Results
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£19.65Adam Zero, Suite from (Brass Band - Study Score)
Selected as the Section 2 test piece for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain 2025Following his ballet Checkmate, Bliss composed another score for the, by then, Sadler's Wells Ballet, Miracle in the Gorbals, which was choreographed by Robert Helpmann, to a scenario by Michael Benthall. Premired in 1944, the ballet made a considerable impact and was a box-office success. It was followed in turn by a further collaboration with Helpmann and Benthall, Adam Zero. This would serve Helpmann, in the eponymous role, as a vehicle in two respects: demonstrating his gifts as a dancer-actor and as a choreographer. First performed at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, on 8 April 1946, Adam Zero was conducted by Constant Lambert, the work's dedicatee. Bliss considered it 'his most varied and exciting ballet score'. Benthall provided a synopsis for the programme:There is a philosophy that life moves in an endless series of timeless cycles. As Nature passes through Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, so man is born, makes a success in his own particular sphere, loses his position to a younger generation, sees his world crumble before his eyes and only finds peace in death. This age-old story is told in terms of a Company creating a ballet and calling on the resources of the theatre to do so. Lighting, stage mechanism, dance conventions, musical forms and costumes and scenery of all periods are used to symbolize the world of 'Adam Zero'.Apart from Adam, as the Principal Dancer, other main roles included the Stage Director (representing Omnipotence), and Adam's Fates (Designer, Wardrobe Mistress, and Dresser). 'The Woman in this allegory', wrote Bliss, 'under the symbol of the Choreographer, was both the creator and destroyer of Adam: his first love, his wife, his mistress, and finally the figure of beneficent Death.' When the curtain rose, the 'audience saw the Covent Garden stage right back to the wall, completely empty except for the protagonists, 'the Company poised, still and expectant, as they await the birth of... Adam Zero.'Unfortunately, soon after the premire, Helpmann injured himself and had to withdraw from the remaining performances. Despite generally positive reviews, the ballet did not capture the imagination of audiences and, to Bliss's considerable disappointment, was not revived. Seventy years would elapse before its first major return to the stage, in 2016, performed by the ballet company of Stadttheater Bremerhaven with choreography by Sergei Vanaev.Bliss extracted a concert suite from the ballet, conducting its first performance with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra on 28 October 1948. For his own suite, arranged for brass band in 2023, Dr Robert Childs chose three dances linked to the seasons, book-ending them with the ebullient 'Fanfare Overture' and 'Fanfare Coda'. After Adam has grown to manhood, his Fates clothe him in a costume synonymous with confident youth, appropriate for the virile, ardent 'Dance of Spring'. In the 'Approach of Autumn', Adam, now wearing a sombre costume, has grown older: his Fates have streaked grey in his hair and put lines on his face. But they had earlier raised Adam to the zenith of his power, and the 'Dance of Summer' depicts him in the prime of life, in music of sweeping grandeur. The 'Fanfare Coda' signals that the next cycle of life is about to begin.Duration: 10.30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£37.59Three Carols at Midnight (Brass Band) Martin Cordner
Rooted in the sacred stillness of a French village on Christmas Eve, this suite by Martin Cordner draws upon traditional carols that have echoed through centuries of candlelit chapels and midnight vigils. Each movement offers a window into the Nativity story: I. Mystery: Noel Nouvelet (Christmas Comes Anew) opens with modal wonder, evoking the anticipation of Christ's coming and the quiet awe of Advent. II. Cradle: Entre le boeuf et l'ane gris (Between the Ox and the Grey Donkey) rests in pastoral tenderness, where the newborn Savior lies between humble beasts, watched over by angels and the Virgin. III. Joy: Il est ne, le divin enfant (He is born, the Divine Infant) bursts forth in celebration, proclaiming the divine birth with rustic dance and jubilant praise. Together, these carols form a musical triptych - moving from mystery to intimacy to exultation. Three Carols at Midnight invites listeners to step into the hush of a French Noel, where the sacred story is told not only in word, but in melody, memory, and light. All proceeds support the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army Delaware Command, USA. To view a rolling score video of the work please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUcCluBS18Q Difficulty level: 4th Section + Duration: approx. 5.00 minutes This PDF download includes parts and score. Sheet music available at www.brassband.co.uk or www.durhammusicshop.co.uk (UK) or www.cimarronmusic.com (USA) Instrumentation: Soprano Cornet Eb 1st Cornet Bb 2nd Cornet Bb 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 1-2 Glockenspiel
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£33.83Polka from 'The Bartered Bride' (Brass Band) Smetana arr. Rob Bushnell
