Results
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£106.99Evolution - Philip Sparke
Evolution was commissioned by Kunstfactor for the 4th section of the Dutch National Brass Band Championships (NBK) 2011. It is dedicated to Jappie Dijkstra and the Music Information Centre (MUI), Arnhem, Holland, in acknowledgement of their outstanding work in developing brass band repertoire. The composer writes:-The idea for the piece came when I was reading an article about a branch of Chinese philosophy which is abbreviated as Wu Xing, which has no exact translation but can mean, for example, five elements, five phases or five states of change. It is central to all elements of Chinese thought, including science, philosophy, medicine and astrology, and in simpleterms tries to create various cyclic relationships between five elements in all walks of life. An example is: Earth - Metal - Water - Wood - Fire - (Earth) etc. where (in one cycle) earth bears metal, metal changes to liquid (water) when heated, water helps trees grow, wood burns to create fire, fire produces ash (earth) and the cycle continues.I was particularly interested in the cycle of emotions: Meditation - Sorrow - Fear - Anger - Joy - (Meditation) etc. and thought this cyclic principle would provide an effective emotional journey for a piece of music. So Evolution has five equal sections which loosely characterise this emotional cycle. I have tried to make the music grow organically, with minimal repetition, and each movement evolves from the musical elements at the end of the previous one, with the opening material appearing, transformed, at the end of the piece to complete the cycle.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£76.99A Midwest Fanfare - Philip Sparke
A Midwest Fanfare was commissioned by the Brass Band of Battle Creek and premiered by them during their appearance at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago on 20th December 2017 where this fanfare was the opening piece of the entire event. This piece is designed to be played with the cornets split into two teams either side of the band. It opens with the two groups answering each other antiphonally over a repeated figure in the lower band. A calmer central section introduces a euphonium solo which is then taken up by the whole ensemble. This leads back to a repeat of the opening fanfares over a rhythmic accompaniment and a short coda which brings the work to a close.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£57.50Sanctuary - Philip Sparke
Sanctuary was commissioned by Eastern Bay of Plenty Brass from New Zealand and was performed as an own choice piece at the 2018 New Zealand National Brass Band Championships. It opens with an expressive cornet solo, hymn-like in mood. A slightly faster central section builds to a change of key and an expansive return of the opening melody, this time scored for full band. After an emotional climax the mood subsides, leading to a quiet close.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£168.50Music of the Spheres - Philip Sparke
Music of the Spheres was commissioned by the Yorkshire Building Society Band and first performed by them at the European Brass Band Championships in Glasgow, May 2004.The piece reflects the composers fascination with the origins of the universe and deep space in general. The title comes from a theory, formulated by Pythagoras, that the cosmos was ruled by the same laws he had discovered that govern the ratios of note frequencies of the musical scale. ('Harmonia' in Ancient Greek, which means scale or tuning rather than harmony - Greek music was monophonic). He also believed that these ratios corresponded to the distances of the sixknown planets from the sun and thatthe planets each produced a musical note which combined to weave a continuous heavenly melody (which, unfortunately, we humans cannot hear). In this work, these six notes form the basis of the sections Music of the Spheres and Harmonia.The pieces opens with a horn solo called t = 0, a name given by some scientists to the moment of the Big Bangwhen time and space were created, and this is followed by a depiction of the Big Bangitself, as the entire universe bursts out from a single point. A slower section follows called The Lonely Planet which is a meditation on the incredible and unlikely set of circumstances which led to the creation of the Earth as a planet that can support life, and the constant search for other civilizations elsewhere in the universe. Asteroids and Shooting Stars depicts both the benign and dangerous objects that are flying through space and which constantly threaten our planet, and the piece ends with The Unknown, leaving in question whether our continually expanding exploration of the universe will eventually lead to enlightenment or destruction.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£68.99Flying the Breeze - Philip Sparke
Flying the Breeze opens with three repeated B's (representing the initials of the Breeze Brass Band from Japan who commissioned this work). A short introduction leads to a robust theme from the baritones and euphoniums which is taken up by cornets and trombones. A restless bridge passage leads to a syncopated tune from the solo cornet and then to a third theme from a solo trombone. A graceful second subject leads back to a recall of the introductory material before a full-scale recapitulation. An intense allargando leads to a full-band version of the second subject under a running cornet passage, which leads to a short coda.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£57.50Magga - Philip Sparke
The Four Noble Truths was commissioned by the Dutch National Brass Band Championships for their 2003 competition.The Four Noble Truths are the most basic expression of the teaching of Buddha and therefore still form the guidelines for Buddhists to this day. They concern themselves with Dukkha, which has no exact translation but can mean suffering, stress or sadness etc. Magga is The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of Dukkha - the Fourth Noble Truth - which gives us a description of eight disciplines which can help us eliminate the origins of stress from our lives.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£91.99Morning Song - Philip Sparke
Morning Song features the horn quartet mostly in a soloistic role - indeed there is an accompanied cadenza towards the end of the piece - but there are moments where the horns assume their conventional brass band role as harmonic support or playing the counter melody. This expressive composition shows all the versatility of the horn quartet and gives them the chance to be in the spotlight.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£68.99Summer Isles From 'Hymn Of The Highlands' - Philip Sparke
The Summer Isles are a group of islands located off the North West coast of Scotland which are famous for their wildlife. This piece, written for solo Euphonium and Brass Band, reflects the natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere of the islands. The wonderful melodious nature of the Euphonium is displayed in this piece and the opening theme is followed by melodic interplay between the soloist and cornets. This piece will surely be enjoyed by any audience.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£76.99Variants on an English Hymn Tune - Philip Sparke
This set of variations on the well-known hymn tune Holy, holy, holy! will make a most satisfying addition to the solo repertoire for euphonuim and brass band. It is in the traditional air varie form with an introduction, theme and 3 variations. The original melody (known as Nicaea) was composed by John Bacchus Dykes' especially for Reginald Heber's renowned hymn of praise and became universally popular when it was included in Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1861. A beautiful solo that will test the soloists ability to show true emotion.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£106.99Harlequin - Philip Sparke
Harlequin was commissioned by, and is dedicated to, Euphonium virtuoso David Childs. The piece takes its inspiration from the happy and sad masks that symbolise the Commedia dell'Arte (which features Harlequin as one of its main characters) and comprises of two movements, a slow modal ballad followed by a frenetic faster movement. A fantastic showpiece for the Euphonium and Brass Band.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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