Results
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£74.95Eden (Score and Parts)
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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£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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£80.00St. Magnus - Kenneth Downie
Dedicated to Alastair Massey, an inspirational music teacher. Commissioned by the Scottish Brass Band Association for the 2004 European Brass Band Championships in Glasgow. This music is a set of variations on the tune known as St Magnus, which is attributed to Jeremiah Clarke. Most people will associate it with Thomas Kelly's hymn which begins: "The Head that once was crowned with thorns is crowned with glory now". The tune is very simple, consisting of just two, four-bar phrases. Neither is there much in the way of rhythmic variety, every note being a crotchet with the exception of two quavers, and the last note in each phrase. Within such a simple structure, however, lies considerable strength. THEME The listener is given the opportunity of hearing it twice, in full, at the beginning, starting with one player but soon taken up by the full ensemble. It returns in the middle of the music and is stated again near the end. This has been done quite deliberately in the hope that there will be an appreciation of what material is being developed, by the listener as well as by those with access to the score, who are able to see the visual connections. VARIATION 1 This takes the rhythm of the last part of the theme and also uses the shape of the opening as a recurring figure. The mood is whimsical and skittish, with short, teasing rhythmic figures tossed around the band, and quick interplay with percussion, at a fast tempo. An energetic flourish finishes this variation before the Andante espress. VARIATION 2 This commences with chords related to the opening of Variation 1. The cantabile on solo comets establishes a new, lyrical mood and there is scope for expressive playing in a series of short solo passages. The theme works its way unobtrusively into the texture before a reprise of the solo cornet melody and some more lyrical interchanges between Eb bass, euphonium, flugel horn and comets. The variation ends serenely with clear references to the last phrase of the theme. VARIATION 3 The first idea to dominate is clearly linked to the shape of the theme's first phrase. There is a frenetic feel to much of this variation, with considerable energy and instability created by extensive use of cross-rhythms. A thinning-out of the score marks a clear change to development of the start of the second phrase of the theme. This proves to be short-lived however, and the opening material returns leading to a restatement of the theme, "Maestoso," after which a euphonium cadenza links to Variation 4. VARIATION 4 Here we have some solos for euphonium, cornet, trombone and Eb bass set against a background of horns and baritones presenting a pensive statement of the theme's opening. VARIATION 5 This commences Allegro, with lively work for cornet and euphonium spreading to the whole band before attention focuses on the beginning of the second phrase of the theme which is initially presented in diminution, then in regular rhythm, then in inversion. An increase in tempo coupled with a decrease in volume, requires dexterity and control, with several metrical challenges thrown in for good measure. The same fragment of phrase becomes an ostinato which generates a frenzied climax, punctuated by short, dramatic silence, before the opening figure returns and the music gradually winds down. The tubular bells herald the final return of the theme, in augmentation, marking the start of the Finale. FINALE This features the running semiquavers of the previous variation sounding in counterpoint. A fast, furious coda speeds the work to a conclusion while references to the opening of the theme are still trying to break into the texture of the music. Kenneth Downie
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£154.99A Road Less Travelled By - Philip Sparke
A Road Less Travelled By was commissioned by Palangos Orkestras for the Championship Section of the 2020 European Brass Band Championships held in Palanga, Lithuania. The title alludes to a poem by American author, Robert Frost, which appeared in his 1916 collection, Mountain Intervals. In common with most of the composer's larger works, the piece is not programmatic, but purely abstract. The choice of title shares Sparke's view of how composers can often develop. There can be no 'destination' in a composer's career, but rather a continuing journey to an unknown place. Set in three movements, which play without a break, A Road Less Travelled By opens with a Moto Perpetuo firmly rooted in classical language, form and syntax. A continuous river of semiquavers, veering from melody to accompaniment and back again, adds drive, energy and motion. The second movement, Nocturne, is in the form of a free fantasia; solos for vibraphone, flugel horn and euphonium set the stage for a central cornet solo, quietly echoed by the full band. A triumphal climax is reached before the movement dissolves into a Scherzo Finale. A brief coda based on earlier material drives the piece to a close.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£53.50Mr Cool's Swing - Etienne Crausaz
