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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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£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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£69.99Auld Lang Syne - Menno Haantjes
Whereas 'Auld Lang Syne' may be considered the best-known Scottish song ever, yet at the same time it is an obscure one, for there are but few people who know the complete text by heart. After the familiar 'Should auld acquaintance be forgot .....' many people take their refuge to lyrics like 'rum tee dum ta dee ..... lah, lah, lah ........... for auld lang syne'. Even in Scotland only a handful of persons know the entire text and are able to give a correct rendering of it. The current lyrics have been attributed to the Scottish poet Robert Burns. Burns, however, he did not write the whole poem : after he had heard an old man sing the centuries-old Scotchballad, he wrote it down and added a number of stanzas (1788). Historical research teaches us that the ballad served many purposes, both political and religious. Nowadays, 'Auld Lang Syne' is sung as a Christmas Carol and it is also sung on New Year's Eve at the turning of the year. Apart from that, though, the song is also sung on many other occasions sometimes with different lyrics, which usually have Love, Friendship and/or Parting as their themes, as these go well with the fascinating melody. In this arrangement a low-sounding solo instrument is central. The harmonization in the accompaniment fits in perfectly with the sentiments this song will evoke. Should auld acquaintance be forgot And never brought to mind? Should auld acquintance be forgot. And days of auld lang syne? For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We'll take a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.99A Lyrical Duet - Bert Appermont
This attractive composition focuses on the lyrical qualities of two solo instruments: tenor horn and baritone. An expressive theme is initially performed by the baritone; then the tenor horn takes over this melody. A rich dialogue arises, in which the soloists make music in sweet harmony, and then in a 'call-and-response game'. In the B section, the lyricism becomes more virtuosic, and a more playful character comes to light. There is then a gradual build-up to a grand tutti in which the opening theme resounds again. The work ends in a reverie, echoing the dreamy beginning.A Lyrical Duet was commissioned by tenor horn artist, conductor, and teacher Tim De Maeseneer, and is dedicated to him and Katrina Marzella. The work can be heard on Tim's solo CD, Beyond the Paradox, a project that was created in collaboration with Brass Band Willebroek and its conductor Frans Violet.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£115.60Portias Slottsorkester - Dag Wirèn - Svein H. Giske
Dag Wiren (1905-1986) came to fame as a composer in 1937 with Serenade for string orchestra, Op. 11, which remains his most played work to date. His opus list is mainly instrumental music; five symphonies, five string quartets, several overtures and a lot of film and theatre music.He composed the stage music for William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, which was performed at Dramaten in Stockholm in 1944. The drama was performed again in 1961, somewhat revised by Wiren. From this production, Wiren compiled a concert suite that he called Romantic Suite, Op. 22.The fifth and final movement is Portia's Castle Orchestra, which is based on an Irish folk melody.This instrumentation for Brass Band is based on the arrangement for wind band by Jerker Johansson. The instrumentation was written for Askoy Brass Band's performance at Siddis Brass 2022.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£115.60Norge i rodt, hvitt og blatt - Lars-Erik Larsson - Petter S. Kragstad
Norge i rodt, hvitt og blatt ("Norway in Red, White and Blue") was commissioned by the Oslo Fagott Choir (yes, that is indeed a gay men's choir) for a concert with The Staff Band of the Armed Forces in 2015. I was given artistic licence to write a more modern and somewhat 'eclectic' arrangement for this originally Swedish melody written by Lars-Erik Larsson, which became something of a national liberation anthem when Nazi occupation ended in May 1945 - then with new lyrics by Finn Bo, Bias Bernhoft and Arild Feldborg.After the premiere in Oslo, and a music video with Oslo Fagott Choir and The Staff Band, broadcasted by Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) on Constitution Day during coronavirus lockdown in 2020, I was approached by many to write an instrumental version of the arrangement for concert band. This version is now available through Norsk Noteservice. Reid Gilje has made this instrumentation for Brass Band.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£127.30Song for Frances - Øystein Olsen Vadsten
"Song for Frances" is a classic love ballad, written for concert band and brass band, with a soloist on euphonium.The piece always has the soloist in focus and gives him plenty of room to show off, both a warm sound and technical skills. In the first part of "Song for Frances", the basic melody is clearly presented, while the rest of the piece is more of a written "as if improvisation" with various melodic and technical "whims". The piece will be perfect for any euphoniumist looking for a challenge.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£54.99Heritage - Philip Sparke
Philip Sparke wrote Heritage as a grand concert march in the tradition of Elgar and Walton. After a brief introduction, the march's long main theme is presented: first in subdued tones, then taken up by the full band, adding a tenor counter melody. The following bridge passage leads to a change of key and the traditional trio section. A repeat of previous motifs leads to a return of the main theme, followed by a short closing coda.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£54.99Hypernikon - Jan Van der Roost
The Greek word 'hypernikon' roughly translates as 'More Than Conquerors', the motto of Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts - the commissioner of this piece. The work is inspired by David Rox's very own name - the first two letters of his name, D and A, sets the first theme is in D major, with these notes being the tonic and dominant of the scale. After the stately intrada, the tempo accelerates and the festive feel of the march emerges. The trio melody serves as a beautiful contrast before finally ending with the opening theme in a grand tutti.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£72.99Pagan Songs - Etienne Crausaz
Written in three movements without a break, this work was inspired by melodies of a popular nature. The first movement features two opposing modal melodies: one is very bright and lively, the other dark and tuneful. Various motifs are developed to offer highly contrasting musical events. The second movement is very peaceful, with a melody resembling a lullaby. To conclude the piece, the last movement delivers a festive dance with a swing feel. Commissioned by the Swiss Music Association, this very accessible work is mostly intended for small ensembles or those with mixed instrumentation. The duration and conception of this piece makes it ideal for competitions and concerts alike.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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