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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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£45.99L-O-V-E - Christopher Bond
L-O-V-E was written by Milt Gabler and Bert Kaempfert for the final album of the same name by the American singer and pianist Nat King Cole. This album, released in 1965, is largely regarded as a classic. Over the years, many cover versions have been made, including one by Michael Buble. In 2007, the English soul singer and songwriter Joss Stone recorded the song for the promotion campaign around the Coco Mademoiselle perfume by Chanel. Christopher Bond arranged this catchy music for brass band.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£60.99Moon River - Henry Mancini - Christopher Bond
Moon River is the title song of the famous 1961 motion picture Breakfast at Tiffany's. Over the years the song was covered by many major stars, turning it into an absolute evergreen around the world. The beauty of the melody is also suited for mellow sounding instruments like the Eb Alto Horn; a great reason for the British composer and arranger Christopher Bond to make a version for Brass Band and Alto Horn.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£127.30Graceful Ghost - William Bolcom
I came to know of this piece when hearing famous Norwegian ragtime pianist Morten Gunnar Larsen playing it at a concert with the Norwegian Navy Band Bergen. I was struck by its melancholic beauty and wanted to arrange it for band.Ragtimes are rarely in a minor key (which this one is) and when you first hear it, you might think it was written around the time when Scott Joplin was the main ragtime composer. But, if you listen more carefully, you notice that some of theharmonies are more advanced than one might expect in traditional ragtime, giving the piece a slightly more contemporary feel. The composer William Bolcom wrote Graceful Ghost in 1970 to honour the memory of his father and it is one of hismost popular pieces.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£127.30Abide With Me - William Henry Monk - Ingebjørg Vilhelmsen
This arrangement of "Abide with me" slightly differs from the traditional representation of the hymn. The piece has a majestic introduction based on elements from and around the hymn. Furthermore, the theme is presented in a more familiar way, first in low brass and then tutti. The ending then reverts to the expression from the opening. This arrangement may fit in many concert programs, but is perhaps ideally suited for church concerts.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£69.99Oldies Forever - Stefan Schwalgin
In the field of popular music the years around the change from the 60's to the 70's saw a wealth of great releases. Many of these hits have been re-released or reworked by artists making them popular today with a new young audience. This new medley presents many hits that would be an attractive concert item in their own right but together they form a musical masterpiece with an almost irresistible appeal on the listener.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£60.99Trumpets of Jericho - Enrique Crespo - Klaas van der Woude
This programmatic piece tells the biblical story of the fall of Jericho. The music paints a vivid picture of the procession of armed men and seven priests marching around the city for seven days, before blowing their trumpets and to the cheers of the crowds watching as the walls came tumbling down. A dazzling opening work for any concert.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£54.99Circus Bamboni - John Blanken
COME ONE AND ALL! Come see the great Circus Bamboni! This four movement work, with flexible four-part instrumentation (+ drum set), will amaze and charm you like no other. The fi rst movement features the band as it tunes up and prepares for the show. Then the talented trapeze artists make an appearance as they fly through the sky high above the audience. The elephants parade around the ring with their very own Elephant Samba and the clowns follow leaving you in stitches! A thunderous chord and lots of applause bring the show to a breathtaking finale.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.99
Surround Sound - Søren Hyldgaard
This unusual new work really lives up to its title with sound hitting the audience from all sides. The composer intended that this work not only be heard but experienced. The audience will feel how the drums and cornet figures fly around the auditorium as if a ball being kicked between players. This innovative piece is sure to be a hit with all who hear and play it.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£76.99
Famous Folksongs - Dagmar Kildevann
In 'Famous Folksongs' we are taken on a musical trip around the world, from France to the USA and from South America to the Middle East. Dagmar Kildevann arranged eight word famous folk songs in very different ways. From traditional (Lolo mi boto) to modern (Le coq est mort) and from swing (Sur le pont) to rock (Michael row the boat). Bon voyage, have a pleasant journey! Oh, and by the way, don't forget your passport!
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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