Results
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£94.95An Age of Kings (Mezzo-Soprano Solo with Brass Band and optional choir - Score and Parts) - Gregson, Edward
The origins of this work date back to 1988, when I was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company to write the music for The Plantagenets trilogy, directed by Adrian Noble in Stratford-upon-Avon. These plays take us from the death of Henry V to the death of Richard III. Later, in 1991, I wrote the music for Henry IV parts 1 and 2, again in Stratford. All of these plays are concerned with the struggle for the throne, and they portray one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the British monarchy.Much of the music used in these productions was adapted into two large symphonic suites for wind band - The Sword and the Crown (1991) and The Kings Go Forth (1996). An Age of Kings is a new version for brass band incorporating music from both the symphonic suites for wind band. It was specially composed for a recording made by the Black Dyke Band, conducted by Nicholas Childs, in 2004.An Age of Kings is music on a large-scale canvas, scored for augmented brass band, with the addition of harp, piano, mezzo-soprano solo, male chorus, as well as two off-stage trumpets. The music is also organized on a large-scale structure, in three movements, which play without a break - "Church and State", "At the Welsh Court", and "Battle Music and Hymn of Thanksgiving".The first movement, "Church and State", opens with a brief fanfare for two antiphonal trumpets (off-stage), but this only acts as a preface to a Requiem aeternam (the death of Henry V) before changing mood to the English army on the march to France; this subsides into a French victory march, but with the English army music returning in counterpoint. A brief reminder of the Requiem music leads to the triumphal music for Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, father of Edward IV and Richard III (the opening fanfare transformed). However, the mood changes dramatically once again, with the horrors of war being portrayed in the darkly-drawn Dies Irae and Dance of Death, leading to the final section of the first movement, a funeral march for Henry VI.The second movement, "At the Welsh Court", takes music from the Welsh Court in Henry IV part 1 with a simple Welsh folk tune sung by mezzo-soprano to the inevitable accompaniment of a harp. This love song is interrupted by distant fanfares, forewarning of battles to come. However, the folk song returns with variation in the musical fabric. The movement ends as it began with off-stage horn and gentle percussion.The final movement, "Battle Music and Hymn of Thanksgiving", starts with two sets of antiphonally placed timpani, drums and tam-tam, portraying the 'war machine' and savagery of battle. Trumpet fanfares and horn calls herald an heroic battle theme which, by the end of the movement, transforms itself into a triumphant hymn for Henry IV's defeat of the rebellious forces.- Edward GregsonDuration - 22'00"Optional TTBB available separately.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£54.99A Spanish Christmas Carol (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Millstone, Patrick
Rondeau of the Shepherds is the historical title associated with the well'known Dutch Christmas carol "Midden in de winternacht." The modern Dutch text was written in 1948 by the poet and writer Harry Prenen. The melody, however, has a much older heritage. It appears in the works of 17th' and 18th'century French organ composers such as Louis-Claude Daquin, Claude Balbastre, and Jean-Franois Dandrieu, who often included it in their Christmas suites and nols.The tune itself is believed to originate from a late'medieval Spanish (likely Catalan) Christmas song, traditionally identified as "El Desembre Congelat." Its imagery--shepherds, flutes, and drums--reflects a deep familiarity with biblical narratives while offering a vivid glimpse into the festive, folk-influenced Christmas celebrations of the Middle Ages.Energetic and joyful, this carol works beautifully as an uplifting, up-tempo intermezzo within a church service or seasonal concert program.Duration: 3.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£54.99Swingin' Kilts (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
John Blanken has created a swinging arrangement of the famous Scottish traditional tune Scotland the Brave. The usual version with bagpipes is the best known and there is a similarity in Swingin' Kilts owing to its long, drone-like tones in the accompaniment. The theme has been rhythmically adapted but it is still easily recognisable. Swingin' Kilts holds a challenge for every brass band. It makes demands in terms of timing and technique which give this work the bravura feel that will keep the audience as well as the musicians swinging in their seats. 03:14
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£30.00Leviathan - Paul Denegri
Leviathan began its evolution as a workshop work inspired by the poem written by Heathcote Williams entitled; Whale Nation. At the time of this workshop the tentet brass repertoire existed of extremely well written original or arranged works of a lighter nature but there was a shortage of works with a greater emotional depth and edge, hence Leviathan's early conception as an atmospheric and emotive work. The workshop piece explored whale sound and song and was a 25-minute work in two parts. After many years of the workshop sketches sitting dormant the new work Leviathan is a much shorter and concise work. It contains only one of the original melodic themes of the workshop work. Leviathan is driven and underpinned by melodic and rhythmic elements. It is a programmed work following the awe inspiring majestic might and beauty of whales through to a hunt scene, the chase and the ultimate demise of earth's largest mammal.
