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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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£95.00Penlee - Simon Dobson
To some, the tragic story of the Penlee lifeboat, Solomon Browne, would need no introduction, and to some the pain felt is still very much a reality. The composer, born just a few weeks before that fateful night on the19th December 1981, has created this work as a musical homage to the bravery of the souls who lost their lives and has dedicated it to their memory. Penlee was commissioned by the Cornwall Youth BrassBand using funds bequeathed by Michael Pickett. The first performance was given by the Cornish Youth Brass Band, conducted by Ian Porthouse, at St. Michael's Church, Newquay, on 30th December 2008.Penleehas been voted into the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2011 at No.106. Not only is it the first time a brass work has been featured in the Hall of Fame, but it was also thehighest new entry. The work has subsequently been recorded by the Leyland Band, conducted by Jason Katsikaris, on the CD entitled Penlee.Brass Band Grade 4: Advanced Youth and 3rd Section Duration: 13 minutes
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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£35.00In Pitch Black - Lucy Pankhurst
An extremely emotional and poignant work for brass band composed by Lucy Pankhurst, in memory and tribute to those affected by the Pretoria Pit disaster in Lancashire on 21st December 1910. The piece is chilling in its depiction of the tragic story, sensitively conveying the atmosphere and emotions as perceived before, during and after the event. Through its use of playing techniques, effects, sound combinations and even silences, In Pitch Black offers a powerfully reflective piece.Pritoria Pit DisasterLancashire's worst pit disaster and Britain's third largest loss of life from a single mining accident happened at the No. 3 Bank Pit belonging to the Hulton Colliery Company, just 4 days before Christmas 1910. The pit known as the 'Pretoria Pit' was situated on Hulton Parkland on the border of Atherton and Westhoughton. An explosion occurred at 7.50 am on Wednesday, 21 December 1910, resulting in the death of 344 men and boys, including many members of The Wingates Band.The Writing ExperienceDuring Lucy's research for this work, she acknowledges that she found the harsh reality from the shocking images and historical accounts of the event most disturbing, and is not embarrassed to disclose that it was wholly a very emotional experience in creating the composition. Consequently, she chose to create something to illustrate the true emotion of the situation. She wanted to pay tribute to the lives lost and the devastation which remained in their absence, by creating a piece of music which begins in darkness; desolate and claustrophobic, whilst still leaving the audience feeling uplifted and thoughtful in the final bars.The significance and musical appreciation for the creation of In Pitch Black was formally recognised by BASCA in 2011, when Lucy Pankhurst won the internationally acclaimed British Composer Award (the first time a brass band work had received the award, and the first time a female composer had won the category).Full programme notes are included in the product images.Look and Listen (performance courtesy of Manchester University Brass Band):
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£44.00Songs for B.L. (Score only) - Elgar Howarth
Songs for B.L. was commissioned by BBC North for the 1995 BBC Festival of Brass and first performed by the Eikanger/Bjorsvik Musiklag Band in February that year. It was selected as the championship section test-piece for the 1995 National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. The piece is in seven sections: Romanza; First Scherzo; Ballad; March; Second Scherzo; Romanza reprise; Coda. It is romantic but charged with highly chromatic harmony, and makes much use of chamber music textures. The work is dedicated to the composer's wife, Mary. 'The meaning of the title,' says the composer, 'is a secret, and will remain so'.
Estimated dispatch 7-9 working days
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£56.00Songs for B.L. (Parts only) - Elgar Howarth
Songs for B.L. was commissioned by BBC North for the 1995 BBC Festival of Brass and first performed by the Eikanger/Bjorsvik Musiklag Band in February that year. It was selected as the championship section test-piece for the 1995 National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. The piece is in seven sections: Romanza; First Scherzo; Ballad; March; Second Scherzo; Romanza reprise; Coda. It is romantic but charged with highly chromatic harmony, and makes much use of chamber music textures. The work is dedicated to the composer's wife, Mary. 'The meaning of the title,' says the composer, 'is a secret, and will remain so'.
