Results
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£74.99Kingdom of Dragons - Philip Harper
The 'Kingdom of Dragons' is Gwent in South Wales, known in ancient times as the Kingdom of Gwent, and more recently home to the Newport Gwent Dragons Rugby Union team. This piece was commissioned by the Gwent Music Service with additionalfunding from Ty Cerdd - Music Centre Wales to celebrate the 50th anniversary in 2010 of the formation of the Gwent Youth Brass Band. Although the music is continuous, it is divided into four distinct sections, each one representing one of theunitary authorities which make up the County of Gwent. I. Monmouthshire, which has a large number of ancient castlesII. Blaenau Gwent, an historic area of iron and coal miningIII. Torfaen, where Pontypool Park is a notablelandmarkIV. Newport, the largest city in the region. The music begins with a two-bar fanfare, which sets out all the thematic material of the piece. The mood of pageantry that follows describes some of the ancient castles inMonmouthshire, with rolling tenor drums and fanfaring cornets. After a majestic climax the music subsides and quite literally descends into the coal mines of Blaenau Gwent. The percussion provides effects that suggest industrial machineryclanking into life, and the music accelerates to become a perilous white-knuckle ride on the underground railroad. There is a brief respite as a miner's work-song is introduced and, after a protracted build-up, this is restated at fortissimo beforethe music comes crashing to an inglorious close, much like the UK's mining industry itself. The middle sonorities of the band portray the tranquillity of Pontypool Park, a place of great natural beauty. Brief cadenzas for cornet and euphoniumlead to a full band reprise of the pastoral mood. At the end of this section we find ourselves at the top of the park's 'Folly Tower' from which the distant castle turrets of Monmouthshire are visible. Pontypool RFC was one of eleven clubs inthe first Welsh league in 1881 and a brief but bruising musical portrayal of the formidable Pontypool front-row, the 'Viet Gwent' leads into the work's final section. This portrays Newport, a symbol for progress and optimism for the future, idealsshared by the Gwent Youth Band itself. The music is a vigorous fugue which advances through various keys and episodes before the final triumphant augmented entry which brings the work to a magnificent conclusion. NOTES ONPERFORMANCEPercussion requirements: (3 players) Timpani, 2 Tenor Drums, 2 Tom toms, Snare Drum (sticks and brushes required), Bass Drum, Clash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Hi-hat, Sizzle Cymbal, Tambourine, Metal block with metalbeater (eg hammer), Rattle (eg football rattle), Glockenspiel, Xylophone
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£74.99Willow Pattern - Philip Harper
Composed in 2009 for Nicholas Childs and the Black Dyke BandThis piece tells the Willow Pattern legend through music. Several leitmotifs are used both for the different characters and also for some of the important emotions in the tale. Additionally, Knoon-se's part is mainly played by the flugel horn, Changby the euphonium, the Mandarin by the Eb Bass and the Duke Ta-jin by the trombone. The Willow Pattern LegendOnce, in ancient China, there lived a wealthy and powerful Mandarin who had a beautiful daughter, Knoon-se. She had fallen in love with Chang, a humble accountant, which angered her father who imprisoned her in the Pavilion by the river with only theexotic birds for company. She learnt that the Mandarin planned to marry her to the pompous Duke Ta-jin and that the wedding would take place on the day the blossom fell from the willow tree, so she sent Chang a message: "Gather thy blossom, ere it bestolen". The Duke arrived by sea amid great fanfare when the tree was heavy with bud, and nights of magnificent banquets followed. After one such occasion when the Mandarin slept, Chang crept over the crooked fence and tiptoed into the Pavilion to rescueKnoon-se, but as they escaped the alarm was raised. They fled over the bridge with the Mandarin close on their heels brandishing his whip.They managed to escape by boat to a secluded island where they lived happily for a time. Meanwhile, the Mandarin learned of their refuge and, intent on revenge, he ordered his soldiers to kill them. As Knoon-se and Chang slept at night, the men setfire to the pagoda in which they lived and the lovers perished in the flames. However, the Gods, moved by the lovers' plight, transformed their souls into two turtle-doves which rose from the charred remains, soaring above the Earth, symbolising eternal happiness. Willow Pattern is dedicated to the memory of Jean Harper who passed away as I was completing the piece and who was a great collector of porcelain and china-ware. NOTES ON