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  • £124.95

    Hyperlink (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Graham, Peter

    Hyperlink was commissioned by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (funded by Arts Council England and the Department for Education) for its 70th Anniversary Year. Since the anniversary coincided with other significant celebrations in 2022 (including the Royal Albert Hall/Ralph Vaughan Williams 150th and the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II) it was requested that these also be recognised in some way.Where better to begin this challenging brief but with a computer search for the NYBBGB founder Dr Denis Wright (coincidently born in Kensington, home of the RAH). The subsequent rabbit warren of hyperlinks led me to structure the work through a series of associations:Movement I - The Voice of Jupiter. Alongside the discovery that Denis Wright had been a church organist was the realisation that while the RAH has hosted thousands of musical events the fabric of the building actually incorporates a musical instrument, the famous Henry Wills organ (aka The Voice of Jupiter). Organ and J S Bach are synonymous (e.g. Toccata in D min) and so both become fundamental to the content of the movement. An opening 7 note quote from the Toccata leads to a mammoth sound cluster, as if every note on the huge RAH organ is sustained. The material which follows is based upon the notes BACH (in German notation). The notes are manipulated in various ways in a 12 tone matrix; reversed, inverted and so on. Other techniques employed in the movement are ones of which Bach was master, including ground bass and fugue.Movement II - Remember Me. The lives of Salvationist composer Ray Steadman-Allen (born 1922) and Ralph Vaughan Williams are remembered here, with RSA in musical notation and fragments of RVWs famous Tuba Concerto providing the source material. While writing the movement my father passed away and to close his funeral service the family chose the uplifting Robert Lowry hymn They'll sing a welcome home. It seemed fitting to conclude the movement with a reflective setting of the chorus, the repeated phrase 'Welcome, welcome home' eventually disappearing into the ether.Movement III - Vivat. The finale takes the form of a short fantasy upon Hubert Parry's marvellous coronation anthem I Was Glad, truly a celebratory note with which to conclude. The first performance of Hyperlink was given by the NYBBGB conducted by Martyn Brabbins at the Royal College of Music, London on August 6th 2022.- Peter Graham

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days

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  • £79.95

    The Lost Village of Imber (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Bond, Christopher

    The Lost Village of Imber was commissioned by Bratton Silver Band in 2019 in celebration of 160 years of the band; 1859-2019. Structured in three movements, the complete work was premiered by Cory Band at Wiltshire Music Centre in February 2020.The village of Imber on Salisbury Plain had been inhabited for over one thousand years when it was evacuated in 1943 to make way for military training in the Second World War. At the time, with preparations for the Allied invasion of Europe underway, most villagers put up no resistance, despite being upset, with the belief that they'd return once the war had concluded. To this day, Imber and its surrounding land remain a military training ground. The villagers never returned, and just the shell of what was once a community remains.Structured in three movements, it is on this very real story that the work is based, setting out the series of events of 1943 in chronological order.The first movement, On Imber Downe, portrays a sense of jollity and cohesiveness, a community of individuals living and working together before news of the evacuation had broken. Sounds of the village are heard throughout, not least in a series of percussive effects, the anvil of the blacksmith; the cowbell of the cattle and the bells of the church.The second movement, The Church of St. Giles, begins mysteriously and this sonorous, atmospheric opening depicts Imber in its desolate state and the apprehension of residents as they learn they have to leave their homes. Amidst this is the Church, a symbol of hope for villagers who one day wish to return, portrayed with a sweeping melodic passage before the music returns to the apprehension of villagers facing eviction around their sadness at losing their rural way of life.In complete contrast, the third movement, Imemerie Aeternum, portrays the arrival of the military, complete with the sounds of the ammunition, firing and tanks, sounds which were all too familiar to those living in the surround areas. To close, the Church of St. Giles theme returns in a triumphant style, representing the idea that the church has always been, even to this day, a beacon of hope for the villagers and local community, both the centrepiece and pinnacle of a very real story.Duration: 13.30

