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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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£29.95Fanfare of a Nation - Christopher Bond
Fanfare of a Nation (2012) was commissioned by the Greater Gwent Youth Brass Ensemble as a short fanfare originally for ten players, and was performed in the presence of HM Queen Elizabeth II & The Duke of Edinburgh on the occasion of their visit to Wales to mark the Diamond Jubilee last year, under its original title The Royal Diamond Jubilee Fanfare. Since arranged for brass band and performed throughout the UK including by Black Dyke Band in Cardiff, this short work mesmerizes, dazzles and utilizes the fanfare effects so often associated with the brass family. Available to purchase for Brass Band or Brass Ensemble (10 players plus 1 percussion). The brass ensemble version is scored as follows: 4 x Trumpets, 1 x Horn in F, 3 x Tenor Trombones, 1 x Bass Trombone, 1 x Tuba, 1 x Percussion. Trumpet 1 is supplied in both E-flat & B-flat, Horn in F is supplied in E-flat, Tenor Trombone and Tuba parts are supplied in both bass and treble clef.
Estimated dispatch 10-14 working days
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£60.00
Requiem Paraphrases - Peter Meechan
Requiem Paraphrases uses the opening bars of Mozartas Requiem as its musical material for the whole piece. An aggressive opening is followed by a sounding of Mozartas original theme, in a setting for low brass and solo euphonium. Percussion and woodwind then enter, as the soloist begins to elaborate. A brief return to the opening is followed by a new, percussion driven, section.The euphonium and various soloists in the ensemble interact, exchanging ideas over an ostinato in the marimba. As this section continues towards the cadenza, the ensemble gradually takes on more of an accompanying role, leaving the soloist to again break free, with flourishes and gestures leading to the cadenza.Following this, there is a short recapitulation, before the euphonium brings us to a dramatic conclusion!Requiem Paraphrases was commissioned by, and dedicated to Steven Mead.
Estimated dispatch 12-14 working days
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£37.65Enduring Faith (Brass Band) Andrew Wainwright
Enduring Faith was commissioned by Christopher Ward and the Five Lakes Silver Band and is a lyrical work for brass band that explores the intersection of hope, resilience, and conviction. Designed with a focus on melodic clarity and expressive phrasing, the composition moves through a series of nuanced emotional shifts - ranging from quiet, reflective passages to moments of expansive lyricism and affirmation. The harmonic structure travels through several keys, serving as a musical metaphor for the changing seasons of life. Throughout the piece, the texture is enriched by featured soloists from across the ensemble, including flugel horn, cornet, euphonium, baritone, and trombone. This work is dedicated to Doug and Stephanie Bayne, long-standing members of the Five Lakes Silver Band, in recognition of their commitment to their community and their steadfast support of the ensemble. It was recorded by the Five Lakes Silver Band on their 2025 album, Legacy. To view a video of the Five Lakes Silver Band performing the work please visit https://youtu.be/84NU_OXMs3Y Duration: Approx. 5.30 minutes Difficulty Level: 3rd Section + This PDF download includes the full score and parts. Sheet music available at www.brassband.co.uk (UK) or satradecentral.org (USA) Instrumentation: Soprano Cornet Eb Solo Cornet Bb Repiano Cornet Bb 2nd Cornet Bb 3rd Cornet Bb Flugel Horn Bb Solo Horn Eb 1st Horn Eb 2nd Horn Eb 1st Baritone Bb 2nd Baritone Bb 1st Trombone Bb 2nd Trombone Bb Bass Trombone Euphonium Bb Bass Eb Bass Bb Timpani Percussion 1-2
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£44.79Boreas: The North Wind (Brass Band) Derek Jenkins
