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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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£55.00Coronation Scene. - Modest Mussorgsky
Few operas have had such a remarkable history as Mussorgsky's masterpiece Boris Godunov. It exists in no less than three complete versions by the composer himself, as well as posthumous editions andorchestrations by Rimsky-Korsakov (from which this arrangement is taken), Shostakovich and others.The Coronation Scene is set in the Square of the Moscow Kremlin, between the Cathedral of the Assumption and theCathedral of Archangel Michael, the year is 1598. After being crowned as Tsar, Boris Godunov acknowledges the people's acclamations and the bells of the two cathedrals, as well as many churches within the vicinity, canbeheard ringing out across St Petersburg.Available here are the score and parts for Mussorgsky's Coronation Scene (Boris Godunov), as arranged for Brass Band by Phillip Littlemore.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£84.99Festivus Americas - Stephen Bulla
Dedicated to the North American Brass Band Association, this is music that is full of energy and dynamic extremes. In form it draws from the overture style, although the themes are self-existing and the piece is programmatic. Working well asa festival opener, it sets a mood of excitement. Following the rhythmic fanfares of the opening, the first theme is presented in the cornets followed by a return to the same rhythmic material. A second theme appears in the horn section and isdeveloped, changing into a darker and sinister form of the same motif. Eventually a Maestoso section is reached, full of sustained block chords in the cornets and trombones, as the rest of the band counters with cascading lines that weavestraight through the brighter instruments.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£154.60Circius - Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen
The work is important for me because it was my first piece to be performed outside Norway. Black Dyke Band/David King performed it and did a recording of it in 1991. In the original score I quote a Swedish bishop (Olaus Mangnus) who lived in the 15th century. He travelled around Scandinavia and drew maps - very important historic material. When he came to the north of Norway (where I come from) he decribed the wind from the north as Ciricus: (something like) Worst of all winds is Circius, that revolves (?= turn upside down) heaven and earth. (Well, not a good translation Im afraid). The fast sections reflects the mighty winds from the north. In the middle section, I borrowed afolksong-like tune (by C. Elling, a Norwegian composer). The text (by Kristoffer Janson) tells about old times when the fishermen used open boats: they had to put their lives in the hands of God.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£119.99The Binding of the Wolf - Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen
This piece was commissioned by Nordhordland Brass Seminar in 1990 and written for a youth band. The title referes to a story from norse mythology. "The Binding of the Wolf" is not a programmatic piece of music, but I felt that there was a kind of coherence between the music and the dramatic story: "...The wolf Fenrir was one of the demonic offspring of Loki, and as he grew up in Asgard among the gods, he became so huge and fierce that only Tyr was willing to feed him. It was decided that he must be bound, and Odin in his wisdom caused the cunning dwarfs to forge a chain which could not be broken. It was made from the invisible and yet potent powers ofthe world, such as the roots of a mountain, the noise of a moving cat, the breath of a fish. When completed, this chain seemed to be no more than a silken cord, but the wolf refused to let it be laid upon him unless one of the gods would put a hand between his jaws as a pledge that it was harmless. Only Tyr was prepared to do this, and when the wolf found that the chain was unbreakable, the gods rejoiced, but Tyr lost his hand. The binding of the wolf may be seen as a means of protecting the world of men, as well as that of the gods, from destruction. The story of the god losing his hand appears to be one of the fundamental myths of nothern Europe..."
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£54.99Manic Metronome - Peter Martin
A metronome can drive you crazy, particularly when the tempo is fairly quick. But what would you think of a metronome that goes crazy itself? From the very beginning of this fun piece, the machine tries to put the band on the wrong track, and it almost works. Composer Peter Martin created a charming piece of music, but the question is, does it all end well? Use your imagination and creativity in Manic Metronome!
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£111.70Himlen i min famn - Carola Häggkvist - Reid Gilje
"Heaven in My Arms" is a beautiful melody by Carola Haggkvist with lyrics by Erik Hillestad.This version is without vocal soloist so the melody is spread into many parts throughout the arrangement.To the conductor:Strive for good flow and phrasing. Feel free to be a bit creative with the phrasing. It invites for two-bar phrases in the melody, but perhaps 2/2/4 could also work nicely.Balance is very important. Often there is both melody and obligato/countermelody in addition to harmonic elements. Let each of them have their own layer in the balance.Staccato effects in cornets and marimba are intended as pizzicato effects and must be phrased. Not too static.The tutti section at 72 can be energetic with intense lines. Maybe a little piu mosso as well. Think big and orchestral with good resonance and timbre.- Reid Gilje -
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£105.00Handel in the Band - Kenneth Downie
Handel in the Band is a virtuoso set of symphonic variations on one of Handel's best known keyboard dances, the Sarabande from his Suite in D minor, HWV 437, based on the Spanish traditional dance La Folia. Kenneth Downie's work was commissioned by Brass Band Treize Etoiles, for performance at the 2013 Swiss National Brass Band Championships, where it was conducted by James Gourlay. The title is a reference to Percy Grainger's popular Handel in the Strand, and is indicative of the witty and theatrical nature of the music, which is more playful than conventional competition pieces and as such offers different challenges to brass bands as well as beingthoroughly entertaining for audiences. Kenneth Downie is one of the most respected and experienced brass band composers. His music has been widely performed and published throughout the brass band world since the 1960s.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£76.99Variations on Shalom Chaverim - Andreas Ludwig Schulte
Shalom Chaverim is an ancient Hebrew (farewell)song, which was originally sung at the end of a celebration or meeting. It was and is mostly sung as a round. Freely translated the words mean "Goodbye, friends, goodbye and see you again!". The varying moods at a parting have been captured very well by Andreas Schulte in his arrangement 'Variations on Shalom Chaverim'. The composer himself says about the song, 'Although the melody is in a minor key, the overall atmosphere in the song is positive. one wishes each other all the best. Saying goodbye, however, also hurts. When you slow down the pace of the melody and add 'blue notes' in the harmonies, this can be sensed immediately.'Schulte refers here to the first variation. The second variation is very intense with possibly even deeper-felt emotions. 'Variations on Shalom Chaverim' ends on a cheerful and positive note, in fast tempo, and with oriental elements in the melody: 'L'hitra'ot, Shalom' (See you again, and farewell!).
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£94.9920,000 Leagues under the Sea - Philip Harper
Frenchman Jules Verne was a pioneer in science fiction during the late 19th Century, penning some classic stories such as Journey to the Centre of the Earth and Around the World in 80 Days - both of which have already been the subject of brass band test-pieces. It was therefore natural for me to choose Verne's 1869 watery magnum opus as the subject for this piece to which there are five sections, as well as an introduction and a finale.I. THE NAUTILUS. After a mysterious introduction we are introduced to The Nautilus - a fantastical submarine.II. THE CORAL KINGDOM. We visit awe-inspiring underwater coral formations.III. SQUID ATTACK. The Nautilus is attacked by a school of giant squid, or 'devilfish'.IV. CAPTAIN NEMO. Captain Nemo is a loner and an eccentric. Some say he is a madman. Soloists of the band help to uncover the character of this enigmatic but powerful figure.V. MAELSTROM. The Nautilus is dragged into the ocean's deadliest whirlpool but Captain Nemo lives to fight another day.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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