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £9.99

    Christmas Collection - Solo and 1st Cornet Bb Part I - Large Print A4

    Christmas Collection is a newly revised carol book with original, additional and rearranged carols from New Christmas Praise as well as 10 extended pieces. Parts are now also available in large print A4 size!Titles:A child this day is bornA Christmas lullabyA great and mighty wonderAll I want for Christmas is youAll my heart this night rejoicesAngels, from the realms of Glory (Come and worship)Angels, from the realms of Glory (Iris)Angels we have heard on highA starry nightAs with gladness men of oldAuld lang syneA virgin most pureAway in a manger (The manger scene)Away in a manger (Traditional)A winter's taleBethlehemBrightest and best (Spean)Brightest and best (Traditional)Calypso CarolCarol for the NativityCarol of the bellsCarol of the drumChild of MaryChristians Awake!Christ is born (Il est n)Christ was born on Christmas DayCome and join the celebrationCome, children, come quicklyCoventry CarolDeck the hallDing dong! merrily on highDo you hear what I hear?Frosty the snowmanGabriel's MessageGaudeteGlory in the highestGlory in the highest HeavenGod of God, the uncreatedGod rest you merry, gentlemenGood Christian men, rejoiceGood King WenceslasGo, tell it on the mountain!Happy Christmas (War is over)Hark the glad sound!Hark! the herald angels singHave yourself a merry little ChristmasHere we come a-wassailingHow far is it to Bethlehem?Huron CarolInfant HolyIn the bleak midwinter (Cranham)In the bleak midwinter (Darke)I saw mommy kissing Santa ClausI saw three ships come sailing inIt came upon a midnight clear (Traditional)It came upon a midnight clear (Willis)It's beginning to look a lot like ChristmasIt's the most wonderful time of the yearI wish it could be Christmas everydayI wonder as I wanderJesus, good above all otherJingle BellsJingle bell rockJoy to the world!Last ChristmasLet it snow!Little baby JesusLittle children, wake and listenLittle DonkeyLittle Jesus, sweetly sleepLo! he comes with clouds descendingLong, long agoLove came down at ChristmasMary's boy childMary's ChildMasters in this hallMerry Christmas everyoneMistletoe and wineNoelO Christmas treeO come, all ye faithfulO come, ImmanuelO Heaven-sent KingO holy night!O little town of Bethlehem (Christmas Carol)O little town of Bethlehem (Forest Green)O little town of Bethlehem (St Louis)Once in royal David's cityPast three o'clockPatapanPersonent HodiePraise ye the LordRing the bellsRise up, shepherd!Rockin' around the Christmas treeRudolph, the red-nosed reindeerSans day carolSanta Claus is comin' to townSaviour's DaySee, amid the winter's snowSilent Night!Sleigh RideSoftly the night is sleepingSo here it is, merry ChristmasStars are shiningStill, still, stillStop the cavalrySussex CarolSweet chiming bellsSweet chiming Christmas bellsThe candle songThe cherry tree carolThe Christmas songThe first NowellThe holly and the ivyThe infant KingThe light has comeThe shepherds' farewellThe stable doorThe star in the eastThe twelve days of ChristmasThe virgin Mary had a baby boyThey all were looking for a kingThou didst leave thy throneThree kings' marchUnto us a boy is bornWalking in the airWe gather round the manger-bedWe three kings of Orient areWe wish you a merry ChristmasWhat child is this?When a child is bornWhen Santa got stuck up the chimneyWhence is that goodly fragrance flowing?When wise men came seekingWhile shepherds watched (Cranbrook)While shepherds watched (Handel)While shepherds watched (Winchester Old)White ChristmasWho is he?Winter WonderlandWorldwide Christmas messageZither CarolA starry nightChristmas JoyChristmas PraiseCoventry CarolInfant HolyMid-winterRudolph, the red-nosed reindeerThe everlasting lightTo celebrate his birthYuletide Rag

