Results
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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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£90.30
Speedy Dreams - Jerker Johansson
Speedy Dreams was premiered by Goteborg Wind Orchestra in 2013 with Fredrik Duvling as snare drum soloist. The composer Jerker Johansson is a percussionist himself, so through the years he has spent lots of time practising the snare drum. Theinspiration to the composition came to him in a dream, which was about yet another dream:On the evening of Christmas Eve a small child is trying to go to sleep. It is not so easy. Earlier in the day the child has got a small drum as aChristmas present. So instead of sleeping the child is fantasising about the new toy drum and how exciting it will be to learn how to play it.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£60.00Music from the Royal Fireworks - G. F. Handel arr. Don Blakeson
Handel's Music For The Royal Fireworks was composed in 1749 to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle and the end of the War of the Austrian Succession. The site chosen was the fashionable upper part of St. James Park, which was becoming known at that time as Green Park. The Green Park 'Machine', which housed the pyrotechnics was an elaborate affair adorned with "statues and other figures, festoons of flowers, and other lustres".It was announced that there would be some 10,000 rockets and other devices to be let off, all culminating in a grand, burning sun with 'Vivat Rex' at its centre. There were also rumours that the event was to be accompanied by an impressively large band of military music and mention was made of "40 trumpets, 20 french horns, 16 hautboys (oboes), 16 bassoons, 8 pairs of kettle drums, 12 side drums, a proper number of flutes and fifes; with 100 cannon to go off singly at intervals". It is unlikely that Handel had ever conceived such forces and it was merely the promoter's hyberbole, not least because it was unlikely that there were sufficient numbers of extra military musicians available that could read music, as most played from memory. It is also likely that Handel, and his publisher, were conscious that future performances would be hindered by such forces. The autographed score lists the instrumentation as 9 trumpets, 9 french horns, 24 hautboys, 12 bassoons, 3 pairs of kettle drums and up to 4 side drums.The work is in five movements, although Handel's original score did not indicate in which order they should be played. However, in this score they are arranged to be played as follows: Overture, Bouree, La Paix, Minuets I & II and La Rejouissance.Duration: c. 19 minutesDifficulty: Suitable ofr all
Estimated dispatch 5-7 working days
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£40.00Concerto for Euphonium - Kenneth Downie
An accessible and enjoyable showpiece for soloists of all ages. The concerto's three movements are in a tuneful, melodic style and bravura passages are mixed with others designed to exploit the singing qualities of the instrument. The first movement is a vigorous allegro in which the short, pithy motifs of the opening theme contrast with the broad sweep of the second subject. A short cadenza-like passage yields to a high-spirited episode before a reprise of the opening ends the movement quietly. The second movement opens with a warm, romantic melody which is soon taken up by the soloist. A short animated section gives way to the earlier tutti theme, this time with passionate decoration from the soloist before the music gently unwinds in a tranquil coda. The finale has a bouncy, festive feel. After the first subject runs its course there is a brief journey through a more contrapuntal style, before a spirited presto moves into a compound episode before returning to the opening idea. A jubilant coda brings the work to a conclusion.
Estimated dispatch 7-9 working days
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£50.00Concerto for Euphonium (Parts only) - Kenneth Downie
An accessible and enjoyable showpiece for soloists of all ages. The concerto's three movements are in a tuneful, melodic style and bravura passages are mixed with others designed to exploit the singing qualities of the instrument. The first movement is a vigorous allegro in which the short, pithy motifs of the opening theme contrast with the broad sweep of the second subject. A short cadenza-like passage yields to a high-spirited episode before a reprise of the opening ends the movement quietly. The second movement opens with a warm, romantic melody which is soon taken up by the soloist. A short animated section gives way to the earlier tutti theme, this time with passionate decoration from the soloist before the music gently unwinds in a tranquil coda. The finale has a bouncy, festive feel. After the first subject runs its course there is a brief journey through a more contrapuntal style, before a spirited presto moves into a compound episode before returning to the opening idea. A jubilant coda brings the work to a conclusion.
