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£19.65Adam Zero, Suite from (Brass Band - Study Score)
Selected as the Section 2 test piece for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain 2025Following his ballet Checkmate, Bliss composed another score for the, by then, Sadler's Wells Ballet, Miracle in the Gorbals, which was choreographed by Robert Helpmann, to a scenario by Michael Benthall. Premired in 1944, the ballet made a considerable impact and was a box-office success. It was followed in turn by a further collaboration with Helpmann and Benthall, Adam Zero. This would serve Helpmann, in the eponymous role, as a vehicle in two respects: demonstrating his gifts as a dancer-actor and as a choreographer. First performed at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, on 8 April 1946, Adam Zero was conducted by Constant Lambert, the work's dedicatee. Bliss considered it 'his most varied and exciting ballet score'. Benthall provided a synopsis for the programme:There is a philosophy that life moves in an endless series of timeless cycles. As Nature passes through Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, so man is born, makes a success in his own particular sphere, loses his position to a younger generation, sees his world crumble before his eyes and only finds peace in death. This age-old story is told in terms of a Company creating a ballet and calling on the resources of the theatre to do so. Lighting, stage mechanism, dance conventions, musical forms and costumes and scenery of all periods are used to symbolize the world of 'Adam Zero'.Apart from Adam, as the Principal Dancer, other main roles included the Stage Director (representing Omnipotence), and Adam's Fates (Designer, Wardrobe Mistress, and Dresser). 'The Woman in this allegory', wrote Bliss, 'under the symbol of the Choreographer, was both the creator and destroyer of Adam: his first love, his wife, his mistress, and finally the figure of beneficent Death.' When the curtain rose, the 'audience saw the Covent Garden stage right back to the wall, completely empty except for the protagonists, 'the Company poised, still and expectant, as they await the birth of... Adam Zero.'Unfortunately, soon after the premire, Helpmann injured himself and had to withdraw from the remaining performances. Despite generally positive reviews, the ballet did not capture the imagination of audiences and, to Bliss's considerable disappointment, was not revived. Seventy years would elapse before its first major return to the stage, in 2016, performed by the ballet company of Stadttheater Bremerhaven with choreography by Sergei Vanaev.Bliss extracted a concert suite from the ballet, conducting its first performance with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra on 28 October 1948. For his own suite, arranged for brass band in 2023, Dr Robert Childs chose three dances linked to the seasons, book-ending them with the ebullient 'Fanfare Overture' and 'Fanfare Coda'. After Adam has grown to manhood, his Fates clothe him in a costume synonymous with confident youth, appropriate for the virile, ardent 'Dance of Spring'. In the 'Approach of Autumn', Adam, now wearing a sombre costume, has grown older: his Fates have streaked grey in his hair and put lines on his face. But they had earlier raised Adam to the zenith of his power, and the 'Dance of Summer' depicts him in the prime of life, in music of sweeping grandeur. The 'Fanfare Coda' signals that the next cycle of life is about to begin.Duration: 10.30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£77.00General Series Brass Band Journal, Numbers 2234 - 2237, August 2023
2234: Festival March - Above all names (Geoff McCorriston)This Festival March was originally written for the Camberwell Citadel Band, Melbourne, Australia. This composition marks the composers debut within our band journals. Geoff McCorriston served as Deputy Bandmaster at Preston Corps (Australia) for many years before joining the Camberwell Citadel Band. He has also been a member of the Melbourne Red Shield Band. Above all names is distinct from a standard street march in that it is more developed, both rhythmically and thematically. It is an original march that references We plough the fields and scatter (S.A.S.B. 70) and Camberwell (T.B. 182).2235: Flugel Horn Solo - Father, Creator (Simon Gash)Emma Pears has a gift for contemporary song-writing, with several of her songs featuring in the Sing to the Lord publication. The style and relaxed nature of the melody of Father, Creator (first published in the Children's Voices Series in 2011, and later in the Mixed Voices in 2014) seemed a perfect fit for the Flugel Horn. Throughout the piece, juxtaposed with Father, Creator, we hear snippets of the tune St Theodulph (T.B. 231), which outline the first lines of Albert Chesham's words, 'O Father and Creator, Thou God of perfect love' (S.A.S.B. 46).2236: A winter's carol (trs. Neil Smith)The history of the carol O come, Immanuel (C.C. 62) is, like the carol itself, a little mysterious! The melody was conceived as a monastic chant during the 8th century. It was not until 1851 that the priest and hymn writer John Mason Neale translated the verses into English, exposing the carol to a wider audience. There is an aura and enigmatic feel to this melody which is captivating to so many who hear it. This setting was originally conceived for wind band by American composer Mark Williams. The brass band transcription introduces a new name to our journals, Bandmaster Neil Smith, who is the Territorial Music Director for the USA Western Territory.2237: Mighty to keep (Eiliv Herikstad)Mighty to keep marks the composer's first publication since his Promotion to Glory in April 2023. Bandmaster Eiliv Herikstad served faithfully in his native Norway throughout his life, and since the early 1970s, has provided The Salvation Army with a wealth of original compositions and skilful arrangements. Eiliv explored many styles of big-band and jazz writing which, in the 70s, were not commonplace amongst brass bands, particularly in The Salvation Army. Music Editorial are grateful to Eiliv for using his gifts to support Salvation Army music ministry.The subject of this piece is Herbert Booth's song Mighty to keep, which was first published by The Salvation Army in 1889. The chorus of the song is more well-known that the verse and was included in the chorus section of the 1986 Salvation Army Song Book.