others.This arrangement for Brass Band by Dario Salvi takes us back to the most famous version of 1920 sung by Vernon Dalhart and Gladys Rice, where the opening calls to mind the sounds of a fairground.Dario's arrangement moves between styles with an almost clockwork sound at one point changing to laid back swing beat at another, all supporting this cheerful melody. An excellent programme filler.Instrumentation:Soprano, Solo, Repiano, 2nd and 3rd CornetsFlugelhornSolo, 1st and 2nd Tenor Horns1st and 2nd Baritone1st, 2nd and Bass TromboneSolo and 2nd EuphoniumEb and Bb BassesPercussion parts:Drum KitXylophoneISMN: 979-0-708127-87-1
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La Calinda | Delius arr. Leigh Sharpe
Taken from the opera 'Koanga' by Frederick Delius. Koanga is the hero of the opera, an African prince and voodoo priest stolen away and now working as a slave on a Mississippi plantation who falls in love with a fellow slave; Palmyra.This piece is a faithful arrangement of Delius's masterpiece for Brass Band, and features a well loved and catchy lyrical theme. La Calinda is not a simple piece to play, but well worth investing in.An excellent concert piece.Instrumentation:Soprano, Solo, Repiano, 2nd and 3rd CornetsFlugelhornSolo, 1st and 2nd Tenor Horns1st and 2nd Baritone1st, 2nd and Bass TromboneSolo and 2nd EuphoniumEb and Bb BassesTimpaniPercussion:1.Tambourine, Floor Tom2.Glockenspiel3.VibraphoneISMN: 979-0-708127-91-8
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£99.50Stealing Apples - Fats Waller
Stealing Apples is an old swing-tune written by Fats Waller. Performances by Benny Goodman and his big band made the song very popular. In this arrangement for brass band, the mallet percussion is very essential. Mallet Percussion presents the melody from letter A and is also featured as soli-instruments from letter L to P. These parts can alternatively be played as vibraphone solo. Please be aware of the balance at letter A. Horn and Trombones must play piano but well articulated. Letter D must sound sparkling and fresh with articulated and powerful trombones and cornets (using straight-mute). Make shue that the 8th-notes are not played too dotted two bars before letterG. Almost even 8th-notes accentuated on the start of the slur is a good tip. Watch the balance at letter H. This part have to sound homogeniously. The soloistic Soprano Cornet at letter Q must be played in the style of Benny Goodan. The accompaniment must not be too powerful from letter R to S. Best of luck with the performance!
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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The Sorcerer's Apprentice | Dukas arr. Alwyn Green
Most of us are familiar with the symphonic poem written by 19th century composer, Paul Dukas, which was inspired by an 18th century poem by Goethe in which the sorcerer's apprentice, desiring to save himself some work attempts to try his hand at his masters craft when things go terribly wrong!This version, arranged by Alwyn Green for Brass Band, captures the spirit of the original masterpiece in a complex and challenging score for Brass Band. It has all the drama, and vibrant energy of the Dukas masterpiece, brilliantly orchestrated for Brass Band.Listen to the piece played by Foresters Brass 2000, from their CD : 'Heritage' which can be obtained from the band.Instrumentation: Soprano, Solo, Repiano, 2nd and 3rd CornetsFlugelhornSolo, 1st and 2nd Tenor Horns1st and 2nd Baritone1st, 2nd and Bass TromboneEuphoniumEb and Bb BassesPercussion parts (4):1: Timpani2: Cymbal3: Glockenspiel4: VibraphoneISMN: 979-0-708127-01-7
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£35.00A Suffolk Prelude - Andrew Duncan
Written for the Ipswich & Norwich Co-Op Band, A Suffolk Prelude is based around five traditional tunes from Suffolk:'Nutting Time','Blackberry Fold','Cupid's Garden','A Seaman's Life''The Bold Richard'The piece begins on the percussion and timpani alone leading through a crescendo into the first statement of the fanfare which is derived from a motif from the tune 'Nutting Time'. This leads into a playing of the 'Nutting Time' tune which is then developed as the tune is passed around the band.'Nutting Time' is a jolly lighthearted tune about a 'fair maid' who meets a handsome young farmer called 'Johnny' when out gathering nuts in the wood. After a pause on the tubular bells the slow tune 'Blackberry Fold' is presented as a solo for Flugel Horn, then as a full band version.'Blackberry Fold' is a touching song about a Suffolk squire who gets married well below his station to a beautiful milkmaid, simply because he loves her! They live happily ever after.The next tune to be heard is the juanty 'Cupid's Garden' played firstly as a solo on the Euphonium, and again this is about the subject of love. This song is sung from a sailors prospective and he tells how he met a lovely maiden and has promised to marry her when he returns from duty at sea.The trombones then play the noble tune 'A Seaman's Life'. This tune seems to serve as a warning to young girls about the fickle nature and the total unsuitability of marrying a sailor! 'Oh a seaman's life is a merry merry life, they'll rob young girls of their heart's delight, they will leave them behind for to sail one morn, but they never know when they'll return'. Despite this it is a fine tune!The last tune featured is 'The Bold Richard' which is played by all the bass instruments in the band. This is a song telling how the Royal Navy friggate 'The Bold Richard' went to battle against a French friggate destroying her and taking her crew as prisoners.Suffolk Prelude goes on to feature a slow version of the tune 'A Seaman's Life' played alongside a fast version of the tune 'Cupid's Garden'. The opening fanfare then returns leading into a final coda section.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£30.00Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White - Louiguy
A creative arrangement by Jon Bennett for full brass band, of this popular melody made famous originally as a solo piece by Eddie Calvert.This full brass band version offers an upbeat and varied alternative with plenty of style development and percussion interest. From its opening of the featured melody, the piece takes on a range of other new angles in its scoring, including little solo spotlights and some great jazz textures, making it a real item of interest. A guaranteed toe-tapper, and may even lead to an audience conga!Look and Listen (courtesy of Dronfield Band at Newark Castle 2013):
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£40.00Little Christmas - Elaine Agnew
An atmospheric, contemporary piece for brass band by prolific composer Elaine Agnew. The work was originally commissioned by the North of Ireland Bands' Association as the 'B Section' test piece for the 2006 European Brass Band Championships, with funds from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Lottery Unit and Belfast City Council.Programme notes:The night of Sunday the sixth of January 1839 was a night of madness. On this night, Ireland was hit by a devastating storm. Little Christmas focuses on the events of that day, leading to the arrival of the storm itself.The piece opens with a blast, which is quickly hushed by a motionless phrase whose silence suggests something not quite right. A solo euphonium mimics the local seer who prophesizes the coming of the storm but who is ignored by the locals, who are well used to his rantings and ravings.A brief percussion improvisation hints at an uncertainty in the air but this is quickly ignored by the following fast section with the bustle and excitement of the day's preparations.Quiet solo chromatic lines swoosh over harmonic pillars of sound before the final "dizzy" section where the band lets rip at the arrival of the storm!
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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