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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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£129.99Extreme Make-Over - Johan de Meij
The work, set as the test-piece for the 2005 European Brass Band Championships was inspired by a theme from the second movement of Tchaikovsky's String Quartet No.1 (Andante Cantabile). It consists of a number of musical metamorphoses on the theme and includes several excerpts from Tchaikovsky's Fourth and Sixth Symphonies and Romeo and Juliet. The most unconventional element of the work is instrumentation for ten tuned bottles to be played by members of the Cornet section. This gives the piece an Indonesian Gamelan effect. Why not give your players something to get their teeth into with this impressive major new work.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£84.99Pacific Dreams - Jacob de Haan
Pacific Dreams describes the experience of Miguel, a traveling composer from Spain who, feeling somewhat alienated from his homeland, is wandering through an area of Sydney known as The Rocks. At a small outdoor market in a typical street of this oldcolonial neighbourhood, he discovers a print of William DeShazos painting "Pacific Dreams" Portrayed in the painting is the surf of one of the exotic islands in the Pacific. Next, with the impressive Sydney Harbour Bridge looming over the narrowstreets of The Rocks, he envisions sultry Pacific beaches. Suddenly a theme he once composed about the lakes in Japan comes to him. Is it the Asian influences present in cosmopolitan Sydney that bring this theme to mind? Or perhaps the waters aroundSydney, over which he could sail to Tahiti? He is uncertain. Could this same theme be used to create a new composition about his feelings for the metropolis Sydney? How then to work his Pacific Dreams into the mix? Miguel is certainly no fan ofHawaiian music. Mayby he could use the vocabularies of islands like Hawaii and Tahiti, their beautiful vowel combinations being sung ad libitum by a mixed choir.With these ideas and his newly purchased print of "Pacific Dreams", he boards the Metroat Circular Quay. He has a final glimpse of the harbour and the Sydney Opera House as the train races into the ground. On to the hotel! To work! He must compose!Maestoso : Miguel is impressed as he gazes upon the Sydney Harbour Bridge. And yet, hewants to go away from this city. Away, to an exotic island in the Pacific.Steady Rock : In the Rocks, musicians are playing at a square. Miguel basks in the atmosphere but at the same time he is fantasizing about Hawaii and Tahiti.Andante Lamentoso :In his hotel room, Miguel is feeling sad and lonely in this big city. He takes comfort in his "Pacific Dreams".Allegro : Miguel boards the boat that takes him from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay. In his mind he is traveling on to Hawaii. Or is ithome, where the bolero is playing? He is pulled back to reality by the skyline of Sydney.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£75.00Facets of Glass (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Langford, Gordon
Set as the Third Section test piece for the 2022 Regional Championships of the British Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. This a new edition prepared especially for the 2022 Regionals.The works consists of four contrasting movements movements:Prelude - Fusion (Andante Moderato)Scherzo - Celebration (Presto)Meditation - Lathom Park Chapel (Andante Religioso)Finale - Visions (Allegretto con Spirito)Duration: 10.15
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£89.95Diversions, Op.97 (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Bourgeois, Derek
This work was commissioned in1985 by Skellerup, Christchurch, New ZealandMovements:Allegro VivaceAndante Con Moto Molto ExpressivoAllegro VivaceDerek Bourgeois wrote Diversions in the summer of 1985 to a commissioned from the Skellerup Brass Band.Bourgeois previous test piece, Blitz, was aggressive and forceful, therefore the composer decided to write a work of a completely different character, which although technically very demanding, is light-hearted in style, and easy on the ear, as the title suggests.The first and third movements share the same tempo, but are rather different in character. The first movement is a sonata allegro contrasting two main themes. The first is bold and jaunty and is heavily scored, the second announced by the solo horn is more lyrical in character. The development section and recapitulation are merged into a continuous interplay of the two themes.The second movement is an expressive andante in free rondo form. It is lightly scored for the most part with a lot of solo passages that make demands on the musicianship of the players and conductor alike. The very simplicity of its textures and the breadth of its melodic writing demand firm control of vibrato, phrasing and rubato.The brief finale is nothing short of a romp. Its ternary structure is highly rhythmic in character and only rarely do the performers enjoy the luxury of two consecutive bars in the same time signature!Duration: 11.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£44.95
Diversions, Op.97 (Brass Band - Score only) - Bourgeois, Derek
