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£89.95Songs of Ascent - Jonathan Bates
DURATION: 14 minutes. DIFFICULTY: Championship. 'Songs of Ascent' was composed for the Royal Northern College of Music Brass Band, as part of their programme for the 2019 RNCM Festival of Brass. In my view, the festival itself is the leading showcase for original contemporary music for the medium (in a concert setting) in the world and therefore an ideal place to explore new ideas and sounds, which was a notion fundamental to the construction of this work. The piece is subtitled 'Out of the Depths, I cry to you, O Lord'; the opening line of Psalm 130 (which forms part of a set of 15 psalsm, 120-134 known as the Songs of Ascent") which forms the main inspiration for much of the musical material. Following an extended opening for four individual tuba lines, there are a number of solos for members of the band off stage, with bleak and deep accompaniment lines, reflecting the words of Psalm 130. Amongst these 'songs of ascents', the most common and strong themes are repentance and redemption; with the central core of this work emerging 'from the depths' to reveal one of very few calming and reflective passages of the work utilising the tune of 'Guide Me O Thy Great Redeemer' in a new setting, featuring the Solo Horn and Bass Trombone, before returning to the ethereal and dark timbres that form much of the music up to this point. In terms of compositional technique, this work is solely based on a set of 4 9-note scales in their various unique transpositions (below). Each of these scales provide a set of 2 whole tone scales, 6 minor triads, 6 major triads and is built on 9 augmented triads. Whilst most of the music in this work is based melodically on the set of notes (heard right at the outset in the motif in the tuba line), the central section delves into the harmonic capabilities of these 'modes', using a number of the 7 'keys' which can be derived from the minor & major chords derived in each scale. All 4 scales are used independantly to each other, with whole sections of the work focussing on each mode. 'Songs of Ascent' was selected as the set work for the Championship Section at the Butlin's Mineworker's Championships in 2020.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£39.95To a New World - Jonathan Bates
DIFFICULTY: 1st+. DURATION: 5'00". 'To a New World' was composed for the Foden's Band's winning performance at the 2023 Brass in Concert Championships, held at The Glasshouse, Gateshead where the band performed a set of music inspired by the Disney classic, 'Aladdin'. This was the finale to the band's programme, beginning in the frozen wastelands where Jafar has banished Aladdin and Abu, before they are rescued by the Magic carpet and escape back to Agrabah, battle Jafar once more, defeating him and taking Jasmine's hand in marriage. The music itself uses a number of quotes from songs within the original soundtrack, notably 'Prince Ali', 'One Jump Ahead' and 'A Whole New World'.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£74.99Cornet Concerto No.1 - Jonathan Bates
My 'Cornet Concerto No.1' was composed for Lode Violet and Brass Band Willebroek in 2018 and features 2 movements, entitled 'Dystopia' and 'Utopia'. . The nature of the music in the opening section, 'Dystopia', is very jagged, disjointed and unsettling, as the soloist almost battles against the constant churning of the mechanical accompaniment, trying to persevere with it's own ideas and styles without being dragged into conforming to it's surroundings. The movement is based largely on the 3 note interval heard right at the outset of the piece (C, D & G#, a series of notes that lends itself so well to different modes, scales, harmonies and intervals) and this forms much of the rhythmic and harmonic structure of the opening section.Whilst this movement acts as a virtuoso feature to demonstrate the extended capabilities of both the soloist and instrument, I feel the accompanying ensemble plays an equal role in the narrative of 'dystopia', and features a number of demanding and prominent episodes for soloists within the accompanying band. A short and heavy coda concludes the movement, with a sense of real pain and sorrowfulness as the music fades away into darkness. . 'Utopia' opens in an instantly more hopeful nature, with the soloist introducing the first real 'theme' of the movement, taken up shortly by the accompaniment. Throughout this movement, there are a number of timbral and melodic references back to the darkness of 'dystopia', but transformed into a much more positive outlook and soundworld. There is a moment of quiet reflect (using the initial 3 note cell as a basis) before flying head first into a frenzied wild 'tarantella' like section, full of joy and energy which tests the dexterity and light-natured approach to virtuosity (much unlike the heavier material in the 1st movement) of the soloist. Primarily, the concept of this finale is fun - joy, happiness, and freedom from restraint, so the addition of a quirky 'tongue-in-cheek' habanera section offers a brief moment of respite from the craziness of the tarantella. To conclude the work, there is an extended cadenza for the soloist which is built on several motifs heard throughout the concerto, which leads the band into a dramatic and energetic final few bars.. Jonathan Bates. (2018). .
