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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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£84.99
Utopia - Jacob de Haan
Utopia is the name of a book written by the English author Thomas More and was published in 1516. The title is a word thought up by More himself, after the Greek language, meaning "Nowhereland" and leading to the invention of the words utopian scheme and utopian. Utopia pictured an ideal state on an island far from the inhabited world. This idea was the basis of the composition. It makes one think of Oregon in variety of themes and style. Utopia also exists of a combination of styles that breathe the atmosphere of film music. However, Utopia sounds less American. The slow and stirring middle part for example is closer to the European romanticism: the chord signals in the brasssection remind of Wagner's music.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.99
Song of Israel - Traditional
Song of Israel is based on a world-famous tune, the traditional song from Israel entitles Hatikva. Roland Kernen makes creative use of this melody, presenting it a variety of styles, including a section with a 'rock' feel, to produce a cheerful concert work.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£54.99School's Cool - Jacob de Haan
This short, "cool" suite in three movements can be performed with a variety of instruments from a handful of players to a complete brass band. The first movement radiates joy with a powerful 3/4 beat. The second movement is in the style of a pavane, which gives a sense of nostalgia and the final movement forms a cheerful and high-spirited closing with a really funky beat. This wonderful suite has been composed especially for youth musicians and they will all gain great pleasure from performing it.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£68.99Trumpeter's Lullaby - Leroy Anderson
Leroy Anderson is part of American cultural heritage and he is often compared to such masters as Gershwin and Copland. Trumpeter's Lullaby was written for The Boston Pops Orchestra of which he was the conductor. This new arrangement for brass band gives your three cornet soloists a chance to 'take to the fore' in a variety of up-tempo jazz styles. Once performed this item will become a favourite that you will use time and time again.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£104.99Musica Helvetica - Jan de Haan
Every year a competition for wind orchestras and brass bands takes place in Wallberg, Switzerland. Apart from a hymn and a solo piece, all orchestras also have a compulsory piece to play. The commission to create a compulsory piece for the 2012 competition fell to Jan de Haan. The composition is entitled Musica Helvetica. It takes the form of a three-part concert work, in which the last two parts flow directly from one to the other. The first part, Musica Prima, is a brisk virtuoso opening with jazz flavours woven in. The following section, Musica Sacra, offers a contrast with an extraordinarily colourful instrumentation for the gorgeous main theme. Thefinal part, Musica Alpina, is inspired by the great variety of scenery in Switzerland. With its witty humour it makes a worthy conclusion to this beautiful tryptich.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£104.99Lord Tullamore - Carl Wittrock
In Lord Tullamore, composer Carl Wittrock shows us his vision for Irish folk music. The result is a diverse three-part composition of rousing Irish folk with a continental touch. Lord Tullamore reflects the full variety of the folk music of the Emerald Isle, featuring not only brilliant technical passages, but also tranquil sections of lyrical calm.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£54.99
March - Dimitri Shostakovich
The Suite for Variety Orchestra, No. 1 (1956) is a work by Dmitri Shostakovich in eight movements that draws from the composer's earlier themes. The first of these movements is the delightful March, originally found in Korzinkina's Adventures, Op. 59 (1940). James Curnow has skillfully adapted this work for band, sure to become a welcome addition to the repertoire for your band.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.99Welcome to the Jungle
Named the greatest hard rock song of all time by VH1, Guns N' Roses' signature hit was introduced back in 1987 and remains as popular and recognizable today as ever. Featuring plenty of musical variety and excitement, this version will challenge young players but is guaranteed to inspire them to practice!
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£164.99Diamond Concerto - Philip Sparke
Diamond Concerto was commissioned by Musikverein Morschied from Germany - Dr. Eric Grandjean, conductor - for a special concert featuring Steven Mead as guest soloist. Together they gave the world premiere on 28th April 2012 in the town theatre of Idar-Oberstein.The commission is a highlight in the 30-year friendship between composer and soloist, which has included many mutual CD projects and concerts and, now, a concerto. Sparke had Steven Mead's special euphonium sound in his head throughout the composition process and made free use of the variety of styles which the world-renowned virtuoso has made his own during his highly successful solo career.The village ofMorschied lies to the west of Frankfurt am Main in the area known as the German Road of Precious Stones, which is famous for its thriving gem industry. Because of this it was decided to give the commission a local connection by choosing the title, Diamond Concerto. Each of the three movements is named after a famous diamond:1 EARTH STARis rather stern in mood, opening with a free fantasy for the soloist over a static chord from the band. This leads to an Allegro Moderato in minor mode where small motives are gradually repeated and developed by both band and soloist.2 OCEAN DREAMuses a varied quote from the composer's Music for Battle Creek, including a melting slow melody that was originally written with Steven Mead in mind.3 BLUE HEARTwas written, at Steven Mead's suggestion, in bebop style and takes the form of a jazz waltz. The quasi-improvisatory central section features a call-and-response passage for the soloist and upper woodwinds.Soloist: Difficulty 6Diamond Concerto is available for euphonium and piano (AMP 374-401) as well as for euphonium and concert band (AMP 354-010).
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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