Considered a major contribution to the develop of Czech music, The Bartered Bride by Bedrich Smetana is a comic opera in three acts that premiered, in its final version, in 1870; having not been a great success when the original two-act version premiered at the Provisional Theatre, Prague on 30 May 1866. The opera was part of Smetana's aim to create a native Czech music after the conductor Johann von Herbeck commented that Czechs were incapable of making music of their own. Whilst he avoided the direct use of folksongs, Smetana did use numerous traditional Bohemian dance forms, such as the furiant and the polka, leading to music that was Czech in spirit. 'Sold Bride', a more accurate translation of the original Czech title (Prodana nevesta), tells the story of two lovers (Marenka and Jenik) who want to marry despite Marenka's father's obligations for his daughter to marry the son of a wealthy landowner, Micha. Scheming, condition proposals and secret identities leads to a happy ending. The polka was not in the original 1866 version. A revision in October 1866 saw the addition of a gypsy dance near the start of act 2. But by the next performance in January 1869, this had been replaced by a polka. In June 1869, a new polka replaced the January version's (as well as being moved to the end of act 1) and this is the one that we know and love today. This arrangement is for British-style brass band, with *alternative parts for horns in F and bass-clef lower brass. 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 (Triangle, Cymbal(s) & Bass Drum)
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£64.95A Day in the Life of a Knight (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Lawrence, Phil
Here we have a most descriptive piece of writing - a story through music. A fantastic 1st section test piece and championship concert work:The opening scene would depict standing on the battlements of a castle hearing the thundering hoofs of our brave Knight's horse miles in the distance. His arrival is expected, and his reputation is known across many lands. Today, he is to joust amongst mere mortal knights and compete for the hand of the fair (and local) Princess.He vanquishes all competitors and wins the day. The scene moves to evening and court where reception and dance is to be held for our winning knight. Both Knight and Princess become centre of attention during the dance. Their eyes only for each other.At last, the Knight has a chance to be a lone with his Princess as they steal away from the celebrations to a star lit rampart above the castle gardens, where the Knight declares his ever-lasting love and pledges his life and of honour to her. He asks her hand, meanwhile monks pray in the below chapel hoping for union. She say's yes. It is announced in court, then blown from the battlements.Day breaks; he is brought word of evil doings back in his own land. He leaves word to the Princess that he will be back soon to take her hand. The trouble back home was a rouse to get him away from the Princes so one of the vanquished, a dark knight in yesterdays joust, has summoned a dragon to kidnap the princess for his own.As the truth of the deception reaches our Knight he quickly returns to face the varlet that has taken his Lady. This time tis no joust, but a fight to the death with the dark knight and dragon. Our champion proves his best once again and wins the day and the hand of his Princess forever!- Phil LawrenceSuitable for 1st Section Bands and aboveDuration: 11.15
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£79.95Indian Summer (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Ball, Eric
The 'Indian Summer' is that of North America, and the music, entertaining but more than half serious, will perhaps evoke memories of tales of Native Americans.There are four movements:The Great Chief SpeaksBy the Cool WatersTotem DanceHymn to the Great SpiritProgramme Notes:This Fantasy is in the form of a Suite, although there should be no long break between each movement. The composer sometimes concocts a little story to illustrate the music, somewhat as follows:"The Great Chief Speaks": the warmth of Autumn's "Indian Summer" will soon be a memory, and hard Winter will set in; so the Chief must hold a great Powwow with his people"By the Coll Waters": a little girl, not interested in grown-up solemnities, slips away to a nearby lake. She gazes at her reflection in the water; executes a little dance, then falls to dreaming."Totem Dance": this will be exciting - the little girl goes running to see! The dancing becomes wilder, then rhythm more insistent, then suddenly silence."Hymn to the Great Spirit": the Powwow closes with a majestic utterance by the Great Chief. A hymn is sung to the "Great White Spirit", and the people turn their thoughts to preparations for the coming Winter.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£39.95
Indian Summer (Brass Band - Score only) - Ball, Eric
The 'Indian Summer' is that of North America, and the music, entertaining but more than half serious, will perhaps evoke memories of tales of Native American.There are four movements:The Great Chief SpeaksBy the Cool WatersTotem DanceHymn to the Great SpiritProgramme Notes:This Fantasy is in the form of a Suite, although there should be no long break between each movement. The composer sometimes concocts a little story to illustrate the music, somewhat as follows:"The Great Chief Speaks": the warmth of Autumn's "Indian Summer" will soon be a memory, and hard Winter will set in; so the Chief must hold a great Powwow with his people"By the Coll Waters": a little girl, not interested in grown-up solemnities, slips away to a nearby lake. She gazes at her reflection in the water; executes a little dance, then falls to dreaming."Totem Dance": this will be exciting - the little girl goes running to see! The dancing becomes wilder, then rhythm more insistent, then suddenly silence."Hymn to the Great Spirit": the Powwow closes with a majestic utterance by the Great Chief. A hymn is sung to the "Great White Spirit", and the Indians turn their thoughts to preparations for the coming Winter.