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£94.95An Age of Kings (Mezzo-Soprano Solo with Brass Band and optional choir - Score and Parts) - Gregson, Edward
The origins of this work date back to 1988, when I was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company to write the music for The Plantagenets trilogy, directed by Adrian Noble in Stratford-upon-Avon. These plays take us from the death of Henry V to the death of Richard III. Later, in 1991, I wrote the music for Henry IV parts 1 and 2, again in Stratford. All of these plays are concerned with the struggle for the throne, and they portray one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the British monarchy.Much of the music used in these productions was adapted into two large symphonic suites for wind band - The Sword and the Crown (1991) and The Kings Go Forth (1996). An Age of Kings is a new version for brass band incorporating music from both the symphonic suites for wind band. It was specially composed for a recording made by the Black Dyke Band, conducted by Nicholas Childs, in 2004.An Age of Kings is music on a large-scale canvas, scored for augmented brass band, with the addition of harp, piano, mezzo-soprano solo, male chorus, as well as two off-stage trumpets. The music is also organized on a large-scale structure, in three movements, which play without a break - "Church and State", "At the Welsh Court", and "Battle Music and Hymn of Thanksgiving".The first movement, "Church and State", opens with a brief fanfare for two antiphonal trumpets (off-stage), but this only acts as a preface to a Requiem aeternam (the death of Henry V) before changing mood to the English army on the march to France; this subsides into a French victory march, but with the English army music returning in counterpoint. A brief reminder of the Requiem music leads to the triumphal music for Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, father of Edward IV and Richard III (the opening fanfare transformed). However, the mood changes dramatically once again, with the horrors of war being portrayed in the darkly-drawn Dies Irae and Dance of Death, leading to the final section of the first movement, a funeral march for Henry VI.The second movement, "At the Welsh Court", takes music from the Welsh Court in Henry IV part 1 with a simple Welsh folk tune sung by mezzo-soprano to the inevitable accompaniment of a harp. This love song is interrupted by distant fanfares, forewarning of battles to come. However, the folk song returns with variation in the musical fabric. The movement ends as it began with off-stage horn and gentle percussion.The final movement, "Battle Music and Hymn of Thanksgiving", starts with two sets of antiphonally placed timpani, drums and tam-tam, portraying the 'war machine' and savagery of battle. Trumpet fanfares and horn calls herald an heroic battle theme which, by the end of the movement, transforms itself into a triumphant hymn for Henry IV's defeat of the rebellious forces.- Edward GregsonDuration - 22'00"Optional TTBB available separately.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£10.00Edward Gregson: Concertante for Piano and Brass Band
DescriptionProgramme NoteThe Concertante for Piano and Brass Band was written in 1966, when the composer was an undergraduate student at the Royal Academy of Music in London. It received its first public concert performance in 1967 at the Royal Festival Hall, London, when the composer was the soloist with the International Band of the Salvation Army, conducted by Bernard Adams. It was one of the first major works to be written for this particular combination.The Concertante is unashamedly romantic in idiom and is in three movements: Prelude, Nocturne and Rondo. The Prelude is cast in sonata form and opens with a short cadenza-like flourish from the soloist, followed by two main ideas - the first sweepingly dramatic, the second highly lyrical. The interplay between these two themes forms the main focus of the movement, and after a return to the opening theme, an exuberant codetta brings the music to a close, albeit a quiet one.https://www.morthanveld.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Gregson-Concertante-1st-movt-clip.mp3The tender Nocturne opens with an introduction from the band that contains precursors of the two main ideas to follow. The solo piano announces the main theme, which has a slightly 'bluesy' character with its flattened third and seventh notes of the scale, and is a love song dedicated to the composer's wife-to-be. The band enters with phrases of a chorale already hinted at in the introduction - Ray Steadman-Allen's hymn tune 'Esher' - but never quite presented in its complete state. Both ideas are developed alongside each other, with eventually the first theme returning, this time with piano and band together, and building to a majestic climax, before subsiding to a peaceful coda - a return to the very opening of the movement.https://www.morthanveld.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Gregson-Concertante-movt-2-clip.mp3The final Rondo is full of energetic rhythms and changing time patterns. The main theme is playful in character, with much interplay between soloist and band, whilst the middle section presents a new theme, and one that has more than a hint of the hymn tune 'Onward Christian Soldiers', in what amounts to a good humoured parody. The opening Rondo theme returns, this time leading to a powerful and dissonant climax from the band. This is followed by an extended piano cadenza, underlying the virtuoso aspect of the work, and leading to an energetic and life-affirming coda, which brings the work to a triumphant conclusion.https://www.morthanveld.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Gregson-Concertante-movt-3-clip.mp3Duration: 18 minutesInstrumentation:Please note that there is no 1st/Repiano Cornet part in this work. The 1st/Repiano Cornet player should join the Solo Cornet bench. As such an extra Solo Cornet part is provided in the set of parts.Version for two pianosA version of the Concertante for two pianos is available for rehearsal purposes. Piano 1 is the solo part and Piano 2 the band reduction. However, for those pianists not needing to rehearse the work in this way, a solo piano part is also provided with the main set of band parts.To view a preview of the solo part for the first movement click here.The youthful Gregson (his work was written as a third year undergraduate) was seemingly a bit of a musical magpie - but one heck of a skilful one at that.These were shiny baubles of poise, panache and pastiche, with affectionate, remarkably mature nods of appreciation towards Gershwin, Rachmaninov, Ireland and even Elmer as well as Leonard Bernstein.The rich colour palette and flowing lines (with the tenderest of central Nocturnes) were a joy - as were the little buds of motifs that dotted the score like seeds ready to be planted on a future fertile brass band compositional field. - Iwan Fox, 4Barsrest.com, June 2019For more information on Edward Gregson's music please visit the composer's website: www.edwardgregson.com