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£45.00Triumph Series Band Journal November 2011 Numbers 1219-1222
No.1219 March Medley - Heavenward (William Gordon)A variety of songs are used in this up-tempo march medley which potrays the celebration of a life looking forward to an eternity in Heaven. The tunes used are 'When we all get to Heaven', 'When the roll is called up yonder' and 'We shall win'.No.1220 Garden of my heart (Terry Camsey)The publication of this music is, in a small part, a fitting tribute to Major Terry Camsey who was Promoted to Glory in June 2011. The title is taken from the refrain from a much-loved Sidney Cox song; 'Jesus, Jesus, Lily of the valley, Bloom in all thy beauty in the garden of my heart'.No.1221 My life, my all (Andrew Mackereth)This selection attempts to emphasise the personal nature of Christian commitment hence the emphasis given to the words 'my' and 'I' in the songs chosen. The tunes 'Rockingham', 'All I have I am bringing to thee' and 'At thy feet I bow adoring' are included.No.1222 Tenor Horn Solo - You love me (Brian Willetts arr. Paul Sharman)This arrangement was made at the request of David Lynch, Solo Horn player in The International Staff Band. Originally published in April 1993, the song speaks of the fact that, despite the wonder and vastness of God's creation, he still loves each one of us individually.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£19.95Mythical Tales (Brass Quintet)
Mythical Tales (2012) is a ten minute work in three movements which represents three of the most popular folk stories or indeed in the case of the first movement, true stories, in Welsh culture.I. Owain GlyndwrOwain Glyn Dwr was born around the 1350s into an Anglo-Welsh gentry family. His estates provided him with a modest power base in north-east Wales. After a number of disputes, he proclaimed himself prince of Wales in September 1400.Glyn Dwr led several battles with the English, although he was never captured. Over the next few years punitive measures were enacted to keep control of Wales, but these were matched by many acts of Welsh rebellion - among them the capture of Conwy Castle in April 1401. In June 1402, at the Battle of Pilleth on Bryn Glas Hill, Glyn Dwr led his troops to victory over an English army. By now Glyn Dwr was leading a national revolt. In 1404, he led a march towards Wocester, but failed, with the English capturing parts of Wales. He died defending his country.II. MyfanwyMyfanwy was the most beautiful woman in Powys, but she was vain and liked nothing better than to be told how beautiful she was. Many handsome men would court her, but she would not show interest because they couldn't sing and play to her, reflecting her true beauty.Luckily, a penniless bard, Hywel ap Einion was in love with Myfanwy, and one day plucked up the courage to climb up the hill to the castle with his harp, to sing and play to her. He's allowed in to play for her, and while he's playing and complimenting her on her beauty she can neither listen nor look at any other man. Because of this Hywel believes that she has fallen in love with him. But his hopes are dashed when a richer, more handsome and more eloquent lover comes along. The music of the second movement portrays the despair and upset that Hywel must have felt.III. Battle of the DragonsMany centuries ago when dragons roamed the land, a white ice dragon descended on a small village and decided to live there, not knowing that a red fire dragon was already living nearby.Six months later the red dragon awoke to find a huge white dragon wrapped around his village that he cared for. He could tell that his people were ill from the cold. The Land was bare; nothing was able to grow not even the pesky dandelions. The people were starving. The people longed for the red dragon to free them from the icy misery, so that their life and land could return to the sunny and warm climate that it was once before.The red fire dragon challenged the white ice dragon to a single combat fight at the top of the cliff the next day. The people of the village watched in terror awaiting their fate. The red dragon beat the white dragon, and the crowd cheered with joy as the red dragon roared with triumph. The mayor of the village declared that the land should always fly a flag with the symbol of a Red dragon on it. The flag's background should be half green and half white; the green to represent the lush green grass of the land and the white to represent the ice. This way no one would ever forget what happened.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£59.50El Camino Real (A Latin Fantasy)