PERFORMANCEMute Requirements:Metal mutes soprano cornet, repiano cornet, 2nd cornets, 3rd cornets (6 in total) Cup mutes all cornets and trombones (10 + 3) Harmon mutes soprano cornet, solo cornets, repiano cornet (6) Percussion Requirements:There are two parts for percussion on the score. The minimum requirements are as follows: 2 players - Timpani, 2 Large tom toms, 2 Wood Blocks, Triangle, Sleigh Bells, Whip, Clash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Hi-hat, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Tam tam (or susp. cym.) For performances with extra resources, and to achieve closer authenticity, the full requirements are as follows: 3 players - Timpani, 3 Taiko Drums played with thick wooden sticks (or Large tom toms), 2 Wood Blocks, Triangle, Chinese Bells (or Sleigh Bells), Whip, Clash Cymbals, Chinese Cymbals (small clash cymbals approx 12"), Suspended Cymbal, Glockenspiel,Xylophone, Tam tam
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£98.00KirkFeld (Trombone Solo with Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Kirkhope, Grant - McKenzie, Jock
Written for Ian Bousfield and the International Trombone Festival 2017. Grant Kirkhope is a BAFTA nominated British composer who has created the soundtrack for video games that have sold in excess of 30 million copies. From "GoldenEye" to "Banjo-Kazooie", "Viva Pi?ata" to "Donkey Kong", "Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning" to "Civilization: Beyond Earth" and "Perfect Dark" to "Castle of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse". He has also recently scored the feature film "The King's Daughter" starring Pierce Brosnan and William Hurt and is currently working on "Yooka Laylee" and "Dropzone". Grant's score for "Viva Pi?ata" was nominated by BAFTA in the Original Score category in its 2007 awards. Grant is represented by the prestigious Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency by Cheryl Tiano and Kevin Korn. Grant has a degree in music from the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, where he majored in classical trumpet, is a green card holder and now lives in Agoura Hills, LA with his wife and two children. "Ian and I first met when we were around 15 years old. We both played in our county orchestra, the North Yorkshire Schools Symphony Orchestra (I was a trumpet player). I think we hit it off straight away, as we were definitely a couple of cheeky kids, if you know what I mean! We both ended up playing in Rowntree Mackintosh Brass Band for a while too which Ian's Dad, Trevor conducted. We bumped into each other again when we both went for the Shell/LSO Scholarship. I got to the area finals in Manchester so I was pretty pleased with myself but then I saw Ian and I knew it was all over! Of course Ian went on to win and the rest is history. I saw him again when I was attending the Royal Northern College of Music around 1983 by which time Ian had just got the principal chair at the Halle Orchestra. Then I guess 30 something years went by as we both went about our lives and lost touch. We re-kindled our friendship due to his wife really. She emailed me to say it was Ian's 50th birthday and she was collecting stories from all his friends over the years. After that we got back in touch and then one day on Facebook I got a message from him in typical dry Yorkshire fashion "now then Grant, I had a listen to your music and I think it's good, how about writing a piece for me ?" I was a little bit unsure at first but of course I loved Ian's playing and of course I said yes. Over a Skype call in 2016, he asked me what I thought I'd write. I said since I live in LA I'd like to write a "Hollywood" trombone piece. Imagine if John Williams had written a piece for solo trombone, that's what I'd like to write - well I'd certainly like to try" - Grant Kirkhope
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£17.50The Mansions of Glory (Score Only)
"A young, talented and tender-hearted actress was passing along the street of a large city. Seeing a pale, sick girl lying upon a couch just within the half-open door of a beautiful dwelling, she entered, with the thought that by her vivacity and pleasant conversation she might cheer the young invalid. The sick girl was a devoted Christian, and her words, her patience, her submission and heaven-lit countenance so demonstrated the spirit of her religion that the actress was led to give some earnest thought to the claims of Christianity, and was thoroughly converted and became a true follower of Christ. She told her father, the leader of a theatre troupe, of her conversion and of her desire to abandon the stage, stating that she could not live a consistent Christian life and follow the life of an actress. Her father was astonished beyond measure and told his daughter that their living would be lost to them and