Results
-
£55.00Purcell Variations (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Purcell Variations, composed in 1995, the year of the tercentenary of the death of the great English composer, was a watershed work in that it was Downie's first extended composition to be published independently of The Salvation Army and intended for wider use.For his theme, Downie has chosen what has come down to us as the hymn tune Westminster Abbey, which is in fact an adaptation made in 1842 by Ernest Hawkins, who was a Canon of Westminster Abbey where Purcell himself had been organist. Purcell's original is actually the closing section of an anthem, O God, Thou art my God, where it provides the final paean of praise, sung to repeated 'Hallelujahs'. Purcell's tune, particularly the opening triadic gesture, is used as a source of thematic and harmonic material - a quarry for ideas if you like: "I was obsessed with the intervals of thirds in Purcell's tune, rather like Brahms in his Third Symphony", the composer says.There are five variations, preceded by an extended introduction and theme. In the first variation, Purcell's lilting dance pulse has been transformed into a bright, playful sequence, in which each phrase of the melody is given its own transformation. In the second, Purcell's opening gambit is extended into a graceful, flowing waltz, featuring solo and first horn at the top of the register. The composer offers a range of metronome speeds in this movement, in which he is emulating the wistful elegance of Erik Satie's famous Gymnopedie. We enter the world of big band jazz in variation three, where Purcell's tune strides along with added syncopation and bluesy major/minor thirds to the fore. After the breathless energy and blazing brass of the big band, Downie moves into his 'home territory' for a beautifully worked lyrical variation. There is an enhanced urgency about the final variation, which opens with an extended reprise of the work's introduction. Purcell's second and third phrases provide the preparation for the exuberant return, in customary triumph of Purcell's 'Hallelujah'.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£34.95Song of the Night Sky (Cornet Solo)
Cornet Solo with Brass BandOrpheus is known as the most talented music player of the ancient times. It is said that god Apollo was his father, from whom took his extreme talent in music, and the Muse Calliope was his mother. Tragedy struck when his wife, Eurydice stepped on a viper which in turn bit her, injecting its fatal venom. Nothing could stop his cries of anguish and sheer pain and sorrow upon realizing his beautiful Eurydice was dead. Orpheus decided to go into the Underworld to get his wife back. Apollo, his father, would talk to Hades, the god of the Underworld to accept him and hear his plea.And so Orpheus set off into the Underworld and was warned that for no reason must he look back while his wife was still in the dark, for that would undo everything he hoped for. As Orpheus was reaching the exit of the Underworld, he could hear the footfalls of his wife approaching him. As his was approaching the exit, his heart was beating faster and faster.The moment he stepped on the world of the living, he turned his head to hug his wife. Unfortunately, he got only a glimpse of Eurydice before she was once again drawn back into the underworld. When Orpheus turned his head, Eurydice was still in the dark, she hadn't seen the sun and, was drowned back to the dark world of the dead. Waves of anguish and despair swept over him and shuddering with grief he approached the Underworld again but this time, he was denied entry, the gates were standing shut and god Hermes, sent by Zeus, wouldn't let him in.His songs were no more joyful but extremely sad. His only comfort was to lay on a huge rock and feel the caress of the breeze, his only vision were the open skies.Song of the Night Sky was recorded by Tom Hutchinson and the Cory Band in June 2015, featuring on his debut solo album.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£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
-
£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
-
£83.00
A Bournemouth Suite - Benjamin Tubb
Bournemouth Suite was written by Benjamin Tubb in 2005, when the composer was just 17 years of age. After spending many school holiday weeks with his grandparents in the coastal town of Bournmouth, it was obvious that these experiences would make a great basis for a composition.This testpiece is split into three separate movements: Balloon Ride, The Pier at Night and The BIC. Each movement has its own unique character, although there are ideas shared by all three throughout, one of which is the opening syncopation.Balloon RideThe First movement, Balloon Ride, describes a journey on "The Bournemouth Eye", a tethered hot air balloon that takes you up 500 feet. It's located in the middle of the town centre, which enables you to see surrounding countryside for up to 20 miles! The movement begins rather ominously as the balloon raises from the ground which leads into a more lively section caharacteresed by the repeating quavers in the lower brass and woodblock. The movement ends in much the same way as it started - signalling the return to terra firma.The Pier At NightDuring the summer there are several large firework displays in the town centre. The second movement, The Pier At Night descirbes an evening spent on the beach in deckchairs watching the montage of colours in the night-time sky. With demanding solos for horn and cornet, as well as exposed playing spread throughout the band, this slow movement will really test a band's expressive and lyrical playing.The 'BIC'The Bournemouth INternational Centre, also known as "The BIC" is one of Bournemouth's most visited attractions, and regularly hosts shows such as 'Riverdance' and pantomimes. Inside is a world of entertainment and the centre itself is just a stone's throw from both "The Bournemouth Eye" and the Pier. The 3rd movement has been written to describe the buzz of activity surrounding the BIC, and the entire works ends with the same syncopated motif from the beginning.A Bournemouth Suite was set as the 'set-test' at the Pontins Brass Band Championships 2009.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£25.00Prelude 1946
For seventy years, the North West Area Brass Bands Association has been representing bands in the North West of England and surrounding areas. Their members come from Cheshire, Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, Isle of Man, Lancashire, North Wales, Staffordshire and Yorkshire. Prelude 1946 was commissioned to mark this special land-mark year. Taking inspiration from John Williams 1988 Olympic Spirit, the work opens with a heraldic fanfare before moving into its stately main theme, which gradually builds into a triumphant climax. An ideal concert opener for those of you who want to start off a concert with some American-style flair. Duration: 00:03:45 Grade : 3
Estimated dispatch 5-7 working days
-
£22.99Still, Still, Still Trad arr. Joseph Knight
This is a great little Christmas number that is easy to get together. It starts with a simple quartet setting of the carol, it then moves into the full band playing the piece. Then there is a minor, slightly Russian setting of the music, before it moves into a 3/4 waltz setting back in the tonic key. It then moves back 4/4 for the final setting of the carol with a full final verse before moving back to a quartet for the ending.
