Results
-
£30.00Roots - Lucy Pankhurst
Commissioned by Katrina Marzella in 2008, this modern 'duet' for Baritone and Euphonium soloists with brass band accompaniment has been inspired by 'nature and environment' as its primary muse. The music takes the listener through 7 stages of environmental atmosphere, in its combination of sounds and effects. It is a very uplifting work and with the back-story in mind (see programme notes below), it makes for an incredibly effective concert feature.Programme notes from the composer, Lucy Pankhurst:There are 7 main sections in the piece :RainGerminationGrowthTransionSunshineRainstormRestThe work begins with Rain, symbolised by the rainstick and 'rain sounds' in the brass , which allows the themes to germinate. The 'roots' of the music themselves, are firmly established in the tonic (root Eb) and 5ths in the low brass, from which the solo lines eventually grow, using triads and 5ths.During Growth, the solo baritone and euphonium begin with separate melodies which begin to twist around each other (much like tree roots), interlocking to produce harmonies and counterpoint, complimenting one another and firmly keeping the music in Eb major. Muted cornets and trombones continue to play overlapping semiquavers, reflecting the raindrops as they fall from the trees and leaves.A brief interlude, featuring brass sextet drives the music back to its Germination stage - here, named Transion, as it grows once more, evolving into something new. The Sunshine section is a dance. Moving rapidly through different keys, the warm sunlight catches on the dewy foliage, creating dazzling moments of clarity and beauty.However, the change in conditions also lead to brief moments of uncertainty, as the various creatures tentatively reappear from their shelter to bask as the earth is warmed. Birdsong can be heard in the solo lines as the entire band join in the celebrations.The jollity does not last long, however, as a Rainstorm, more violent than the last , ensues - stopping the dance in its tracks. The tam-tam and bass drum signify thunder, crashing into the music abruptly. However, the music still survives and re-emerges from the storm, delicately but securely establishing itself into a new key (C major), before softly concluding with the two soloists in rhythmic unison as the rain subsides and the world is at Rest.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£124.95Hyperlink - Peter Graham
Hyperlink was commissioned by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (funded by Arts Council England and the Department for Education) for its 70th Anniversary Year. Since the anniversary coincided with other significant celebrations in 2022 (including the Royal Albert Hall/Ralph Vaughan Williams 150th and the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II) it was requested that these also be recognised in some way.
Where better to begin this challenging brief but with a computer search for the NYBBGB founder Dr Denis Wright (coincidently born in Kensington, home of the RAH). The subsequent rabbit warren of hyperlinks led me to structure the work through a series of "associations":
Movement I - The Voice of Jupiter.
Alongside the discovery that Denis Wright had been a church organist was the realisation that while the RAH has hosted thousands of musical events the fabric of the building actually incorporates a musical instrument, the famous Henry Wills organ (aka The Voice of Jupiter).Organ and J S Bach are synonymous (e.g. Toccata in D min) and so both become fundamental to the content of the movement. An opening 7 note quote from the Toccata leads to a mammoth sound cluster, as if every note on the huge RAH organ is sustained. The material which follows is based upon the notes BACH (in German notation). The notes are manipulated in various ways in a 12 tone matrix; reversed, inverted and so on. Other techniques employed in the movement are ones of which Bach was master, including ground bass and fugue.
Movement II - Remember Me.
The lives of Salvationist composer Ray Steadman-Allen (born 1922) and Ralph Vaughan Williams are remembered here, with "RSA" in musical notation and fragments of RVWs famous Tuba Concerto providing the source material.While writing the movement my father passed away and to close his funeral service the family chose the uplifting Robert Lowry hymn They'll sing a welcome home. It seemed fitting to conclude the movement with a reflective setting of the chorus, the repeated phrase "Welcome, welcome home" eventually disappearing into the ether.
Movement III - Vivat.
The finale takes the form of a short fantasy upon Hubert Parry's marvellous coronation anthem I Was Glad, truly a celebratory note with which to conclude.The first performance of Hyperlink was given by the NYBBGB conducted by Martyn Brabbins at the Royal College of Music, London on August 6th 2022.