Boreas was an ancient Greek deity personifying the north wind. He was a winged god of ruthless disposition, which was rivaled only by the harsh wintry winds at his command. Boreas fell in love with Orithyia, the King's daughter. Contrary to his genuine nature, he attempted to woo her with sweet words of devotion. His efforts were in vain, and Orithyia failed to yield to his advances. With this rejection, Boreas's temper flared and he, once again, was overcome by his icy and merciless nature. Like Boreas, this work begins with slow, lyrical lines that quickly fade into an unrelenting fury of anger. Moments reminiscent of Boreas's words of affection appear, but they are quickly washed away as the piece escalates. This arrangement was written for Joseph Parisi and the Fountain City Brass Band as a small token of thanks. The original version for wind ensemble was commissioned by and written for Timothy Shade and the Bethel College Wind Ensemble. To view a video of Diamond Brass Band performing the work please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co4oreV7Hm4 Sheet music available from: UK - www.brassband.co.uk USA - www.solidbrassmusic.com Difficulty Level: 2nd Section + Instrumentation: 1 Soprano Cornet (Eb) 9 Cornets (Bb) 1 Flugelhorn 3 Tenor Horns (Eb) 2 Baritones (Bb) 2 Trombones (Bb) 1 Bass Trombone 2 Euphoniums (Bb) 2 Basses (Eb) 2 Basses (Bb) 4 Percussion
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£33.59Bethlehem Down (Brass Band) Peter Warlock arr. Karl Whelan
Originally composed in 1927 by Peter Warlock with a hauntingly beautiful text by Bruce Blunt, Bethlehem Down is a Christmas carol unlike any other - serene, contemplative, and deeply moving. Written under unconventional circumstances (as an entry in a newspaper competition to fund a festive drinking session), the carol has become a timeless masterpiece of English choral music, celebrated for its emotional depth and harmonic subtlety. This brass band arrangement by Karl Whelan captures the quiet intensity and modal richness of Warlock's original, thoughtfully adapted for the warm, lyrical textures of a full brass ensemble. Flowing inner lines, gentle dissonances, and soft dynamics are carefully preserved, allowing the ensemble to explore a wide expressive range while maintaining the dignity and introspective tone of the piece. Ideal for concerts, church services, or as a moment of reflection within a festive programme, Bethlehem Down offers a powerful contrast to more jubilant seasonal works. A compelling choice for bands seeking a more intimate and profound interpretation of the Christmas story. To view a rolling score video of the work please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN4-DBtsSpc Duration: approx. 4.00 minutes Difficulty Level: 3rd Section + PDF download includes parts and score. Sheet music available at www.brassband.co.uk (UK) or www.cimarronmusic.com (USA) Instrumentation: Soprano Cornet Eb Solo Cornet Bb Repiano Cornet Bb 2nd Cornet Bb 3rd Cornet Bb Flugel Horn Bb Solo Horn Eb 1st Horn Eb 2nd Horn Eb 1st Baritone Bb 2nd Baritone Bb 1st Trombone Bb 2nd Trombone Bb Bass Trombone Euphonium Bb Bass Eb Bass Bb Timpani Percussion 1-2
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£25.00Shindig
Commissioned by Adrian Smith for the the Blackley Band's 2018 performance at the French Open Championships, Shindig is an approachable concert item for lower-section bands. This quirky work takes the form of an Irish reel, providing the opportunity for each instrumental family within the ensemble to 'take to the floor.' Duration : 00:03:00 Grade : 2.5 / 3
Estimated dispatch 5-7 working days
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£40.00
Ivory Ghosts - Gavin Higgins
Gavin Higgins wrote Ivory Ghosts in 2006 for brass ensemble as one of a collection of short pieces composed in support of the charity Brass Band Aid. It is a haunting miniature created in response to the horrors of the illegal trade in African elephant ivory. This definitive version for brass band and percussion was prepared for the Tredegar Town Band.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£40.00
Chorale Prelude
This stately work is very loosely based on the opening chords from 'The Lamb', although there are no direct quotations from that work. The opening chorale is played as gradually more themes are added above in a dignified and legato subject where instruments sustain notes to give a lingering echo effect. Players need to be aware of their role in this to maximise the effect. The second subject increases the intensity until the time signature change introduces a second chorale. Then, a short imitative passage leads to a rising appogiatura theme and the climax of the work, which re-introduces the original chorale in a major tonality. With versions for brass ensemble, brass band, wind orchestra and woodwind orchestra, this work has been placed in concerts when a meaningful, reflective moment is required.
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£40.00
Darkest Hour
A wonderfully dark and moody piece from the pen of Keiron Anderson. Low chords slowly spread out through the whole ensemble as the piece progresses and reaches it's climax before fading away to a resigned end. Minor keys predominate until the final section.