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£61.11Heligan - Kevin Ackford
Score & Parts A descriptive piece of around 13 minutes telling the story of and taking you on a journey around the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Following the introduction, we begin our journey at the Grand House with the staff scurrying around carrying out their work. Next comes the outbreak of World War 1 when all of the male staff of the house signed up with the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Following the war only 6 of the gardens 22 staff survived and returned to Heligan. After the war the gardens "Go to Sleep" and become overgrown. Then comes the modern-day workers rediscovering the gardens and beginning to put them back to their former glory. Then the sun rises over the gardens and the birds begin to sing and we find ourselves in the serene lost valley. We then pass through the Jungle before turning the corner and once again see the House and lawns in all their glory.
Estimated dispatch 5-7 working days
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£87.00
Stormseye (Bra) - Stijn Aertgeerts
With 'Stormseye', the composer describes the passing of a storm. The calm joyful opening by the cornets reflects the open blue sky. The weather very quickly turns as the music clearly becomes more and more chaotic. The storm gains momentum and the band also becomes more and more tempestuous. The solos in the flugelhorn, cornet and euphonium, among others, reflect a moment of tranquillity, with a growing anxiety about what is to come. The quietness of the eye of the storm before all hell breaks loose again. The music then builds to a grand finale that combines the opening theme with the storm's thematic material. The storm is overcome and the sky clears completely! 'Stormseye' was written as a test piece for the B division of the 'Flemish Open Brass Band Championship' 2024 in Mechelen (B).
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£120.00
Rhapsody in Black (Bra) - Andi Cook
The primary inspiration for this work comes from the composer's first encounter with the genre of Symphonic Metal - the opening track of the 2004 Nightwish album 'Once', entitled Dark chest of Wonders. The combination of full orchestra, operatically trained female vocals and the raw power of a Scandinavian metal band was a potent mix that instantly had me hooked.That same dark and powerful sound is one that a brass band can generate, and I've tried to capture that in this composition. Heavy Rock/Metal as a genre is arguably fifty years old now, but symphonic metal is a newer concept, and I feel possibly the one that can bridge the gap between two musical styles very dear to me.Composer Gilbert Vinter had explored through music the connotations that different colours held for him, and his movement Purple from 'Spectrum' gave me an idea for the structure of 'Rhapsody in Black'. Andi Cook explored the different connotations of one colour within his own life, black being an easy choice due to the personal dichotomy of the black leather jacket he wore to the rock club on Friday night and the black suit jacket and tie he wore to the concert hall the next day.To avoid repetition the word 'black' is omitted from the five movement titles, each of which is a different episode. '...as Thunder' is a furious argument between two people - the top and bottom of the band - set against the backdrop of a storm, with lightning flashing outside while barbs, insults, sarcasm, tears and even violence is traded inside. Following that '...Satin and Pearls' is an old black-and-white movie with a wistful character to it as if we're looking back a screen icon with fondness long after their career or even their life has ended. '...as the Raven's Wing.' is deliberately gothic and funereal, hinting at Edgar Allen Poe's similarly named poem, with undertones of death and afterlife. The shift into F/C Minor (band pitch) represents the descent - alive - into the grave that Poe had a paranoid fear of his entire life. Family and friends standing around grieving, oblivious