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
-
£64.35Avifauna (Brass Band) Joshua Tyler Jameson
This highly descriptive work was commissioned by the National Youth Brass Band of America and will be a terrific concert or entertainment contest item. The music paints the picture of the lives of a variety of different birds. The composer writes: 'When I began thinking about this project I was sitting in my office in the early morning, the sun having just risen. There was a gentle breeze and the only thing that I could hear (aside from my hungry whining cats) was the gentle song of the birds outside my open window. As much of my work is programmatic, almost like symphonic poems, this immediately gave me the image of a majestic sunrise with all types of birds fluttering about, almost as if out of an episode of Planet Earth. When I was commissioned by the National Youth Brass Band of America, I knew the project had to be something the ensemble could grab onto. Something they could see. Something they could relate to. There being so many types of birds in North America, I selected a handful to help tell my story... The scene where I came up with this idea seemed to be the perfect starting point. Sunrise, tiny chirps of Morning Birds floating around the twilight of dawn, swiftly moving towards the majesty of the sun cresting the horizon. A new day, the beginning of a story. As the sun rises higher in the sky, animal activity stirs, becoming lively and wild. The flowers have opened up to drink in the sun's rays, leaving them open to nectar-seeking Hummingbirds. Whizzing by at lightning speed, the hummingbirds journey from flower to flower, drinking their fill until the sun begins to set back over the horizon. When daylight fades, the enigmatic Owl floats silently through the sky. The wonder of these creatures comes not just from their beauty, but also from their mystery and their ferocity. We see images in pop culture of majestic white owls and marvel in their beauty... but to a mouse roaming the forest floor in the dark of the night, the terror of suddenly being dropped upon by a silent predator is anything but peaceful. In the dead of night, soft rolling clouds thicken as a storm begins to brew. With the ensuing rain also emerges the grotesque scavenging Vulture; marching along from carcass to carcass, tearing into the rotting leftovers of another predator's kill, gorging themselves until over-full. However, from this nightmare fuel of a bird, a new day awaits... As the dawn of another day approaches, you begin to hear the same morning birds you heard the previous day. When the light finally breaks the horizon, the soaring majesty of the Eagle drives us to the end of our story; an exciting journey told through the eyes of the winged creatures that paint the skies of North America. This is Avifauna.' To view a follow-the-score video please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2bhBpx9KvM Sheet music available from: UK - www.brassband.co.uk USA - www.solidbrassmusic.com Difficulty Level: 2nd Section + Instrumentation: Soprano Cornet Eb Solo Cornet Bb Repiano Cornet Bb 2nd Cornet Bb 3rd 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 Percussion 1-4
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
-
£36.19Swinging all the way (Brass Band) Dave Collins
Swinging all the way is a jazzy take on the most well known of Christmas tunes, Jingle Bells. We begin in a dark underground jazz club with the rich, luscious harmonies supporting the tune that we all know. But the melody is perhaps secondary to the timbres and dissonances of this darkly elegant ballad punctuated by the solo cornet, a contrast of styles between the joyous melody and sober accompaniment. As the work progresses it becomes more uplifting, with solo features from the trombone, before emerging into the bright lights of a big band set, with stride bass, crunchy punctuating rhythms and screaming trumpets. The arrangement ends where we began, after our exciting sleigh ride comes to an end. To view a rolling score video please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbUMVuWFrNI PDF download includes score and parts. Sheet music available from: UK - www.brassband.co.uk USA - www.cimarronmusic.com Difficulty Level: 2nd Section + Length: 4.00 minutes Instrumentation: Soprano Cornet Eb Solo Cornet Bb Repiano Cornet Bb 2nd Cornet Bb 3rd 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/Sus. Cymbal Drum Kit Vibraphone/Xylophone
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
-
£32.17Fanfare for the Olympians (Brass Band) Aaron Stanley
VIEW SCORE PDF This uplifting and rhythmic fanfare by American composer J. Aaron Stanley will be an ideal alternative to the traditional fare that is written in celebration of the Olympic Games. The composer writes: 'Most of my works start with a concept and working title in mind before I even begin composing. But Fanfare for the Olympians, on the other hand, was titled afterward, allowing the music to suggest its own title. The festive, anticipatory nature of the work seems to build excitement and tension for something celebratory and grandiose, like the Olympic Games. Written in 2000, at the time, I was obsessed with quartal harmonies and asymmetrical meters. But the driving eighth-note pulse of alternating 2+2+3 / 3+2+2 is what drives the fanfare forward to its epic climax.' Sheet music available from: UK - www.brassband.co.uk USA - www.solidbrassmusic.com Difficulty Level: 2nd Section + Instrumentation: Soprano Cornet Eb Solo Cornet Bb Repiano Cornet Bb 2nd Cornet Bb 3rd 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 days
-
£40.00
De-Lovely: Cole Porter Medley (Score & Parts) - Cole Porter
The musical De-Lovely, celebrated the songs of Cole Porter and these songs have now been skilfully crafted into this show-stopping medley for brass band by Philip Harper. With melodies that include the delightful Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love) and the suave Begin the Beguine, this concert piece is full of swing, swagger, and the heart-warming nostalgia of these evergreen favourites.Brass Band Grade 4: Advanced Youth and 3rd SectionDuration: 8 minutes
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
-
£29.95HINE E HINE - arr. Peter Graham
This beautiful New Zealand melody features flugel to begin,rises to a full band climax and fades into the distance.
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
-
£44.95
SONGS OF THE MORNING (Brass Band Set) - Eric Ball
The first two movements of this suite are based on the composer's own songs, a carol 'Welcome, Happy Morning' and 'Begin the Day with God'. The third introduces the tune 'Hark, Hark my Soul' with the line 'Bright day shall dawn and sin's dark night be past' forming the link to the title.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£57.50Marchissimo - Philip Sparke
Marchissimo will make a fantastic opening piece for any concert. It does however come with a twist! It can be played simply as written, but is really designed to be 'staged' with players coming on the concert platform one by one as they begin to play. The piece actually consists of three marches in one, each of which highlights a section of the band. The piece culminates in a final climax where all three march themes are played simultaneously.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£59.99
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
View Music
Watch video