This work was commissioned in1985 by Skellerup, Christchurch, New ZealandMovements:Allegro VivaceAndante Con Moto Molto ExpressivoAllegro VivaceDerek Bourgeois wrote Diversions in the summer of 1985 to a commissioned from the Skellerup Brass Band.Bourgeois previous test piece, Blitz, was aggressive and forceful, therefore the composer decided to write a work of a completely different character, which although technically very demanding, is light-hearted in style, and easy on the ear, as the title suggests.The first and third movements share the same tempo, but are rather different in character. The first movement is a sonata allegro contrasting two main themes. The first is bold and jaunty and is heavily scored, the second announced by the solo horn is more lyrical in character. The development section and recapitulation are merged into a continuous interplay of the two themes.The second movement is an expressive andante in free rondo form. It is lightly scored for the most part with a lot of solo passages that make demands on the musicianship of the players and conductor alike. The very simplicity of its textures and the breadth of its melodic writing demand firm control of vibrato, phrasing and rubato.The brief finale is nothing short of a romp. Its ternary structure is highly rhythmic in character and only rarely do the performers enjoy the luxury of two consecutive bars in the same time signature!Duration: 11.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£44.95Life Divine (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Jenkins, Cyril
Programme Notes:Certain phases of Life are common to most if not all men and the music of the Tone Poem carries the listener through four of such phases.a) In the Andante Molto Maestoso a man's outlook on Life as a thing of seriousness and dignity is shown.b) The Allegro Vivace which follow shows him facing its problems with a spirit of vigorous optimism, while two tributary themes suggest that Life, with all its seriousness, is not devoid of humour and happiness.c) The short section which follows, Maestoso, is a reminder that times of stress and trouble are inevitable but these are quickly dispelled by thed) Andante Nobilemente, portraying the helping and ennobling power of true love.The music again proceeds to review these four phases of Life, the concluding section showing Love triumphant over all.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£119.95The Torchbearer (Symphonic Variations on a Theme by Eric Ball) (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Graham, Peter
2015 National Championships Regionals - Championship Section. The variations are based upon the first phrase of the trio from Eric Ball's Salvation Army march, Torchbearers. After opening statements of the theme, variation 1 (an energetic allegro brillante utilising fragment A) commences. Cadenza passages for Eb Bass and Euphonium lead to variation 2 (an andante appassionato based upon fragment B) Variation 3 (a vivace featuring C as an ostinato) is followed by variation 4 (the central andante e sciolto molto for solo cornet). The work culminates in a reprise of the cornet solo, now fully metamorphosised and mirroring in music a concept at the centre of Ball's broader philosophy, that of transformation. Eric Ball will be remembered as a composer whose classic works for brass shine through with integrity and sincerity. There has been no less sincere in the composers' efforts to pay musical tribute to the 20th century's most influential composer of brass band music. Duration: 12:30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£37.95
The Torchbearer (Symphonic Variations on a Theme by Eric Ball) (Brass Band - Score only) - Graham, Peter
2015 National Championships Regionals - Championship Section. The variations are based upon the first phrase of the trio from Eric Ball's Salvation Army march, Torchbearers. After opening statements of the theme, variation 1 (an energetic allegro brillante utilising fragment A) commences. Cadenza passages for Eb Bass and Euphonium lead to variation 2 (an andante appassionato based upon fragment B) Variation 3 (a vivace featuring C as an ostinato) is followed by variation 4 (the central andante e sciolto molto for solo cornet). The work culminates in a reprise of the cornet solo, now fully metamorphosised and mirroring in music a concept at the centre of Ball's broader philosophy, that of transformation. Eric Ball will be remembered as a composer whose classic works for brass shine through with integrity and sincerity. There has been no less sincere in the composers' efforts to pay musical tribute to the 20th century's most influential composer of brass band music. Duration: 12:30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£59.54Variations on 'Sine Nomine' (Brass Band) Andrew Wainwright
This magnificent work was written in 2019 for the London Central Fellowship Band and Bandmaster David Rudd. It is based on the hymn tune by Ralph Vaughan Williams, which is also known as For all the Saints. Its release in the summer of 2022 marks the 150th anniversary of Vaughan Williams' birth. The work is set in four contrasting movements, which follow an opening statement of the hymn in its full form. Variation I (Leggiero) is based on the first few notes of the chorale and is lively and sprightly in nature, with regular time changes permeating throughout. There are regular statements of the hymn, with the movement closing with a full statement of the tune in its full glory. Variation II (Andante Espressivo) derives its material from the final strain of the verse. The music is generally calm and ethereal in nature before building to an impassioned fortissimo featuring the full band, and finally dying away. Variation III (Allegro Vivace) is in compound time and, like Variation I, is based on the first few notes of the hymn. The music is joyful and playful, epitomised by syncopated rhythms, and snippets of the tune are heard throughout. Variation IV (Allegro Giocoso) is in the form of a fugue which commences with the cornets, before the theme is handed to each section of the band at various points. After several statements of the theme, the music grows into the final strain of the chorale, which is given a grandiose setting. A frenzied Presto coda leads into organ-like chords, before a series of upward major scales bring the work to its final chord. To view a video of the Canadian Staff Band performing the work please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ1pYH0ftv0 Sheet music available from: UK - www.brassband.co.uk USA - www.solidbrassmusic.com Difficulty Level: Second Section + Instrumentation: Soprano Cornet Eb Solo Cornet Bb 1st Cornet Bb 2nd 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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