as we're lowered into the earth despite frantic attempts to make ourselves heard. '...and Chrome' is an unashamed motorcycle reference with all its born-to-be-wild, open air, high speed and freedom overtones. In a deliberate contrast to what went before it continues several of the same motifs though this time in the major key. Lastly, we reprise the second movement with '...as the Night Sky' which is simply the feeling of walking home under the summer stars, with someone important - who that is, is left to the listener, but a walk under the stars is always that bit special.There's an old saying that very few things are black and white. I hope this work will prove that even black alone isn't quite as simple as it's often made out....'Rhapsody in Black' is dedicated to the composer's friend and mentor John Roberts, who shares his love of both brass and rock.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£45.00Caerfyrddin - Brass Band - LM957
COMPOSER: Alex McGeeA four movement work describing the historic county town of Carmarthen.1. FanfareThe first movement is an opening Fanfare,2. Castell Caerfyrddyn(Carmarthen Castle)The second movement is a lament describing the now ruined castle.Carmarthen Castle(Welsh:Castell Caerfyrddin) is a ruinedcastleinCarmarthen,West Wales. First built by Walter, Sheriff of Gloucester in theearly 1100s, the castle was captured and destroyed on severaloccasions before being rebuilt in stoneduring the 1190s. The castle was captured byOwain Glyndrin 1405.Henry VII's father died at Carmarthen Castle in 1456. During theWars of the Rosesthe castle fell toWilliam Herbertand, during theCivil War,was captured by Parliamentary forces. It was dismantled by order ofOliver Cromwellin the mid 1600s.It has been used as the site of Carmarthen's gaol until the 1920s.The remains of the castle were given a Grade Iheritage listingin 1954and is currently a tourist attraction and site of the town's Tourist Information Centre.3. Pysgota Cwrwgl(Coracle Fishing)The third movement is a Scherzo which depicts coracle fishing on the river Towy.Should you take an evening stroll down by the River Towy,if the weather and river conditions are suitable, you may be lucky enough to see apair of coracles float gently down river with a net suspended between them.The coracle man will hold the net in one hand and skilfully moving the paddle in afigure of eight motion in the other. As soon as a fish in caught, which many havedescribed as a 'silent noise travelling from the fish, into the net and up into thefisherman's arm', the two coracles are drawn together by pulling at the net.Sewin (sea trout) or salmon being the chosen catch.4. MarchThe Fourth movement is a March representing the town itself. Carmarthenshire in West Wales lies on the River Towy and claims to be the oldest town in Wales. Some variants of theArthurian legendclaim thatMerlinwas born outside the town and that he lies imprisoned in a cave in nearbyBryn Myrddin(Merlin's Hill), which stands right by the A40 trunk road.The myth maintains that his groans can be heard issuing forth from the hill and will continue until he is called to help his fellow countrymen. It is also claimed that, when Merlin's Oak fell, it would be the downfall of the town.For many years great effort was employed to brace the tree, situated in the town.Although it eventually died, it is hoped that catastrophe was averted by preservingsome bits in theCarmarthenshire County Museum.Larger branches are in the Civic Hall in Nott Square and a statue of Merlincarved from another local tree stands in the town centre.St. Peter's Church, the largest parish church in Wales,also has thelongest navemeasuring 60 metres and its tower containseight bellswith the heaviest weighing just under a tonne.It is surprising that few traces survive of the medieval town; however,a small section ofCivil War defences, thrown up by the Royalists, survives on the south-west of the town. They are known as "The Bulwarks," and consist of an earthwork bank and a well-preserved four-sided bastion.Suitable for Most Bands - Duration 8 mins (Approx.)
