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£29.50Eden (Score Only)
This work was commissioned by the Brass Band Heritage Trust as the test piece for the final of the 2005 Besson National Brass Band Championship, held at the Royal Albert Hall, London.The score is prefaced by the final lines from Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost (completed in 1663), in which Adam and Eve, expelled from Paradise, make their uncertain way into the outside world:"...The world was all before them, where to chooseTheir place of rest, and providence their guide:They hand in hand with wandering steps and slow,Through Eden took their solitary way."My work is in three linked sections. In the first, the characters of Adam, Eve and the serpent guarding the Tree of Knowledge are respectively represented by solo euphonium, cornet and trombone. The music opens in an idyllic and tranquil mood and leads into a duet between euphonium and cornet. Throughout this passage the prevailing mood darkens, though the soloists seem to remain oblivious to the increasingly fraught atmosphere. A whip-crack announces the malevolent appearance of the solo trombone who proceeds to engage the solo cornet in a sinister dialogue.The second section interprets the Eden story as a modern metaphor for the havoc mankind has inflicted upon the world, exploiting and abusing its resources in the pursuit of wealth. Though certainly intended here as a comment on the present-day, it is by no means a new idea: Milton himself had an almost prescient awareness of it in Book I of his poem, where men, led on by Mammon:"...Ransacked the centre and with impious handsRifled the bowels of their mother earthFor treasures better hid. Soon had his crewOpened into the hill a spacious woundAnd digged out ribs of gold."So this section is fast and violent, at times almost manic in its destructive energy. At length a furious climax subsides and a tolling bell ushers in the third and final section.This final part is slow, beginning with an intense lament featuring solos for tenor-horn, flgel-horn and repiano cornet and joined later by solo baritone, soprano cornet, Eb-bass and Bb-bass.At one stage in the planning of the work it seemed likely that the music would end here - in despair. Then, mid-way through writing it, I visited the extraordinary Eden Project in Cornwall. Here, in a disused quarry - a huge man-made wound in the earth - immense biomes, containing an abundance of plant species from every region of the globe, together with an inspirational education programme, perhaps offer a small ray of hope for the future. This is the image behind the work's conclusion and the optimism it aims to express is real enough, though it is hard-won and challenged to the last.John Pickard 2005
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£33.08He will hold me fast (Trombone Feature with Band) Matt Merker arr. Noel Brooks
Originally conceived as a trombone duet for the graduation recital of Andy Brooks at Western University, this setting of Matt Merker's popular choral work has been adapted by Noel Brooks as a featured work for trombone trio with brass band. The arrangement follows the emotional arc of the hymn's lyrics, utilising the brass band's colours to reflect the themes of each verse. The journey begins with a sense of vulnerability; the accompaniment is kept sparse and cold to echo the text's plea regarding a failing faith. In the second verse, the music transitions into a more encouraging and uplifted atmosphere, reflecting the assurance of being "precious in His Holy sight." A shift occurs in the third verse, which takes on a darker, more reflective character to support the gravity of the lyrics. This contemplative section builds steadily toward the final chorus, where a sense of confidence returns. The work culminates in a strong musical statement of the hymn's central promise: "He will hold me fast." To view a performance of the work by the Canadian Staff Band please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=lArvB6HP3pI Duration: Approx. 5.00 minutes Difficulty Level: 4th Section + This PDF download includes the full score and parts. Sheet music available at www.brassband.co.uk (UK) or https://satradecentral.org (USA) Instrumentation: 1st Trombone Soloist Bb 2nd Trombone Soloist Bb Bass Trombone Soloist Soprano Cornet Eb 1st Cornet Bb 2nd Cornet Bb Flugel Horn Bb 1st Horn Eb 2nd Horn Eb 1st Baritone Bb 2nd Baritone Bb Euphonium Bb Bass Eb Bass Bb Percussion Glockenspiel
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£19.95Eb Solos Album
Includes: The old rustic bridge; Celestial Morn; An Irish melody; High Fidelity; Rhapsody for tuba; Glory to his name; The Queen of the night's aria; Only one intention; Jesus loves me (duet); Have thine own way, Lord; Teach me; Aria from 'The Magic Flute'; A very happy day; Precious JesusInstrumentation: Solos for Eb Soprano Cornet, Eb Tenor Horn & Eb Bass with Piano Accompaniment
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£60.99Honneur (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
This march attempts to portray the role of Honour as a quality of character using highly energetic rhythms and strong melodic lines. The opening themes, together with those developed in the first section, perfectly reflect this significant human quality. A short bridge passage consisting of a series of sonorous chords played by the higher instruments in the band is soon taken up by the lower sections. The main theme appears in the second part of this march and is a melodic duet for Eb soprano cornet and solo cornet. 04:45
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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