Estimated dispatch 5-9 working days
-
£37.44Three 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
-
£33.70Metamorphosis on 'Finlandia' (Brass Band - Full Score Print) Andrew Wainwright
This major work was commissioned by Five Lakes Silver Band and its Musical Director Christopher Ward in February 2024, and is featured on the band's CD Resurget Cineribus. The music is based on the hymn tune by Katharina von Schlegel, Be Still, My Soul, found in Sibelius' famous tone poem Finlandia (Op. 26). While the only source material used in Metamorphosis on 'Finlandia' is the hymn itself as opposed to any of the developmental music found in the tone poem, it does also seek to depict the strife of the Finnish people against the censorship of the Russian Empire. It is therefore both rousing and turbulent at various times. Metamorphosis on 'Finlandia' commences with a quartet playing a full statement of the hymn in its simplest form, featuring a solo flugel. This leads into a sprightly 6/8 section where a fanfare-like figure proclaims the theme. The music in this section is at times unstable and off-kilter as references to the hymn come and go, often in a very chromatic or dissonant form - a reflection of the struggles that the Finnish people went through. Despite this, there is still a sense of optimism. A somewhat reflective slower section follows, featuring another full rendition of the hymn, with a number of solo voices taking up the tune. This is followed by several cadenzas - for cornet, trombone, Eb bass, and Bb bass, which represent different voices speaking out against the oppression of the Finnish people. This leads into an energetic final movement before a resounding proclamation of the hymn in its full glory. A return to the fanfare heard earlier in the work brings the piece to a glorious conclusion. To listen to a recording of Five Lakes Silver Band performing the work please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeJJF6asD2k Duration: Approx. 13.15 minutes Difficulty Level: 1st Section + This product includes a print copy of the full score. PDF parts and score available here. Sheet music available here (UK) or www.cimarronmusic.com (USA) 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 1-3
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
-
£74.89Gothique Fantasy - On a theme by Boellmann (Brass Band) Andrew Wainwright
This magnificent work was commissioned by The Illinois Brass Band for the 2024 North American Brass Band Championships. Based on Leon Boellmann's epic organ work Suite Gothique, the 3rd movement of which is entitled Priere a Notre-Dame (A Prayer for Notre Dame), it pays tribute to the nearly 700-year-old Notre-Dame de Paris after the fire which did so much damage to this iconic building. Notre-Dame stands out for its three pipe organs (one historic) and its immense church bells, which are referenced at various times in Gothique Fantasy. Two of the other movements from Boellmann's work also provide inspiration for the piece, firstly the Introduction - Choral, and the famous Toccata, snippets of which appear at various times in the piece. Gothique Fantasy opens with the Choral, a solo offstage cornet sounding the opening statement. A quintet, stood to the side of the stage, takes up the Choral, while the rest of the band enters on held muted notes, creating a sustained effect evoking the harmonies spreading across the vast cathedral. Colossal organ-like sounds announce themselves as the full band takes on the theme. A lively Animato follows. Here there are continued references to the Choral, while the famous Toccata motif starts to appear. A Misterioso section ensues, which leads into a poignant Prayer for Notre Dame featuring a euphonium duet, where the music reflects upon the devasting fire and centuries of history and artefacts that were lost. A lone euphonium the sounds, representing the remaining remnants of the cathedral. A chaotic and rhythmic Presto, based on the Toccata, then follows and tests the technique of the band from top to bottom, whilst moving through various time signatures, the pulse lacking any sense of stability. A return to the Choral theme leads into a further reflective section, this time featuring the secondary theme from the Toccata with a flugel and solo horn duet. Next the music arrives at an aleatory section (Senza Misura), which depicts the remnants of the fire, followed by the grand cathedral emerging out of the ashes. Various motifs from earlier in the piece are heard across the band. At this point, various parts enter at different times on the conductor's signal, before building towards a 6/8 Presto. Here the music gathers momentum as it leads to a Grandioso finale featuring the Choral in all its glory. However, to conclude the work, the final strains of the Toccata sound, bringing the work to a glorious conclusion as Notre-Dame rises again! To view a video of The Illinois Brass Band performing the work please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG3JB6Ye5aU Duration: 15.00 minutes approx. Difficulty Level: Championship Section This PDF download includes parts and score. Sheet music available from www.brassband.co.uk 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 Percussion 1-4
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days