Results
-
£112.50The World Rejoicing (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Gregson, Edward
The World Rejoicing was commissioned by the National Brass Band Associations of Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and the British Open, as the test piece for their competitions in 2020/21. Although the work was completed in 2019, the pandemic of 2020 meant that these competitions were postponed until 2021/22. The premiere took place in September 2021 at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, UK.In searching for a common link between the brass band traditions of the various European countries that commissioned this work, I considered the fact that hymns have always played an important role in the relationship that brass bands have with their particular communities; and thus I turned to a well- known Lutheran chorale, Nun danket alle Gott (Now thank we all our God), written around 1636 by Martin Rinkart, with the melody attributed to Johann Cruger. A number of composers have incorporated this chorale into their music, most famously J.S. Bach in his Cantatas no. 79 and 192, and Mendelssohn in the Lobsegang movement of his 2nd Symphony (the harmonisation of which is usually used when this hymn is sung).It seemed fitting therefore for me to return to a compositional form I have used many times before (Variations) and to write a work based on this hymn. I have used it in a similar way to that which I employed in my Variations on Laudate Dominum of 1976 - that is, rather than writing a set of variations using elaborations of the complete tune, I have taken various phrases from the chorale and used them within the context of other musical material, applying an overall symphonic process of continuous variation and development. The structure, or sub-divisions of the work, which is through composed and plays without a break, is as follows:