their business ruined if she persisted in her resolution.Loving her father dearly, she was shaken somewhat in her purpose and partially consented to fill the published engagement to be met in a few days. She was the star of the troupe, and a general favourite. Every preparation was made for the play in which she was to appear. The evening came and the father rejoiced that he had won back his daughter and that their living was not to be lost. The hour arrived; a large audience had assembled. The curtain rose and the young actress stepped forward firmly, amid the applause of the multitude. But an unwonted light beamed from her beautiful face. Amid the breathless silence of the audience, she repeated: 'My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine,For thee all the pleasures of sin I resign;My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art thou,If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.' This was all. Through Christ she had conquered and, leaving the audience in tears, she retired from the stage, never to appear upon it again. Through her influence her father was converted, and through their united evangelistic labours many were led to God." 1. My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine,For thee all the pleasures of sin I resign;My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art thou,If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.2. I love thee because thou hast first lovd me,And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow,If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.3. I will love thee in life, I will love thee in death, And praise thee as long as thou lendest me breath; And say, when the death-dew lies cold on my brow; If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.4. In mansions of Glory and endless delight,I'll ever adore thee and dwell in thy sight; I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow: If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now. William Ralph Featherstone
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£5.99Scripture-based Songs Compilation Folio Books
No. of TuneTitleRefernece1Above all powersSpring Harvest Song Book 2003, 12All for theeThe Musical Salvationist, January 19763All Heaven declaresMagnify, 24All the world is waitingThe Musical Salvationist, April 19875As we are gatheredThe Source, 296Be bold, be strongThe Source,387Be still for the presence of the LordMagnify, 78Beauty for brokennessThe Source,379Blessd be the name of the LordThe Source,5310Breathe 11By his handSing to the Lord, Vol.1, Part 112Come, now is the time to worshipThe Source, 66213Come on and celebrate!The Source, 7514Come, thou Fount of every blessing (Nettleton)Salvation Army Song Book, 31315ContentmentHappiness & Harmony, 1416Crown him with many crowns (Diademata)Salvation Army Song Book, 15617Cwm RhonddaSalvation Army Song Book, 57818Do something beautifulSing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1219Faithful GodThe Source, 8820Father, we love youHappiness & Harmony, 1621Give thanks with a grateful heartThe Source, 1822Glorious things of thee are spoken (Abbot's Leigh)Salvation Army Song Book, 15723God in youSing to the Lord, Vol.9, Part 224Great is the darkness (Come, Lord Jesus)Magnify, 1425He is ableSing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1526He is the Lord (Show your power)Magnify, 1927Healing ChristSing to the Lord, Vol.6, Part 328Here am I, my LordThe Musical Salvationist, July 199129His ProvisionThe Musical Salvationist, July 198530Holy, holy, holy is the LordSongs of Fellowship, 18231HosannaThe Source, 18232How deep the Father's love for usThe Source, 185; Songs of Fellowship II, 78033I am a new creationThe Source, 19134I dare to be differentSing to the Lord, Vol.1, Part 135I love you, LordMagnify, 2436I will run to you (Your eye is on the sparrow)The Source, 109337In Christ aloneThe Source, 131138In his presenceSing to the Lord, Vol.9, Part 339In his time 40In Jesus' nameSing to the Lord, Vol.13, Part 141In this quiet momentSing to the Lord, Vol.13, Part 342It is to youMagnify, 3043Jesus is Lord!The Source, 28444Jesus, name above all namesHappiness & Harmony, 3245Joyful, Joyful (Europe)Salvation Army Song Book, 1046King of Kings, MajestyThe Source, 30947Knowing You (All I once held dear)Magnify, 348Light of the world (Here I am to worship)Sing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1049Lord, I lift your name on highMagnify, 3850Lord, you know that we love youThe Musical Salvationist, April 198351Love Divine (Blaenwern)Salvation Army Song Book, 43852MajestyHappiness & Harmony, 4553My Lord and Christ!Sing to the Lord, Vol.2, Part 254My Lord, what love is thisThe Source, 37055My Saviour's love (I stand amazed)Salvation Army Song Book, 17956Nothing but thy bloodSing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1357O