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £7.99

    Christmas Collection - Solo and 1st Cornet Bb Part I - March Card Size

    Christmas Collection is a newly revised carol book with original, additional and rearranged carols from New Christmas Praise as well as 10 extended pieces. Parts are now also available in large print A4 size!Titles:A child this day is bornA Christmas lullabyA great and mighty wonderAll I want for Christmas is youAll my heart this night rejoicesAngels, from the realms of Glory (Come and worship)Angels, from the realms of Glory (Iris)Angels we have heard on highA starry nightAs with gladness men of oldAuld lang syneA virgin most pureAway in a manger (The manger scene)Away in a manger (Traditional)A winter's taleBethlehemBrightest and best (Spean)Brightest and best (Traditional)Calypso CarolCarol for the NativityCarol of the bellsCarol of the drumChild of MaryChristians Awake!Christ is born (Il est n)Christ was born on Christmas DayCome and join the celebrationCome, children, come quicklyCoventry CarolDeck the hallDing dong! merrily on highDo you hear what I hear?Frosty the snowmanGabriel's MessageGaudeteGlory in the highestGlory in the highest HeavenGod of God, the uncreatedGod rest you merry, gentlemenGood Christian men, rejoiceGood King WenceslasGo, tell it on the mountain!Happy Christmas (War is over)Hark the glad sound!Hark! the herald angels singHave yourself a merry little ChristmasHere we come a-wassailingHow far is it to Bethlehem?Huron CarolInfant HolyIn the bleak midwinter (Cranham)In the bleak midwinter (Darke)I saw mommy kissing Santa ClausI saw three ships come sailing inIt came upon a midnight clear (Traditional)It came upon a midnight clear (Willis)It's beginning to look a lot like ChristmasIt's the most wonderful time of the yearI wish it could be Christmas everydayI wonder as I wanderJesus, good above all otherJingle BellsJingle bell rockJoy to the world!Last ChristmasLet it snow!Little baby JesusLittle children, wake and listenLittle DonkeyLittle Jesus, sweetly sleepLo! he comes with clouds descendingLong, long agoLove came down at ChristmasMary's boy childMary's ChildMasters in this hallMerry Christmas everyoneMistletoe and wineNoelO Christmas treeO come, all ye faithfulO come, ImmanuelO Heaven-sent KingO holy night!O little town of Bethlehem (Christmas Carol)O little town of Bethlehem (Forest Green)O little town of Bethlehem (St Louis)Once in royal David's cityPast three o'clockPatapanPersonent HodiePraise ye the LordRing the bellsRise up, shepherd!Rockin' around the Christmas treeRudolph, the red-nosed reindeerSans day carolSanta Claus is comin' to townSaviour's DaySee, amid the winter's snowSilent Night!Sleigh RideSoftly the night is sleepingSo here it is, merry ChristmasStars are shiningStill, still, stillStop the cavalrySussex CarolSweet chiming bellsSweet chiming Christmas bellsThe candle songThe cherry tree carolThe Christmas songThe first NowellThe holly and the ivyThe infant KingThe light has comeThe shepherds' farewellThe stable doorThe star in the eastThe twelve days of ChristmasThe virgin Mary had a baby boyThey all were looking for a kingThou didst leave thy throneThree kings' marchUnto us a boy is bornWalking in the airWe gather round the manger-bedWe three kings of Orient areWe wish you a merry ChristmasWhat child is this?When a child is bornWhen Santa got stuck up the chimneyWhence is that goodly fragrance flowing?When wise men came seekingWhile shepherds watched (Cranbrook)While shepherds watched (Handel)While shepherds watched (Winchester Old)White ChristmasWho is he?Winter WonderlandWorldwide Christmas messageZither CarolA starry nightChristmas JoyChristmas PraiseCoventry CarolInfant HolyMid-winterRudolph, the red-nosed reindeerThe everlasting lightTo celebrate his birthYuletide Rag