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£45.00Bathgate Hills Trilogy - Andrew Duncan
Composed by Andrew Duncan and written for the West Lothian Schools Band, A Bathgate Hills Trilogy is in three movements, each one dedicated to and representing a different hill.Comments from the composer:Movement 1 - Dechmont LawThe first movement describes the peculiar events which took place in November 1979 when a forestry worker, Bob Taylor, had a close encounter with an alien spacecraft in Dechmont Woods at the bottom of Dechmont Hill. Bob Taylor's account from the time describes a large sphere like object about twenty feet across which pulled him by the legs towards it, caustic smoke then caused him to pass out. He awoke a short time later in the same spot but the spaceship had gone leaving behind marks in the soil. His story caused a great deal of media interest and a great deal of excitement in the local community.Movement 2 - The Knock HillThe Term 'Knock' is Scottish Gaelic for 'hill' and the Knock Hill is the highest peak in the Bathgate Hills being 305 metres above Sea Level. On a clear day the Knock hill has excellent views of the Bass Rock to the East and the distant hills of Arran to the West as well as of the whole of West Lothian and across the Firth of Forth to Fife and beyond to the North.The second movement is a description of a leisurely walk to the summit of this hill and the enjoyment of a pleasant summer's day spent walking and taking in the beautiful panoramic views. However, as is the case with the Scottish Summer, a change in the weather finds a clear blue sky being replaced with dark rain clouds. The changed weather brings a sudden brief but unwelcome cold downpour of rain, drenching anyone out walking! Finally, the clouds pass and the more pleasant summer weather returns.Movement 3 - Cairnpapple HillCairnpapple Hill is a near neighbour of the Knock Hill. It is almost as high but interest in Cairnpapple Hill lies in the outstanding archaeological monument near the summit, an Iron Age burial chamber. The chamber dates back to 25 years BC and was built by a mysterious people known as the Beaker People (so called because they left behind a number of large earthenware beakers). The mysteries of Cairnpapple Hill have always been a source of fascination for me ever since first visiting the hill as a school child.The third movement describes the lives of the Beaker People. The landscape they would have looked out on would have been mostly dense forest which would have contained many perils including dangerous wolves and bears. Life was harsh and short for the Beaker People and they would always have been close to danger and to death. The average life expectancy for the Beaker People was only 31 years of age. The summit of the hill would have been clear of forest and would have afforded the Beaker People some protection as they could see all around the near countryside enabling them to keep a watchful lookout for their enemies - both animal and human!