God of burning, cleansing flame (Send the fire)Salvation Army Song Book, 20358O happy daySalvation Army Song Book, 36559Oh to see the dawn (The power of the cross)Spring Harvest Song Book 2005, 6760Only by graceMagnify, 4861Power of your love (Lord, I come to you)Magnify, 3762Praise, my soulSalvation Army Song Book, 1763Praise to the Lord (Lobe den Herren)Salvation Army Song Book, 1964Regent SquareSalvation Army Song Book, 14765Rejoice!The Source, 43866Shout to the Lord (My Jesus, my Saviour)Magnify, 4367Sing and make musicHappiness & Harmony, 5568Spirit of the living GodSongs of Fellowship, 511; The Source, 46369Storm the forts of darknessSalvation Army Song Book, 69670Teach me to danceThe Source, 46971The light has comeHappiness & Harmony, 6372The Potter's hand (Beautiful Lord, wonderful Saviour)The Source, 64073The servant King (From Heaven you came)The Source, 11474The splendour of the KingSpring Harvest Song Book 2005, 9775There is a redeemerMagnify, 5976To be in your presence (My Desire)Magnify, 6177To God be the gloryThe Musical Salvationist, April 198878Wake up, O sleeperSing to the Lord, Vol.6, Part 279We are marchingThe Source, 53980We have come into this placeHappiness & Harmony, 7381We want to see Jesus lifted highThe Source, 55982When the music fades (The heart of worship)Magnify, 7083Who is on the Lord's side? (Rachie)Salvation Army Song Book, 707
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£29.95Scripture-based Songs Compilation Full Score
No. of TuneTitleRefernece1Above all powersSpring Harvest Song Book 2003, 12All for theeThe Musical Salvationist, January 19763All Heaven declaresMagnify, 24All the world is waitingThe Musical Salvationist, April 19875As we are gatheredThe Source, 296Be bold, be strongThe Source,387Be still for the presence of the LordMagnify, 78Beauty for brokennessThe Source,379Blessd be the name of the LordThe Source,5310Breathe 11By his handSing to the Lord, Vol.1, Part 112Come, now is the time to worshipThe Source, 66213Come on and celebrate!The Source, 7514Come, thou Fount of every blessing (Nettleton)Salvation Army Song Book, 31315ContentmentHappiness & Harmony, 1416Crown him with many crowns (Diademata)Salvation Army Song Book, 15617Cwm RhonddaSalvation Army Song Book, 57818Do something beautifulSing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1219Faithful GodThe Source, 8820Father, we love youHappiness & Harmony, 1621Give thanks with a grateful heartThe Source, 1822Glorious things of thee are spoken (Abbot's Leigh)Salvation Army Song Book, 15723God in youSing to the Lord, Vol.9, Part 224Great is the darkness (Come, Lord Jesus)Magnify, 1425He is ableSing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1526He is the Lord (Show your power)Magnify, 1927Healing ChristSing to the Lord, Vol.6, Part 328Here am I, my LordThe Musical Salvationist, July 199129His ProvisionThe Musical Salvationist, July 198530Holy, holy, holy is the LordSongs of Fellowship, 18231HosannaThe Source, 18232How deep the Father's love for usThe Source, 185; Songs of Fellowship II, 78033I am a new creationThe Source, 19134I dare to be differentSing to the Lord, Vol.1, Part 135I love you, LordMagnify, 2436I will run to you (Your eye is on the sparrow)The Source, 109337In Christ aloneThe Source, 131138In his presenceSing to the Lord, Vol.9, Part 339In his time 40In Jesus' nameSing to the Lord, Vol.13, Part 141In this quiet momentSing to the Lord, Vol.13, Part 342It is to youMagnify, 3043Jesus is Lord!The Source, 28444Jesus, name above all namesHappiness & Harmony, 3245Joyful, Joyful (Europe)Salvation Army Song Book, 1046King of Kings, MajestyThe Source, 30947Knowing You (All I once held dear)Magnify, 348Light of the world (Here I am to worship)Sing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1049Lord, I lift your name on highMagnify, 3850Lord, you know that we love youThe Musical Salvationist, April 198351Love Divine (Blaenwern)Salvation Army Song Book, 43852MajestyHappiness & Harmony, 4553My Lord and Christ!Sing to the Lord, Vol.2, Part 254My Lord, what love is thisThe Source, 37055My Saviour's love (I stand amazed)Salvation Army Song Book, 17956Nothing but thy bloodSing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1357O God of burning, cleansing flame (Send the fire)Salvation Army Song Book, 20358O happy daySalvation Army Song Book, 36559Oh to see the dawn (The power of the cross)Spring Harvest Song Book 2005, 6760Only by graceMagnify, 4861Power of your love (Lord, I come to you)Magnify, 3762Praise, my soulSalvation Army Song Book, 1763Praise to the Lord (Lobe den Herren)Salvation Army Song Book, 1964Regent SquareSalvation Army Song Book, 14765Rejoice!The Source, 43866Shout to the Lord (My Jesus, my Saviour)Magnify, 4367Sing and make musicHappiness & Harmony, 5568Spirit of the living GodSongs of Fellowship, 511; The Source, 46369Storm the forts