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £9.99

    Christmas Collection - Solo and 1st Horn Eb Part II - Large Print A4

    Christmas Collection is a newly revised carol book with original, additional and rearranged carols from New Christmas Praise as well as 10 extended pieces. Parts are now also available in large print A4 size!Titles:A child this day is bornA Christmas lullabyA great and mighty wonderAll I want for Christmas is youAll my heart this night rejoicesAngels, from the realms of Glory (Come and worship)Angels, from the realms of Glory (Iris)Angels we have heard on highA starry nightAs with gladness men of oldAuld lang syneA virgin most pureAway in a manger (The manger scene)Away in a manger (Traditional)A winter's taleBethlehemBrightest and best (Spean)Brightest and best (Traditional)Calypso CarolCarol for the NativityCarol of the bellsCarol of the drumChild of MaryChristians Awake!Christ is born (Il est n)Christ was born on Christmas DayCome and join the celebrationCome, children, come quicklyCoventry CarolDeck the hallDing dong! merrily on highDo you hear what I hear?Frosty the snowmanGabriel's MessageGaudeteGlory in the highestGlory in the highest HeavenGod of God, the uncreatedGod rest you merry, gentlemenGood Christian men, rejoiceGood King WenceslasGo, tell it on the mountain!Happy Christmas (War is over)Hark the glad sound!Hark! the herald angels singHave yourself a merry little ChristmasHere we come a-wassailingHow far is it to Bethlehem?Huron CarolInfant HolyIn the bleak midwinter (Cranham)In the bleak midwinter (Darke)I saw mommy kissing Santa ClausI saw three ships come sailing inIt came upon a midnight clear (Traditional)It came upon a midnight clear (Willis)It's beginning to look a lot like ChristmasIt's the most wonderful time of the yearI wish it could be Christmas everydayI wonder as I wanderJesus, good above all otherJingle BellsJingle bell rockJoy to the world!Last ChristmasLet it snow!Little baby JesusLittle children, wake and listenLittle DonkeyLittle Jesus, sweetly sleepLo! he comes with clouds descendingLong, long agoLove came down at ChristmasMary's boy childMary's ChildMasters in this hallMerry Christmas everyoneMistletoe and wineNoelO Christmas treeO come, all ye faithfulO come, ImmanuelO Heaven-sent KingO holy night!O little town of Bethlehem (Christmas Carol)O little town of Bethlehem (Forest Green)O little town of Bethlehem (St Louis)Once in royal David's cityPast three o'clockPatapanPersonent HodiePraise ye the LordRing the bellsRise up, shepherd!Rockin' around the Christmas treeRudolph, the red-nosed reindeerSans day carolSanta Claus is comin' to townSaviour's DaySee, amid the winter's snowSilent Night!Sleigh RideSoftly the night is sleepingSo here it is, merry ChristmasStars are shiningStill, still, stillStop the cavalrySussex CarolSweet chiming bellsSweet chiming Christmas bellsThe candle songThe cherry tree carolThe Christmas songThe first NowellThe holly and the ivyThe infant KingThe light has comeThe shepherds' farewellThe stable doorThe star in the eastThe twelve days of ChristmasThe virgin Mary had a baby boyThey all were looking for a kingThou didst leave thy throneThree kings' marchUnto us a boy is bornWalking in the airWe gather round the manger-bedWe three kings of Orient areWe wish you a merry ChristmasWhat child is this?When a child is bornWhen Santa got stuck up the chimneyWhence is that goodly fragrance flowing?When wise men came seekingWhile shepherds watched (Cranbrook)While shepherds watched (Handel)While shepherds watched (Winchester Old)White ChristmasWho is he?Winter WonderlandWorldwide Christmas messageZither CarolA starry nightChristmas JoyChristmas PraiseCoventry CarolInfant HolyMid-winterRudolph, the red-nosed reindeerThe everlasting lightTo celebrate his birthYuletide Rag

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £7.99

    Christmas Collection - Solo and 1st Horn Eb Part II - March Card Size

    Christmas Collection is a newly revised carol book with original, additional and rearranged carols from New Christmas Praise as well as 10 extended pieces. Parts are now also available in large print A4 size!Titles:A child this day is bornA Christmas lullabyA great and mighty wonderAll I want for Christmas is youAll my heart this night rejoicesAngels, from the realms of Glory (Come and worship)Angels, from the realms of Glory (Iris)Angels we have heard on highA starry nightAs with gladness men of oldAuld lang syneA virgin most pureAway in a manger (The manger scene)Away in a manger (Traditional)A winter's taleBethlehemBrightest and best (Spean)Brightest and best (Traditional)Calypso CarolCarol for the NativityCarol of the bellsCarol of the drumChild of MaryChristians Awake!Christ is born (Il est n)Christ was born on Christmas DayCome and join the celebrationCome, children, come quicklyCoventry CarolDeck the hallDing dong! merrily on highDo you hear what I hear?Frosty the snowmanGabriel's MessageGaudeteGlory in the highestGlory in the highest HeavenGod of God, the uncreatedGod rest you merry, gentlemenGood Christian men, rejoiceGood King WenceslasGo, tell it on the mountain!Happy Christmas (War is over)Hark the glad sound!Hark! the herald angels singHave yourself a merry little ChristmasHere we come a-wassailingHow far is it to Bethlehem?Huron CarolInfant HolyIn the bleak midwinter (Cranham)In the bleak midwinter (Darke)I saw mommy kissing Santa ClausI saw three ships come sailing inIt came upon a midnight clear (Traditional)It came upon a midnight clear (Willis)It's beginning to look a lot like ChristmasIt's the most wonderful time of the yearI wish it could be Christmas everydayI wonder as I wanderJesus, good above all otherJingle BellsJingle bell rockJoy to the world!Last ChristmasLet it snow!Little baby JesusLittle children, wake and listenLittle DonkeyLittle Jesus, sweetly sleepLo! he comes with clouds descendingLong, long agoLove came down at ChristmasMary's boy childMary's ChildMasters in this hallMerry Christmas everyoneMistletoe and wineNoelO Christmas treeO come, all ye faithfulO come, ImmanuelO Heaven-sent KingO holy night!O little town of Bethlehem (Christmas Carol)O little town of Bethlehem (Forest Green)O little town of Bethlehem (St Louis)Once in royal David's cityPast three o'clockPatapanPersonent HodiePraise ye the LordRing the bellsRise up, shepherd!Rockin' around the Christmas treeRudolph, the red-nosed reindeerSans day carolSanta Claus is comin' to townSaviour's DaySee, amid the winter's snowSilent Night!Sleigh RideSoftly the night is sleepingSo here it is, merry ChristmasStars are shiningStill, still, stillStop the cavalrySussex CarolSweet chiming bellsSweet chiming Christmas bellsThe candle songThe cherry tree carolThe Christmas songThe first NowellThe holly and the ivyThe infant KingThe light has comeThe shepherds' farewellThe stable doorThe star in the eastThe twelve days of ChristmasThe virgin Mary had a baby boyThey all were looking for a kingThou didst leave thy throneThree kings' marchUnto us a boy is bornWalking in the airWe gather round the manger-bedWe three kings of Orient areWe wish you a merry ChristmasWhat child is this?When a child is bornWhen Santa got stuck up the chimneyWhence is that goodly fragrance flowing?When wise men came seekingWhile shepherds watched (Cranbrook)While shepherds watched (Handel)While shepherds watched (Winchester Old)White ChristmasWho is he?Winter WonderlandWorldwide Christmas messageZither CarolA starry nightChristmas JoyChristmas PraiseCoventry CarolInfant HolyMid-winterRudolph, the red-nosed reindeerThe everlasting lightTo celebrate his birthYuletide Rag

