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The Farewell Symphony - Joseph Haydn - Neville Buxton
Composed in 1772, Haydn's Symphony No.45, better known as the "Farewell Symphony" due to the circumstances of which it was composed. Haydn's employer, Prince Nikolaus became so attracted to his Eszterhaza Castle, he spent longer and longer there each year. The court musicians were not allowed their families with them and became increasingly depressed. This symphony was composed in such a way, that during the last movement, one by one, each player blew out their candle, and crept of stage. The idea being that the prince would get the subtle hint. The next day, the court returned to Vienna! Arranged in the same way, players able to walk off one by one, a perfect ending to a concert, or first half.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£82.80The Cotton Phoenix - Alex Poelman
The Cotton Phoenix is the first part of the two-part work "Metropolis of the East" and describes the influence of the textile industry on the development of Enschede. The composition begins introducing the Enschede-theme. After a big fire, the city rises from the ashes and the textile industry reaches a peak. The second part describes the liberation after the war, where Enschede, thanks to the industry, is able to recover. The piece ends with the Enschede-theme; the city in its present form.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£60.99
Aurora Borealis - Morten J. Wallin
Aurora Borealis, more popularly known as the Northern Lights, was a source of superstition in the Middle Ages. This dazzling spectacle, which is accompanied by whispering sounds, put the fear of God into those who didn't know that this was simply one of nature's grand shows. Many heathen attributed the phenomenon to the incomprehensible ways of the gods. Today we know better. Every 11 years, the amount of particles emitted by the sun is at its highest level, as is the case this year. These particles are hurled away from the sun, beyond its magnetic field. A small percentage of these particles are able to penetrate the earth's atmosphere. Once they are here, they begin tocollide and form the beautiful patterns in the night sky which we call the Aurora Borealis.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£54.99
God rest ye merry Gentlemen - Andrew R. Mackereth
'God rest ye merry, Gentlemen' is an ancient English carol. It was first published in 1833, but it can be traced as far back as the 15th century, which makes it one of the oldest carols known. 'God rest ye merry' is a Middle English salutation. In this manner, people wished one another greatness and might. In modern English, the first line of this carol would read 'May God keep you mighty, gentlemen'. Andrew R. Mackereth has not kept to the original words in his up-tempo arrangement of the carol. It is still clearly recognizable, but the arranger has taken a good many liberties. Sometimes a particular note is held longer, at times motifs follow oneanother in various parts. If you listen carefully, you may even be able to detect a motif from another well-known song.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£54.99Step Aside - David Well
Excuse me, may I play along? Could you step aside, please? 'Step Aside' is a pleasant competition both between two tempi and among the different parts. After a short, slow introduction it is the drummer who, without asking the questions above, sets the high pace. As soon as this rapid movement has been established, 'part 1' takes the lead, but the other parts obviously don't want to miss a thing and follow in rapid succession. At the end of the composition the various parts 'compete' in order to be able to play solo for a while, but soon others join in again, asking 'Excuse me, may I play along?'
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£54.99Strong Coffee - Ron Gilmore
It is true that tastes differ. Coffee has known a long history : it has been drunk since the 17th century. On one hand people drink coffee for relaxation, on the other hand it is drunk to ward off tiredness or sleepiness. 'Strong Coffee' composed by Ron Gilmore works both ways. There will be people who will be able to relax during 'Strong Coffee', whereas others will experience it as a real boost. Is it a bit too strong after all, such a funky Soul Beat? Then adding a little milk might help. As said before, tastes differ!
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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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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£60.99Fanfare La Perie - Paul Dukas - Peter Wain
In 1911 the Russian impresario Diaghilev commisioned Paul Dukas to compose music for the famous ballet fairy-tale 'La Perie'by Jean Coralli.Fokine was to make a new choreography, so that the Russian ballet company 'Ballet Russes' would be able to perform the piece in Paris that same year. Due to a quarrel between Diaghilev and Dukas about who should dance the title-part, however, the ballet was not performed by the 'Ballet Russes'but by another company in 1912.The ballet 'La Perie' is Dukas' last symphonic work. In 1911 gaf de Russische impresario Diaghilev Paul Dukas opdracht om muziek te componeren voor het beroemde ballet sprookje 'La Perie' van Jean Coralli. Fokine was gevraagd om een nieuwe choreografie te maken, zodat het Russische balletgezelschap 'Ballet Russes' in staat zou zijn om het stuk in Parijs op te voeren in datzelfde jaar. Door een ruzie tussen Diaghilev en Dukas over de vraag wie de hoofdrol mocht dansen, werd het ballet in 1912 echter niet uitgevoerd door het 'Ballet Russes' maar door een ander gezelschap. Het ballet 'La Perie' is het laatste symfonische werk van Dukas.
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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