of darknessSalvation Army Song Book, 69670Teach me to danceThe Source, 46971The light has comeHappiness & Harmony, 6372The Potter's hand (Beautiful Lord, wonderful Saviour)The Source, 64073The servant King (From Heaven you came)The Source, 11474The splendour of the KingSpring Harvest Song Book 2005, 9775There is a redeemerMagnify, 5976To be in your presence (My Desire)Magnify, 6177To God be the gloryThe Musical Salvationist, April 198878Wake up, O sleeperSing to the Lord, Vol.6, Part 279We are marchingThe Source, 53980We have come into this placeHappiness & Harmony, 7381We want to see Jesus lifted highThe Source, 55982When the music fades (The heart of worship)Magnify, 7083Who is on the Lord's side? (Rachie)Salvation Army Song Book, 707
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£30.00Janacek's 'Taras Bulba' - Janacek
Comments from Tim Paton, the arranger of Janacek's 'Taras Bulba': "I will never forget the day in 1967 when I was introduced to the music of Leos Janacek, a Czech composer born in 1854, who died in 1928. Janacek was little known in Britain until the 1960's, when the conductor Charles Macherras introduced his unique music. I heard a recording of Macherras conducting the Pro Arte Orchestra in a performance of Janacek's "Sinfonietta".It was in 1969 that I first heard Janacek's Symphonic Rhapsody, "Taras Bulba".Janacek's music is exciting, powerful, emotive, impassioned and unpredictable.I have taken the first and third movements of this piece, and adapted them for Brass Band, which was at times extremely difficult, but rewarding. It sometimes took up to an hour to be satisfied that a mere several bars had been reproduced to convey the composer's intentions.The Death of AndriThe Cossaks, under the leadership of Taras Bulba, are fighting against the Poles in the 17th century. Taras's son Andri seeks to rescue his love, a Polish princess, from a city which is being besieged by the Cossaks. Having found her, he throws in his lot with the Poles, but is finally captured by his father, who executes him as a traitor before riding off again to battle.Prophesy and Death of Taras BulbaTaras himself is finally captured and condemned to be nailed to a tree and burned alive. As the flames creep around him, Taras has the satisfaction of seeing histroops escape, and as he dies, sees a vision of his country freed at last.This is incredibly descriptive music. The mood is constantly changing, creating feelings of love and anger, celebration and melancholy, despair and triumph.This Brass Band EditionThe duration of the original symphonic rhapsody, three movements, is approximately 23 minutes. I chose the first and third movements, so the Brass Band edition is approximately 14 minutes. The main reason is twofold: Being realistic about the demands this music would place on the stamina of the brass player; Keeping the piece less than 15 minutes, so that, if desired, it could be used on the contest platform.Two unique qualities of Janacek's music had to be taken into account when preparing this brass band version. His compositional technique was individual, at times not sticking to traditional expectations, in both form and orchestration. I imagined what the genius himself would have said looking at my work, and how to tackle a particular section to emulate his original intentions. This was particularly the case when dealing with high woodwind and violin parts, the use of tremolo in string parts, and the orchestral harp.Percussion: Janacek included timpani, side drum, cymbals, triangle and tubular bells. For reasons stated previously, I have also included xylophone and glockenspiel. I have also added the gong in a couple of places to enhance the dramatic effect of the music.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£30.00
My Little Welsh Home - Traditional
A beautiful arrangement by Tim Paton of a Welsh song by W S Gwynne Williams. Created in memory of his mother, Tim has produced a wonderful version for brass band and has also included an optional vocal solo or unison choir line.Comments from the arranger:I have arranged [My Little Welsh Home] in memory of my mother. [She] was born, Doreen Davies, on 27th November 1918, in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, a small town in South West Wales. She had a beautiful voice, and met my father, Bill Paton, during World War II, whilst she was singing in a troop concert at the County Theatre in her home town, and my father was the MC.Throughout her life, my mother and father entertained, and she was singing right up until the final months of her life. She spent many years in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, a seaside town in South West England, and it was here that she passed away on 20th September 2004. During the last several months of her life, she often referred to the song My Little Welsh Home:Here