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £34.95

    Song of the Night Sky (Cornet Solo with Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Bond, Christopher

    Orpheus is known as the most talented music player of the ancient times. It is said that god Apollo was his father, from whom took his extreme talent in music, and the Muse Calliope was his mother. Tragedy struck when his wife, Eurydice stepped on a viper which in turn bit her, injecting its fatal venom. Nothing could stop his cries of anguish and sheer pain and sorrow upon realizing his beautiful Eurydice was dead. Orpheus decided to go into the Underworld to get his wife back. Apollo, his father, would talk to Hades, the god of the Underworld to accept him and hear his plea. And so Orpheus set off into the Underworld and was warned that for no reason must he look back while his wife was still in the dark, for that would undo everything he hoped for. As Orpheus was reaching the exit of the Underworld, he could hear the footfalls of his wife approaching him. As his was approaching the exit, his heart was beating faster and faster. The moment he stepped on the world of the living, he turned his head to hug his wife. Unfortunately, he got only a glimpse of Eurydice before she was once again drawn back into the underworld. When Orpheus turned his head, Eurydice was still in the dark, she hadn't seen the sun and, was drowned back to the dark world of the dead. Waves of anguish and despair swept over him and shuddering with grief he approached the Underworld again but this time, he was denied entry, the gates were standing shut and god Hermes, sent by Zeus, wouldn't let him in. His songs were no more joyful but extremely sad. His only comfort was to lay on a huge rock and feel the caress of the breeze, his only vision were the open skies. Song of the Night Sky was recorded by Tom Hutchinson and the Cory Band in June 2015, featuring on his debut solo album.Duration: 4.15

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £34.95

    The Mansions of Glory (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Bates, Jonathan

    "A young, talented and tender-hearted actress was passing along the street of a large city. Seeing a pale, sick girl lying upon a couch just within the half-open door of a beautiful dwelling, she entered, with the thought that by her vivacity and pleasant conversation she might cheer the young invalid. The sick girl was a devoted Christian, and her words, her patience, her submission and heaven-lit countenance so demonstrated the spirit of her religion that the actress was led to give some earnest thought to the claims of Christianity, and was thoroughly converted and became a true follower of Christ. She told her father, the leader of a theatre troupe, of her conversion and of her desire to abandon the stage, stating that she could not live a consistent Christian life and follow the life of an actress. Her father was astonished beyond measure and told his daughter that their living would be lost to them and their business ruined if she persisted in her resolution. Loving her father dearly, she was shaken somewhat in her purpose and partially consented to fill the published engagement to be met in a few days. She was the star of the troupe, and a general favourite. Every preparation was made for the play in which she was to appear. The evening came and the father rejoiced that he had won back his daughter and that their living was not to be lost. The hour arrived; a large audience had assembled. The curtain rose and the young actress stepped forward firmly, amid the applause of the multitude. But an unwonted light beamed from her beautiful face. Through Christ she had conquered and, leaving the audience in tears, she retired from the stage, never to appear upon it again. Through her influence her father was converted, and through their united evangelistic labours many were led to God."