El Camino Real (literally "The Royal Road" or "The King's Highway") was commissioned by, and is dedicated to, the 581st Air Force Band (AFRES) and its Commander, Lt. Col. Ray E. Toler. Composed during the latter half of 1984 and completed in early '85, it bears the subtitle: "A Latin Fantasy."The music is based on a series of chord progressions common to countless generations of Spanish flamenco (and other) guitarists, whose fiery style and brilliant playing have captivated millions of music lovers throughout the world. These progressions and the resulting key relationships have become practically synonymous with what we feel to be the true Spanish idiom. Together with the folk melodies they have underscored, in part derived by a procedure known to musicians as the "melodizing of harmony," they have created a vast body of what most people would consider authentic Spanish music.The first section of the music is based upon the dance form known as the Jota, while the second, contrasting section is derived from the Fandango, but here altered considerably in both time and tempo from its usual form. Overall, the music follows a traditional three-part pattern: fast-slow-fast.The first public performance of El Camino Real took place on April 15th, 1985 in Sarasota, Florida, with the 581st Air Force Band under the direction of Lt. Col. Ray E. Toler.This arrangement for brass band has been made by Frode Rydland.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£19.50El Camino Real (Score Only)
El Camino Real (literally "The Royal Road" or "The King's Highway") was commissioned by, and is dedicated to, the 581st Air Force Band (AFRES) and its Commander, Lt. Col. Ray E. Toler. Composed during the latter half of 1984 and completed in early '85, it bears the subtitle: "A Latin Fantasy."The music is based on a series of chord progressions common to countless generations of Spanish flamenco (and other) guitarists, whose fiery style and brilliant playing have captivated millions of music lovers throughout the world. These progressions and the resulting key relationships have become practically synonymous with what we feel to be the true Spanish idiom. Together with the folk melodies they have underscored, in part derived by a procedure known to musicians as the "melodizing of harmony," they have created a vast body of what most people would consider authentic Spanish music.The first section of the music is based upon the dance form known as the Jota, while the second, contrasting section is derived from the Fandango, but here altered considerably in both time and tempo from its usual form. Overall, the music follows a traditional three-part pattern: fast-slow-fast.The first public performance of El Camino Real took place on April 15th, 1985 in Sarasota, Florida, with the 581st Air Force Band under the direction of Lt. Col. Ray E. Toler.This arrangement for brass band has been made by Frode Rydland.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£27.50To Spring
Not to be confused with the better known 'Spring', this is a dramatic 'April Showers' mini tone-poem.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£89.95Tuba Concerto (Score and Parts)
This work was commissioned by the Besses o' th' Barn Band with funds provided by the Arts Council of Great Britain. It was written for, and is dedicated to, John Fletcher, who gave the first performance in Middleton Civic Hall, near Manchester, on 24 April, 1976, with Besses o' th' Barn Band conducted by the composer. Another interesting feature about the premire was that it was recorded by BBC Television for an Omnibus programme with Andr Previn as presenter. The concerto exists in three versions: with brass band (1976), orchestra (1978) and wind band (1984).The concerto is in three movements, following the usual, quick-slow-quick pattern: Allegro deciso,Lento e mesto, Allegro giocoso. The first movement has a sonata form shell with two contrasting themes, the first one being rhythmic in character, the second lyrical. There is a reference made in passing to the Vaughan Williams Tuba Concerto, but this merges into the other material in the development section.The second movement begins with a chorale, but after the entry of the tuba it leads to a cantabile theme, softly unfolded by the soloist. The opening chorale passage returns, this time briefly on muted brass, and leads to a middle section which is more chromatic in style and soon builds to a powerful climax, where the opening cantabile theme triumphantly returns. The music subsides, returning to the opening chorale and ending peacefully.The finale is light and breezy in style, and is cast in rondo form. After a brief introduction the tuba announces the main rondo theme, which is dance-like and a little jaunty. There are two episodes: the first a broad sweeping tune, the second a slowish waltz and a little jazz-like. After a virtuoso cadenza reference is made to the very opening of the concerto before the work ends with a triumphal flourish.The Tuba Concerto has established itself as one of the main works in the solo tuba repertoire. It has been performed and broadcast in over 40 countries all over the world. There are currently six commercial recordings of the concerto in its various versions.resolution in C major, pointed by a simple but expansive melody towards which the piece has been heading, and ending in a blaze of joyful colour.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£42.95Ubi Caritas
Composed for the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, K.G. to Miss Catherine Middleton and first performed by the Choirs of Westminster Abbey and Her Majesty's Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, conducted by James O'Donnell, at Westminster Abbey, Friday 29 April 2011.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days