This piece is in line with the tradition of works by Louis Prima and performances by Benny Goodman. It attempts to reproduce a similar "feel", adapted from the music of these two artists, for brass band. The result is a swing with a sustained tempo and modern harmonies, as well as solo passages highlighting the cornet, the trombone and the euphonium with effervescent riffs. Mr Cool's Swing will absolutely find success with your audience! This music forms part of the musical tale La Malediction d'Aragne (Aragne's Curse), commissioned by the Lyre de Courtion (conductor Dominique Morel) on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£134.99West Wind - Oliver Waespi
West Wind is structured in three parts, each bearing a subtitle drawn from poems of Emily Bronte (1818-1848). Poetry of the Romantic period, Bronte's in particular, often presents a gentle, almost innocent surface, beneath which lies the most elemental and volatile emotional forces capable of erupting at any moment.Accordingly, the opening movement, West-wind, in the glory and pride!, begins with a mellow, warm soundscape, underpinned by lightly pulsating patterns, almost like an aquarelle. Gradually however, the music transitions into far rougher, forward-driven gestures - turbulent, restless, and at times unpredictable, much like the west wind itself.The ensuing Adagio reflects on the poem Stars, in which a fundamental tension between exaltation and regret, another recurring feature of Bronte's poetry, is palpable throughout. Introspective solo and chamber music statements give way to a broad ecstatic sound field involving the full ensemble, before finally receding into a solitary euphonium soliloquy.The final movement, Wild words of an ancient song, takes the form of an extended rondo-scherzo, driven by virtuosic, perpetual motion. The sense of relentless pursuit bears a nod to The Boy on the Moor by the German poet Annette von Droste-Hulshoff, a contemporary of Bronte who explored similar narratives, albeit from a different perspective.Although certain core musical elements recur - pulsating patterns, a chorale, a tone row - the work is guided less by systematic symphonic development than by an intuitive stream of variants. These generate a sequence of metamorphoses that illuminate the material from shifting vantage points, projecting the emotional landscapes of Romantic poetry into the present day.West Wind was commissioned by the Flowers Band and was first performed under Musical Director Paul Holland, at the 2026 European Brass Band Championships in Linz (AT), where they also became European Champions.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£35.00Cranborne Chase - Philip Harper
Cranborne Chase was commissioned by the Charles Church Camberley Band in 2011 in memory of solo horn player and life-long member Libby Godden.Libby joined the band in 1966 which marked the start of a long association, during which she progressed to the solo horn position, recruited four family members to play with the band, and had spells on the committee as publicity officer and chairman. Most recently she led the Training Ensemble in her role as Assistant Bandmaster. Libby continued to be active with the band despite a diagnosis of cancer, which finally claimed her life in February 2011.Programme notes from the composer, Philip Harper:The Music: As well as invoking the joyous spirit befitting Libby's approach to life, there are several musical ideas woven into the score. After a brief introduction, the main theme uses the musical letters of Libby's surname: G, O(A), D, D, E, N(G), whilst the harmonic progression here is based on that of the slow movement of Edward Gregson's Partita for Brass Band, one of Libby's favourite passages of music.To further imbue the piece with Libby's persona, the lyrical theme is first introduced as a traditional brass band quartet (two cornets, horn and euphonium), one of her favourite musical genres.After the first rehearsal of the piece the band members, with the composer's blessing, decided on the name Cranborne Chase, which is the name of a place in Dorset with which Libby Godden had a great affinity.Raising Funds for Cancer Research UK. The Music Company (UK) Ltd has been involved in charitable work for many years both nationally and internationally. Through publishing Cranborne Chase, The Music Company is extending its charitable support by helping to raise funds for the Cancer Research UK charity, in memory of Libby Godden (a band-friend since childhood of Clair Tomalin, Business Director of The Music Company (UK) Ltd).A donation will therefore be made by The Music Company (UK) Ltd for every purchased set of this piece. There is a hope that every band in the UK will have Cranborne Chase as part of their library and included in their concert programmes, enabling a significant amount of money to be raised for Cancer Research UK through the enjoyment of music.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£34.95Elixir of Youth - Christopher Bond