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £17.50

    The Mansions of Glory (Brass Band - Score only) - Bates, Jonathan

    "A young, talented and tender-hearted actress was passing along the street of a large city. Seeing a pale, sick girl lying upon a couch just within the half-open door of a beautiful dwelling, she entered, with the thought that by her vivacity and pleasant conversation she might cheer the young invalid. The sick girl was a devoted Christian, and her words, her patience, her submission and heaven-lit countenance so demonstrated the spirit of her religion that the actress was led to give some earnest thought to the claims of Christianity, and was thoroughly converted and became a true follower of Christ. She told her father, the leader of a theatre troupe, of her conversion and of her desire to abandon the stage, stating that she could not live a consistent Christian life and follow the life of an actress. Her father was astonished beyond measure and told his daughter that their living would be lost to them and their business ruined if she persisted in her resolution. Loving her father dearly, she was shaken somewhat in her purpose and partially consented to fill the published engagement to be met in a few days. She was the star of the troupe, and a general favourite. Every preparation was made for the play in which she was to appear. The evening came and the father rejoiced that he had won back his daughter and that their living was not to be lost. The hour arrived; a large audience had assembled. The curtain rose and the young actress stepped forward firmly, amid the applause of the multitude. But an unwonted light beamed from her beautiful face. Through Christ she had conquered and, leaving the audience in tears, she retired from the stage, never to appear upon it again. Through her influence her father was converted, and through their united evangelistic labours many were led to God."

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £107.95

    Symphony in Two Movements (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Gregson, Edward

    This work was jointly commissioned by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW), the latter with funding from T Cerdd (Music Centre Wales), to celebrate their 60th and 30th anniversaries respectively. The first performances were given at Cadogan Hall, London, in April 2012, by the NYBBGB, conducted by Bramwell Tovey; and at the Great Hall, Aberystwyth University, in July 2012, by the NYBBW, conducted by Nicholas Childs.When I was approached about a joint commission to write a new work to celebrate the anniversaries of these two outstanding youth bands I was delighted to accept, and decided to respond by writing a work apposite for the magnitude of these special occasions, namely a 'symphony for brass'.Through a long journey of writing music for brass band, which commenced with Connotations (1977), and continued with Dances and Arias (1984), Of Men and Mountains (1991), The Trumpets of the Angels (2000) and Rococo Variations (2008), I arrived at what I regard as the most important work of the cycle to date, combining as it does serious musical intent with considerable technical demands. It is perhaps my most abstract work for brass band, avoiding any programmatic content.The symphony lasts for some 19 minutes and is structured in two linked movements. The form is based on that used by Beethoven in his final piano sonata (Op.111), which is in two movements only: a compact sonata-form allegro, followed by a more expansive theme and four variations. Prokofiev also adopted this model in his 2nd Symphony of 1925.The opening Toccata of this Symphony is highly dramatic but compact, whilst still retaining the 'traditional' structural elements of exposition, development and recapitulation; indeed, it also has the 'traditional' element of a contrasting second subject - a gentle, lyrical modal melody first heard on solo cornets.In contrast, the longer and more substantial second movement Variations is built around a theme and four variations. The slowly unfolding chorale-like theme accumulates both added note harmony and increasing instrumentation, whilst the four variations which follow are by turn mercurial (fast, starting with all the instruments muted), march-like (menacing, with short rhythmic articulations underpinning an extended atonal melody), serene (a series of 'romances' for solo instruments alongside echoes of the chorale) with an emerging theme eventually bursting into a climax of passionate intent; whilst the final variation is a dynamic scherzo (concertante-like in its series of rapid-fire solos, duets, trios and quartets) with the music gradually incorporating elements of the main ideas from the first movement, thus acting as a recapitulation for the whole work. It reaches its peroration with a return to the very opening of the symphony, now in the 'home' tonality of F, and thus creating a truly symphonic dimension to the music.Most of the melodic material of the symphony is derived from the opening eleven-note 'row', which contains various intervallic sets, and although the work is not serially conceived it does use some typical quasi-serial procedures, such as canons, inversions, and retrogrades. The symphony uses somewhat limited percussion, in line with a 'classical' approach to the sound world of the brass band, alongside a use of multi-divisi instrumentation, whereby each player has an individual part rather than the traditional doubling within certain sections of the band.- Edward GregsonDuration: 19.00

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days

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