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£25.95Hymn for Africa - Peter Meechan
Part of the Brass Band Aid SeriesBrass Band Aid is a Charitable Organisation formed by members of Stanhope Silver Band, based in the North of England. From an original aim to raise awareness of the Make Poverty History campaign in their local area, a brass band CD recording was planned. The initiative took on a whole new dimension when the collection of local bands performing on CD were then joined by, what is now known as, The Brass Band Aid Celebrity Band, made up of many of the top brass musicians in the country.Following the success of this initial project the Celebrity Band has come together again to record a new CD - "Into Africa". This is a compilation of pieces especially written for the recording by some of the most esteemed brass band writers of today. 'Hymn for Africa' is one such piece, generously contributed by Peter Meechan in support of the ongoing work of the charity."Hymn for Africa is inspired by the the release of Nelson Mandela in the early 1990's and the effect it had upon not only South Africa, but all over the continent of Africa, as well as the World as a whole. The fact that one man can achieve this with peace and great dignity will always be an inspiration, not only to me, but many, many millions of humans around the globe.sense of dignity and peace the composer . A simple 8 bar melody, first heard on an unaccompanied flugel horn at the beginning, is the basis of the composition. A drone is then added, before a chorale, and finally a rousing climax when the percussion and full band enter. The piece ends at it began, with a peaceful, unaccompanied, flugel solo." (Peter Meechan).All sets sold raise money for Brass Band Aid - a charity The Music Company has continued to actively support since 25.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£30.00There and Back - Martyn Brabbins
An original composition for brass band by Martyn Brabbins.This work was created by Brabbins early in his career and combines his creativity and passion for the sounds of brass bands . It is one of two compositions from that era (the other being Here and There) which have now been given a new lease of life and made available to the general public through The Music Company (UK) Ltd.A fast-paced and lyrical piece lasting just over 2 minutes. It's a piece which can work well across a concert programme - giving flourish as an opener and equally effective if placed between longer content.Available here for brass band and also available orchestral wind, brass & percussion.**Brass Band version for purchase/orchestral wind, brass and percussion version for hire only.Listen InFind out more about Martyn Brabbins, listen in to the fascinating podcast presented as part of the British Bandsman's On The Record series:Apple podcasts:apple.co/3ufSsfXSpotify:spoti.fi/3duqoj5Podbean:bit.ly/3k3B75h
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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The Tricorn - Len Jenkins - Len Jenkins
The Tricorn is a style of three-cornered hat from Europe in the 18th century, generally referred to as a 'cocked hat' in Britain and popular in America at the time of the War of Independence. It may still be seen on ceremonial occasions as part of the town-cryer's dress in England and features in a popular German song for children 'Mein Hut, der hat drei Ecken'. However, in the case of this music, the reference is to the cornet section and the requirement for triple-tonguing on the Eb Soprano cornet. Whilst ostensibly a concert march in style, its jaunty rhythm makes you want to stride along and it may therefore be used as a 'road march' as well. Pressure on the Soprano cornetist as a soloist is reduced by adding the Solo Cornets to the melody line in the 'road march' version. With this in mind, we supply the music in both A4 (concert) and A5 (march-card) sizes as a package.
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£65.00AN ELGAR PORTRAIT - D.Price
This work was composed in commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the birth English Composer Sir Edward Elgar. The suite is in three movements: 'Introduction', 'Elegy' and 'March', each of which have been inspired by three of Elgar's most celebrated works; Chanson de Matin, Nimrod ('Variation IX' from the Enigma Variations) and Pomp and Circumstance No.1.'Introduction' - Hollybush HillHollybush Hill is the name of one of the peaks of the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire. The Malverns were a favourite walking area for Elgar and his wife, and their panoramic views inspired much of Elgar's music.'Elegy' - BroadheathBroadheath is the small village at the foot of the Malvern Hills where Elgar was born (and lived at various times throughout his life). Elgar is buried not far from Broadheath at St Wulstan's in Little Malvern. 'March' - Worcester CathedralMany of the Worcestershire ensembles and music festivals played an important role in Elgar's early musical education. He was heavily involved in The Three Choirs Festival and either conducted or played in many of the light orchestras and vocal groups that performed at venues across Worcester. A statue of Elgar overlooks the Cathedral at the end of Worcester High Street.An Elgar Portrait has been used regularly as an own-choice test-piece for Section 4 bands, and was also selected as the set work for the Swiss National Championships in 2007 as well as the Pontins Championships in 2008. The composer has slightly reworked this piece for the Section 4 Final of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain 2020 and it's this version that should be performed at the contest. If bands currently have an older version in their libraries, please contact us directly for more information.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£19.99Swing Low Sweet Chariot Trad. arr. Joseph Knight
This wonderful spiritual is given a gentle modern treatment. This is a short arrangement of about two minutes. It would work well with any standard of band.
Estimated dispatch 5-9 working days
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