Elixir of Youth (2013) was written for the 2013 Brass for Heroes charity event where it was premiered on 19th October 2013 at St Paul's Hall in Huddersfield under the baton of Philip Harper. The title of the work reflects the nature of the band that was put together for that premiere performance; an all-star youth band comprising a selection of the country's young brass banding talent, with the term Elixir referring here to the everlasting talent seen in young brass players throughout the United Kingdom's brass bands and bands' and teachers abilities to keep producing such high quality musicians for the banding movement.The work, structured in three sections, is a showcase for band with a heroic opening where fanfare-like gestures in the cornets and trombones juxtapose rapid euphonium and baritone runs, alongside sweeping horns and percussion effects. As the piece progresses, a grove is introduced - just in the tubas at first, accompanied by a hi-hat - before spreading through the band, definitely stuff to tap your toes to! The middle, slower section of the work sees both flugel and cornet solos, with additional inputs from the euphonium and solo horn before a climax and return to the tempo and music of the opening section. A rousing close concludes the work where all of the work's themes are interweaved to create a sense of power, unity and grandeur; an Elixir of Youth.
Estimated dispatch 10-14 working days
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£30.00Hot Gospel - Various
Tim Paton has creatively arranged for brass band this selection of familiar hymns/religious songs to create a 5-movement, gospel-styled work. With features for soloists across the band and a great mix of styles including swing, traditional jazz, blues, and calypso, this makes for a versatile concert feature either as a complete piece piece (9 minutes); using the alternative optional cuts (4.5 minutes); or simply by cherry-picking the individual movements in order to spotlight the different styles/melodies/soloists of your choice.With solo features in each section, the piece includes:The Church's One Foundation - Swing version with Tenor Horn soloNearer My God To Thee - Traditional jazz style with Cornet soloThe Old Rugged Cross - Bluesy with Flugel soloHow Great Thou Art - Calypso with Euphonium soloJust A Closer Walk With Thee - Finale with jazzy Trombone soloTim comments:The community gospel choir sound has become very popular in recent years. "Hot Gospel" is my attempt to capture this charismatic experience in a medley of well known sacred music. Each of the five songs chosen follows a similar pattern - a verse for full band followed by a solo, and all solos are intended to sound like improvisation.I've included Optional Cuts which would reduce the play length from c. 9 minutes, down to approximately 4.5 mintues, should your concert programming not allow for the full version. The optional cuts simply side-step the solo section of each song.However you wish to perform Hot Gospel, it will definitely bring variety to programme choice.Also available for wind/concert band.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£39.99Come What May
ABOUT THIS PIECE: Add a touch of romance and drama to your next programme with this beautiful arrangement of Come What May from Moulin Rouge. Written by David Baerwald and Kevin Gilbert, this emotional ballad became the standout love song of the 2001 film, performed by Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. Its heartfelt lyrics and sweeping melody have made it a timeless classic, celebrated by audiences around the world. This arrangement brings the song's emotional depth and cinematic grandeur to the brass band stage, with solo opportunities for tenor horn, cornet and euphonium. With its soaring themes and tender undertones, Come What May is a fantastic showcase of the band's ability to convey both power and sensitivity. ENSEMBLE: Standard British Brass Band WHEN YOU BUY THIS PRODUCT, YOU GET: High-quality printed score and parts LEVEL: 2 LISTEN: Click here DURATION: 5 minutesEXAMPLE SCORE: Click here LEVEL GUIDE: Level 1- Accessible to all Level 2 - c. UK third section and higher Level 3 - c. UK second section and higher Level 4 - c. UK first section and higher Level 5 - c. UK championship section level
Estimated dispatch 5-7 working days
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