are the words.I am dreaming of the mountains of my homeOf the mountains where in childhood I would roamI have dwelt 'neath southern skiesWhere the summer never diesBut my heart is in the mountains of my homeI can see the little homestead on the hillI can hear the magic music of the RhyllThere is nothing to compareWith the love that once was thereIn the lonely little homestead on the hillI can see the quiet churchyard down belowWhere the mountain breezes wander to and froAnd when God my soul will keepIt is there I want to sleepWith those dear old folks that loved me long agoLooking at the words, I can see why it meant so much to her. Haverfordwest is at the foot of the Preseli Mountains, and her home and church were at the top of a hill. My mothers' ashes were taken back to her own little Welsh home, and laid to rest in the grounds of the church where she had been Christened, Confirmed and Married.Look and Listen (Score-reading digital sound-sample):
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£34.95Funk Engine (Score and Parts)
'Funk Engine' was commissioned by Brass Bands England for the 2016 National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. What Ryan says about the piece:"When I was commissioned to write a piece for the Championships I decided that I wanted to create something a bit different to standard brass band repertoire. I decided that the best way to do this was to go a bit out of my comfort zone and explore some styles of music that I have yet to experiment with. I have always been a great lover of jazz, funk and big band music and the sounds associated with them. In 'Funk Engine' I have tried to capture some of these sounds, however I am a brass-bander at heart and as such I've tried to create a fusion of styles that hopefully combines the best of brass band and jazz into one piece.'Funk Engine' runs continuously, but is divided into three broad sections - fast, slow, fast. The opening is in driving big band style, which segues into a smoother lyrical section; the pace then picks up into a jazz inspired scherzo. After a delicate transition from the basses and trombones the euphonium plays a soaring scale - bringing us into the central movement - which begins with a series of languid solos before descending into a darker interlude. A flugel solo lightens the mood and the music gains momentum leading into a brief cornet chorale before a euphonium solo leads into a percussive climactic passage for full band. As this section winds down to settle on an open fifth, the Hi-hat and Bass section punctuate the texture with the first notes of the final section."The final section of the piece is in similar big band style to the opening and develops material from the first two movements. The percussion feature heavily at this stage and the tension builds towards a final statement, with the piece concluding with a bang!"
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£14.95Funk Engine (Score Only)
'Funk Engine' was commissioned by Brass Bands England for the 2016 National Youth Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. What Ryan says about the piece:"When I was commissioned to write a piece for the Championships I decided that I wanted to create something a bit different to standard brass band repertoire. I decided that the best way to do this was to go a bit out of my comfort zone and explore some styles of music that I have yet to experiment with. I have always been a great lover of jazz, funk and big band music and the sounds associated with them. In 'Funk Engine' I have tried to capture some of these sounds, however I am a brass-bander at heart and as such I've tried to create a fusion of styles that hopefully combines the best of brass band and jazz into one piece.'Funk Engine' runs continuously, but is divided into three broad sections - fast, slow, fast. The opening is in driving big band style, which segues into a smoother lyrical section; the pace then picks up into a jazz inspired scherzo. After a delicate transition from the basses and trombones the euphonium plays a soaring scale - bringing us into the central movement - which begins with a series of languid solos before descending into a darker interlude. A flugel solo lightens the mood and the music gains momentum leading into a brief cornet chorale before a euphonium solo leads into a percussive climactic passage for full band. As this section winds down to settle on an open fifth, the Hi-hat and Bass section punctuate the texture with the first notes of the final section."The final section of the piece is in similar big band style to the opening and develops material from the first two movements. The percussion feature heavily at this stage and the tension builds towards a final statement, with the piece concluding with a bang!"
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days