Estimated dispatch 7-9 working days
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£40.00
Lionheart - Harper, P
Lionheart was commissioned by the British Federation of Brass Bands for the 2007 European Brass Band Championships held at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham, and first performed at the Gala Concert by the European Youth Brass Band. It is a triumphant concert opener of about four minutes duration playable by second, first and championship bands.2nd section +
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£48.63Angel Voices (Rhapsody for Soprano Cornet & Band) Brian Bowen
This solo for soprano cornet and brass band was written by the late Brian Bowen for the New York Staff Band in 1989 when Gordon Ward was its very fine soprano cornetist. The title comes from a song by Ernest Rance (music) and Reginald Woods (lyrics) published by The Salvation Army in 1955. In this rhapsody Rance's melody is first alluded to by the horns at the pick-up to bars 19-21, then more fully with the soloist's entry to bar 51 (but in minor mode until bar 55). Much of the original music is ethereal in nature, maybe reflecting the angelic hosts. Published by BrookWright Music in 2023, the score now carries the inscription 'To the memory of Linda Ward' - Gordon Ward's wife who very sadly died in November 2021. The first commercial recording of the rhapsody was released in 1990, performed by Gordon Ward and the New York Staff Band on its Music Makers CD (TRCD 1049), available to listen to here: https://on.soundcloud.com/nHch1 PDF download includes score and parts. Sheet music available from: UK - www.brassband.co.uk USA - www.solidbrassmusic.com Difficulty Level: 2nd Section + Instrumentation: Soprano Cornet Soloist 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
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£79.95Neverland - Christopher Bond
"All children, except one, grow up" wrote J.M. Barrie about Peter Pan in 1911; the first line and an expression of beautiful melancholy and fantasy, coming to represent one of the best-loved children's stories of the twentieth century. 'Peter & Wendy', as the book was first released, has subsequently been transformed into adaptations for film and stage, with subsequent books based on this iconic tale. In writing this new work for brass band, the composer has taken three of the main themes from J. M. Barrie's book, and used these themes to create new musical material, forming a work in three contrasting sections. I. Journey to Neverland The opening of the work, mysterious in its style, reflects the opening chapters of the story - a leafy London street, still in the dead of night - with the music transforming quickly as it builds in texture and momentum - a Journey to Neverland through the night sky; Second Star to the Right and straight on 'til morning. "Then Peter knew that there was not a moment to lose. 'Come,' he cried imperiously, and soared out at once into the night, followed by John and Michael and Wendy. Mr & Mrs Darling and Nana rushed into the nursery too late. The birds were flown." II. The Windows that Closed The central section of the work takes its inspiration from the sense of longing throughout the book, mainly by Peter Pan, the Darling Children & The Lost Boys. Distant memories of life before Neverland, memories of the Lost Boys' mothers, and regret at what the children have missed. Peter says "Long ago, I thought like you that my mother would always keep the window open for me; so I stayed away for moons and moons and moons, and then flew back; but the window was barred, for mother had forgotten all about me, and there was another little boy sleeping in my bed." III. Aboard the Pirate Ship The final section of the work takes its inspiration from the Pirate Ship, and Peter Pan's ultimate battle with its infamous Captain Hook. "In person, he was cadaverous and blackavized, and his hair was dressed in long curls, which at a distance looked like black candles, and gave a singularly threatening expression to his handsome countenance. His eyes were the blue of the forget-me-not, and of a profound melancholy, save when he was plunging his hook into you, at which time two red spots appeared in them and lit them up horribly."
Publisher Closed for Holidays. Estimated Dispatch 22nd August
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£55.00Could it be Magic
ABOUT THIS PIECE: It's finally here... Bring the energy and nostalgia of a pop classic to your next programme with this sensational arrangement by Adam D J Taylor of Could It Be Magic. Written by Barry Manilow and Adrienne Anderson, the song draws inspiration from Frdric Chopin's Prelude in C Minor, blending classical influences with a contemporary pop style. First released by Manilow in 1973, the song gained further fame through a dynamic reinterpretation by Take That in the 1990s, making it a favourite across generations. This arrangement captures the dramatic flair and infectious rhythm that have made Could It Be Magic a timeless hit. From its serene opening to its soaring melodies, it's a guaranteed showstopper that will we're sure will have audiences on the edge of their seats. Whether as a thrilling concert feature or a lively encore, this arrangement is sure to be a huge hit with bands and audiences alike. Don't miss the chance to add a touch of magic to your next performance! ENSEMBLE: Standard British Brass Band WHEN YOU BUY THIS PRODUCT, YOU GET: High-quality printed score and parts LEVEL: 2 LISTEN: DURATION: c. 5-minutes, 30-seconds EXAMPLE 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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