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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£188.50
Fansa da Matasa - Reid Gilje
"Fansa da Matasa" was written for Norwegian Brass Band Felleskorpset Askoy, today named Ravnanger Brass.The piece is divided into six main parts where the last one includes the hymn "Colne";Part 1 starts slowly, but rhythmically where the intensity grows towards a virtuosic Part 2.Part 2 feature a demaning solo for xylophone (bars 55 to 63). A simplified version of this solo is included in the part.Part 3 starts with some declamatory cadences and continue with several solos before it closed with a larger tutti-part.Part 4 has to be played well firmly and rhythmically. The melody is more of a cantabile style.Part 5 is a beautiful and quiet one with a touch of melancholy. (Small notes in Baritone to played if necessary).Part 6 has to be played with a rhythmic drive and intensity. The hymn "Colne" starts at bar 248 and should be played with a sostenuto-style.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£38.95Unity Series Band Journal - Numbers 510 - 513, October 2022
510: March - There is a fountain (Zachary Docter)This bright and cheerful march takes two songs as its basis; Jesus loves me! This I know (S.A.S.B. 807) and There is a fountain (S.A.S.B 202).511: Shine, Jesus, shine (Marcus Venables)While this piece was originally written for young people at a summer music camp in Canada, the piece is a light programme item suitable for smaller ensembles of any age.512: My Trust (Alan Williams)This setting is based on the simple chorus In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust (S.A.S.B 594). Ordinarily heard in 3/4 times, this 4/4 version of the tune has the space for reflection written into the notation.513: Power in the blood (Martyn Thomas)This is a blues/rock arrangement of the traditional hymn Would you be free from your burden of sin? (S.A.S.B 451). It can be used as a stand-alone piece or equally well as an accompaniment for congregational singing.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£38.95Unity Series Band Journal - Numbers 474 - 477, February 2019
474: Prelude - Tell me the old, old story (Munashe Chikwezvero)Arabella Hankey's verses (S.A.S.B. 150) were originally written in 1866 while the author was recovering from a serious illness. The music was then added by William Howard Doane in 1868. This prelude comes to us from a Salvationist composer from the Hunyani Corps in the Zimbabwe Territory.475: My Redeemer lives (Marcus Venables)This lively arrangement of My Redeemer lives (S.A.S.B. 223) was written for the North York Temple Junior Band. The music is designed to emulate the more challenging Salvation Army band pieces to which younger musicians might aspire, as well as being a joyful announcement of our Redeemer's resurrection.476: Filte (Roger Trigg)Filte (FAHL-cheh) is the Irish word for welcome. This music was written to commemorate the start of The Salvation Army's work in Ireland. It features the tune The Eden Above (T.B. 503) which is purported to be the first song performed by a Salvation Army delegation on Irish soil. The next hymn presented is King of kings, majesty (S.A.S.B. 376) which has been a significant song in the life of Belfast Citadel Corps in its more recent past. The piece closes with the confident music of the song I believe we shall win (S.A.S.B. 990).477: Chorus Arrangement - Follow, I will follow thee (Morgan Juel Stavik)This is a gentle setting of H.L. Brown's melody Follow, I will follow thee.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£40.02A Friend I Have (Brass Band) Fendall Hill
The composer writes: 'This work is a personal interpretation of the well known hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus. This piece is autobiographical in that it reflects the friendship I have with Jesus, and some of the moods, nature and outcomes of many of those conversations. For example, the Blues section is representative of times where I present my 'blues' to him, and he turns them around. It's very personal and hard to describe the full nature of my relationship, but this music provides a good window. He is certainly my Lord, my Saviour, and my most precious friend.' PDF download includes score and full set of parts. Sheet music available from: UK - www.brassband.co.uk USA - www.solidbrassmusic.com To view a performance video of the work please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN-zYhdwaxM Difficulty Level: 1st Section + Instrumentation: Soprano Cornet Eb Solo Cornet Bb 1st Cornet Bb 2nd 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 1-2 Bb Bass Eb Bass Bb Drum Kit Temple Blocks Timbales
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
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£32.02March - His Royal Banner (Brass Band) Jonathan Mead
This upbeat, foot-tapping march by Welsh composer Jonathan Mead features the two well known Welsh tunes of Aberystwyth and God Bless The Prince of Wales. Aberystwyth is set as a big bold bass solo and careful attention will need to be paid to make sure that it sounds clean and together. God Bless The Prince of Wales first appears as a traditional hymn tune, before returning in a more vibrant, lively style, with florid scalic passages for the solo cornets and euphoniums. The march was written with St David's Day in mind, although will be an appropriate addition to concert programme throughout the year as either an opener or finisher. Difficulty Level: 3rd Section + Sheet music available from: UK - www.brassband.co.uk USA - www.solidbrassmusic.com 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 Clash Cymbals Glockenspiel
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
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£44.95Love-Lifted-Me (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
The composer describes this piece as a waltz fantasy - it embodies many characteristics of the dance, and has a few flights of fancy as well! The source of inspiration for the work is the much loved hymn Love lifted me with words by James Rowe (S.A.S.B. 583) and music by Howard E. Smith (T.B. 744).This high-spirited celebration in music will make a wonderful addition to your library.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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