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£168.50Music of the Spheres - Philip Sparke
Music of the Spheres was commissioned by the Yorkshire Building Society Band and first performed by them at the European Brass Band Championships in Glasgow, May 2004.The piece reflects the composers fascination with the origins of the universe and deep space in general. The title comes from a theory, formulated by Pythagoras, that the cosmos was ruled by the same laws he had discovered that govern the ratios of note frequencies of the musical scale. ('Harmonia' in Ancient Greek, which means scale or tuning rather than harmony - Greek music was monophonic). He also believed that these ratios corresponded to the distances of the sixknown planets from the sun and thatthe planets each produced a musical note which combined to weave a continuous heavenly melody (which, unfortunately, we humans cannot hear). In this work, these six notes form the basis of the sections Music of the Spheres and Harmonia.The pieces opens with a horn solo called t = 0, a name given by some scientists to the moment of the Big Bangwhen time and space were created, and this is followed by a depiction of the Big Bangitself, as the entire universe bursts out from a single point. A slower section follows called The Lonely Planet which is a meditation on the incredible and unlikely set of circumstances which led to the creation of the Earth as a planet that can support life, and the constant search for other civilizations elsewhere in the universe. Asteroids and Shooting Stars depicts both the benign and dangerous objects that are flying through space and which constantly threaten our planet, and the piece ends with The Unknown, leaving in question whether our continually expanding exploration of the universe will eventually lead to enlightenment or destruction.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£91.99Morning Song - Philip Sparke
Morning Song features the horn quartet mostly in a soloistic role - indeed there is an accompanied cadenza towards the end of the piece - but there are moments where the horns assume their conventional brass band role as harmonic support or playing the counter melody. This expressive composition shows all the versatility of the horn quartet and gives them the chance to be in the spotlight.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.99Once in Royal David's City - Henry John Gauntlett - Philip Sparke
Sparkling and majestic brass playing introduce this wonderful arrangement of the classic carol! Each of the four verses are treated differently, creating beautiful textures and a multi-faceted setting of the familiar tune. This fresh new arrangement for developing bands is a great choice for both church and school!
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.99Largo from Winter - Antonio Vivaldi - Philip Sparke
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) stands, with Handel and J.S. Bach, as one of the titanic figures of late Baroque composition. Not only was he lauded as a composer of vocal and instrumental works both sacred and secular, he was without doubt, the most prolific composer of his age. In addition to hundreds of vocal works, including forty-nine operas, he composed five hundred concertos. The Four Seasons are probably the best known of his concerti with the second movement, Largo, portraying time spent by a roaring fire listening to the rain pounding against the window. This new arrangement for brass band retains all the warmth of the original.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£79.99Variants on an English Hymn Tune - Philip Sparke
This set of variations on the well-known hymn tune Holy, holy, holy! will make a most satisfying addition to the solo repertoire for euphonuim and brass band. It is in the traditional air varie form with an introduction, theme and 3 variations. The original melody (known as Nicaea) was composed by John Bacchus Dykes' especially for Reginald Heber's renowned hymn of praise and became universally popular when it was included in Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1861. A beautiful solo that will test the soloists ability to show true emotion.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£106.99Harlequin - Philip Sparke
Harlequin was commissioned by, and is dedicated to, Euphonium virtuoso David Childs. The piece takes its inspiration from the happy and sad masks that symbolise the Commedia dell'Arte (which features Harlequin as one of its main characters) and comprises of two movements, a slow modal ballad followed by a frenetic faster movement. A fantastic showpiece for the Euphonium and Brass Band.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.99David of the White Rock - Philip Sparke
This is an ancient Welsh air that was first published in Relics of the Welsh Bards in 1794. Dafydd (David) Owain was a famous Welsh bard who lived on a farm called Gareg Wen (The White Rock) in Eifionydd, Carnarnvonshire, North Wales. Tradition has it that on his deathbed he called for his harp and composed this lovely melody, requesting that it be played at his funeral. Accordingly, it was later played at the parish church of Ynys-Cynhaiarn. Lyrics were later added by Ceiriog Hughes, which describe the melody's inspiration. This version for brass band retains all the beauty and simplicity of the original.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.99A Quiet Moment - Philip Sparke
Philip Sparke's A Quiet Moment for Brass Band. Score and parts.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£69.99Capriccio for Trombone - Philip Sparke
Capriccio for Trombone was commissioned by Brett Baker, trombone soloist and member of the famous Black Dyke Band. It is a tribute to the late Mike Moor, close friend and colleague of both Brett and the composer.The piece aims to capture Mike's good humour, his love for brass band music and the irrepressible, enthusiastic energy he involved in all things he did in his life.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£87.99Centennial Salute - Philip Sparke
Just based on its title, this piece has to be celebratory and up-beat, which it is! It opens with a stately fanfare, first played on the low brass before the entire band joins in. This gives way to a contrasting lyrical theme which develops until it joins up with the fanfare to complete the opening section. A lively and heavily syncopated vivo follows, cast as a traditional march, complete with a 'bass strain' and trio. After the original march theme returns, a climax leads back to a reprise of the majestic opening, which brings the piece to an appropriately triumphant close.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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