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£30.00Repton (Sir Hubert Parry arr. by David Grace) - Brass Band Sheet Music Full Score & Parts - LM557
COMPOSER: Sir Hubert ParryARRANGER: David Grace"Dear Lord and Father of Mankind" is ahymnwith words taken from a longer poem, "The Brewing of Soma" by AmericanQuakerpoetJohn Greenleaf Whittier. The adaptation was made byGarrett Horderin his 1884Congregational Hymns.In many countries the hymn is most usually sung to thetune"Repton" byHubert Parry; however, in the United States, the prevalent tune is "Rest" byFrederick Charles Maker.The text set appears below. Some hymnal editors omit the fourth stanza or resequence the stanza so that the fifth stanza as printed here comes last.If sung to Parry's tune, "Repton", the last line of each stanza is repeated.It is often customary, when singing the final stanza as printed here, to gradually sing louder from "Let sense be dumb...", reaching a crescendo on "...the earthquake, wind and fire", before then singing the last line "O still, small voice of calm" much more softly.Dear Lord and Father of mankind,Forgive our foolish ways!Reclothe us in our rightful mind,In purer lives Thy service find,In deeper reverence, praise.In simple trust like theirs who heardBeside the Syrian seaThe gracious calling of the Lord,Let us, like them, without a wordRise up and follow Thee.O Sabbath rest by Galilee!O calm of hills above,Where Jesus knelt to share with TheeThe silence of eternityInterpreted by love!With that deep hush subduing allOur words and works that drownThe tender whisper of Thy call,As noiseless let Thy blessing fallAs fell Thy manna down.Drop Thy still dews of quietness,Till all our strivings cease;Take from our souls the strain and stress,And let our ordered lives confessThe beauty of Thy peace.Breathe through the heats of our desireThy coolness and Thy balm;Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,O still, small voice of calm.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£25.00Skomer - Brass Band Full Score & Parts - LM294
COMPOSER: Alex McGeeSkomer Island, situated off the Pembrokeshire coast is a haven for a wide variety of marine life, notably sea birds.Puffins, gannets and shearwaters congregate in vast numbers over the cliffs while on land the Skomer Vole is unique to the island.At sea, porpoise, grey seals and dolphins abound, often putting on spectacular displays for visitors lucky enough to see them at play.This work tries to encapsulate some of the ebullience that the wildlife displays. As the work begins picture yourself as a bird, perhaps one of the kestrels that nest there hovering over the teeming mass of sea birds below, seeing puffins bobbing along, gannets diving for fish and gulls soaring on the breeze.Next, with a change of time signature, we dive below the surface, swimming along side playful seals and dolphins before leaping from the water full of the joys of life.However, the music takes us to a more brutal reality, the plight of such island idylls across the world. The music encourages you to reflect on the fragility of nature, and on the damage we are doing to these precious environments.Following this reflection, we are once again uplifted, with the composer taking inspiration from natures ability to overcome all we have thrown in her way and survive.Note to the conductor re percussionThe glockenspiel part is optional and can be played in place of the vibraphone where one is unavailable.The timpanist will require four drums for the performance and adequate time is given for changes throughout.Suitable for Most Bands - Duration 4'.00" (Approx.)
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£72.00Three Pictures for Band - Oliver Waespi
This composition consists of three sound pictures. Numerous associations mutually link those parts as far as motifs and harmony are concerned. The motif of the ascending and descending fourth plays an important role in many a theme. There are many fourth chords by means of which I try to put a harmonic and unifying stamp on the composition as a whole. Moreover there are similar or identical, though varied, motifs in the successive parts. The first part 'Cortege' (Procession) describes the dignified majestic procession by means of simple, precise rhythms. At first, the music is scarcely audible, as if coming from a distance; it gradually comes nearer until it reaches its climax in large chords, before fading away again. At each quarter note one could imagine a step. The second part 'Dialogue' consists in broad outlines of dialogues between the different orchestral groups. Some instruments are asking questions, others are giving answers. After a rather sad passage, the music turns into a climax followed by a second passage that brings comfort and leads to a quiet ending. In the third part, there is a sudden movement coming up in the shape of 'Waves'. The principle of the wave, successively swelling and decreasing, dominates the entire musical structure of this part, even in the separate motifs.Oliver Waespi
Estimated dispatch 10-14 working days
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