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£64.95A Day in the Life of a Knight (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Here we have a most descriptive piece of writing - a story through music. A fantastic 1st section test piece and championship concert work:The opening scene would depict standing on the battlements of a castle hearing the thundering hoofs of our brave Knight's horse miles in the distance. His arrival is expected, and his reputation is known across many lands. Today, he is to joust amongst mere mortal knights and compete for the hand of the fair (and local) Princess.He vanquishes all competitors and wins the day. The scene moves to evening and court where reception and dance is to be held for our winning knight. Both Knight and Princess become centre of attention during the dance. Their eyes only for each other.At last, the Knight has a chance to be a lone with his Princess as they steal away from the celebrations to a star lit rampart above the castle gardens, where the Knight declares his ever-lasting love and pledges his life and of honour to her. He asks her hand, meanwhile monks pray in the below chapel hoping for union. She say's yes. It is announced in court, then blown from the battlements.Day breaks; he is brought word of evil doings back in his own land. He leaves word to the Princess that he will be back soon to take her hand. The trouble back home was a rouse to get him away from the Princes so one of the vanquished, a dark knight in yesterdays joust, has summoned a dragon to kidnap the princess for his own.As the truth of the deception reaches our Knight he quickly returns to face the varlet that has taken his Lady. This time tis no joust, but a fight to the death with the dark knight and dragon. Our champion proves his best once again and wins the day and the hand of his Princess forever!- Phil LawrenceSuitable for 1st Section Bands and aboveDuration: 11.15
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£79.95Indian Summer (Fantasy) (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
The 'Indian Summer' is that of North America, and the music, entertaining but more than half serious, will perhaps evoke memories of tales of Native Americans.There are four movements:The Great Chief SpeaksBy the Cool WatersTotem DanceHymn to the Great SpiritProgramme Notes:This Fantasy is in the form of a Suite, although there should be no long break between each movement. The composer sometimes concocts a little story to illustrate the music, somewhat as follows:"The Great Chief Speaks": the warmth of Autumn's "Indian Summer" will soon be a memory, and hard Winter will set in; so the Chief must hold a great Powwow with his people"By the Coll Waters": a little girl, not interested in grown-up solemnities, slips away to a nearby lake. She gazes at her reflection in the water; executes a little dance, then falls to dreaming."Totem Dance": this will be exciting - the little girl goes running to see! The dancing becomes wilder, then rhythm more insistent, then suddenly silence."Hymn to the Great Spirit": the Powwow closes with a majestic utterance by the Great Chief. A hymn is sung to the "Great White Spirit", and the people turn their thoughts to preparations for the coming Winter.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£39.95
Indian Summer (Fantasy) (Brass Band - Score only)
The 'Indian Summer' is that of North America, and the music, entertaining but more than half serious, will perhaps evoke memories of tales of Native Americans.There are four movements:The Great Chief SpeaksBy the Cool WatersTotem DanceHymn to the Great SpiritProgramme Notes:This Fantasy is in the form of a Suite, although there should be no long break between each movement. The composer sometimes concocts a little story to illustrate the music, somewhat as follows:"The Great Chief Speaks": the warmth of Autumn's "Indian Summer" will soon be a memory, and hard Winter will set in; so the Chief must hold a great Powwow with his people"By the Coll Waters": a little girl, not interested in grown-up solemnities, slips away to a nearby lake. She gazes at her reflection in the water; executes a little dance, then falls to dreaming."Totem Dance": this will be exciting - the little girl goes running to see! The dancing becomes wilder, then rhythm more insistent, then suddenly silence."Hymn to the Great Spirit": the Powwow closes with a majestic utterance by the Great Chief. A hymn is sung to the "Great White Spirit", and the people turn their thoughts to preparations for the coming Winter.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£74.95Four Courtly Dances - Jonathan Bates
DURATION: 12'00". DIFFICULTY: 1st+. 'Four Courtly Dances' was composed for Brass Band Burgermusik Luzern in 2025 for their Brass & Sport Gala Concert in the KKL Luzern. The work is a tribute to career of Swiss Tennis great Roger Federer with each movement giving a musical 'nod' to the story of his life and career. Each movement is inspired by a traditional 'courtly' (not in a tennis sense, but that was the idea!) dance:. 1. Inspiration (Almain) . The opening movement is subtitled 'Elegance on Court', backed by a deep-rooted sense of Swiss nationlism, featuring a prelude based upon the traditional Swiss song 'Guggisberglied'. . 2. Success & Failure (Galliard) . A movement centred around the trials and tribulations of an elite sportsperson, with antiphonal cornet & tambourine groups playing avirtuosic musical tennis match across the band. . 3. Rivalry (Sarabande & Canario) . An upbeat movement fused with Spanish and Balkan influences, inspired by Federer's long-running rivalries with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. . 4. Legacy (Pavane) . A final reflective and uplifting homage to the legacy leftby one of the greatest sportspeople of all time, culminating in a coda whichbrings together all the previous 'ingredients' which made Federer the icon he is. . .
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days