Estimated dispatch 7-9 working days
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£45.00The Sword and the Star
DescriptionThe Sword and the Star was written in 2006 for the Middleton Band at the request of their Musical Director, Carl Whiteoak. The inspiration for the work was the band's badge, which features a medieval archer. The town of Middeton's historical link with the symbol of the Archer came from the English victory at the Battle of Flodden in September 1513, where bowmen from Middleton and Heywood under the command of Sir Richard Assheton played a vital part in crushing the invading Scottish army. Sir Richard captured one of the Scottish commanders and presented the prisoner's sword to the St Leonard's church in Middleton in recognition of the town's contribution. As long time Lords of the Manor, the Assheton family crest was for centuries featured in the coat of arms of Middleton council, and when Middleton became part of the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale the black star from the Assheton crest was used to represent Middleton in the new borough's coat of arms. Hence the title The Sword and the Star, for a piece which attempts to give an impression of the town as it was then and as it is now.The music is in three short sections - a fanfare, a lament and a bright scherzo - and simply aims to contrast the medieval hamlet of Middleton with the bustling urban centre it has now become. The central lament features a Scottish song called "The Flowers of the Forest", written to mourn the loss of so many of Scotland's young men on the field of Flodden; the song returns in a much more positive form at the end of the piece.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£44.95Glorified (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Glorified was composed for the Canadian Staff Band's 50th Anniversary celebrations. This work is based on two tunes, Lord, be glorified (T.B. 738), a significant song at Canada's Territorial Music School over the years, and Great is thy faithfulness (T.B. 641). This song celebrates and signifies God's faithfulness to all associated with the Canadian Staff Band, and the commitment shown by its members through the years.The first half of the work harkens back to those members of the band who tragically perished in the early days on RMS Empress of Ireland, which was en route to England for the 1914 International Congress when it was struck by another vessel and sank. The rhythmic ostinatos heard represent the passing of time over the years. After the somewhat dark introduction, the music settles into a reflective rendition of In my life, Lord, be glorified (S.A.S.B. 593), before bursting into a rhythmic and jagged mixed-metre section. A yearning elegy pays tribute to those who lost their lives.The second half of the piece is celebratory in nature and commemorates the reformation of the band and the rich history which has ensued in the subsequent years. The rhythmic energy found in this section builds to a majestic presentation of the tune Lord, be glorified, which leads into the return of Great is thy faithfulness but in an optimistic fashion.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£81.99A Bandsman's Overture (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
A Bandsman's Overture was commissioned by British Bandsman magazine to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2012. It was premiered by Black Dyke Band, conducted by Dr Nicholas Childs, at a special anniversary concert held in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, on July 1st.British Bandsman was for a period known as British Bandsman and Contest Field, following an amalgamation of two magazines. The then owner, John Henry Iles, celebrated this new title by commissioning Ord Hume to write the famous march, BB & CF. As a salute to this heritage A Bandsman's Overture starts with the four notes, B(b)-B(b)-C-F, a motive which permeates an opening fanfare, which contrasts a busy opening with a more legato central section. This gives way to a bustling Vivo, based on repeated staccato notes. A change of key heralds a central cantabile melody, first on euphoniums and baritone and then played by the full band, which is followed by a short development section. This leads to a transformed reprise and a return of the opening fanfare, decorated this time by florid muted cornets.Duration: 6:00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£89.95Judd: Infinity
In the post-modern age in which we live, 'absolutes' are difficult for many to comprehend. Yet infinity, which means absolute, total, all-embracing, having no limits or boundaries in time, space, extent, or magnitude, has always been central to the Christian's concept of God.Through the ages, as human understanding has grown, particularly at a remarkable rate from the latter part of the twentienth century, Christianity has been continually challenged to interpret traditional beliefs in the light of new discoveries, but always within the reality of the infinite Being. In addition, scripture tells us that 'humanity was made in God's image'. Humankind is part of God's creation and as such, responsible for its upkeep. Such a commission has never been more relevant than in this present age. Psalm 8 creates a great picture of the majesty, eternal, infinte quality of God and yet reveals the desire of God to share in spirit with humankind. It recognises humankind as being, not a tool of the infinite, but as a creative contributing part of the ongoing movement and activity of the infinite.The music is deliberately melodic in context, creating a sense of unity with the infinite, in tandem with the varying expressions of individuality. It is not based on the Psalm but reflects some of the sentiments lying therein. The 'hymn-like' theme expresses the nature of the Divine using the Old Testament image of the infinite God coming to finite humankind, not in the 'wind', the 'earthquake', the 'fire', but in the 'still small voice' of quietness (1 Kings 19: 11-13). The ensuing musical development, in different styles and patterns, expresses this continual link between infinite and finite. Thus the conclusion, rather than being a symbol of might, power and magnificence, reflects the same sentiment as the opening.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£29.95Judd: Minneapolis IV
This march was the outcome of a request from Minneapolis IV Corps to write a march to celebrate its 60th anniversary. It is said that the composer received $25 for his efforts! At the time of its writing, Soderstrom had become a leading arranger for NBC Radio in Chicago and had mastered many contemporary American styles. His lush harmonies remind one of Gershwin, Porter, Berlin and Rodgers while even the scoring suggests an American big-band of the swing era! These and other novel touches make the march interesting to listen to, as well as to play, over 60 years on.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days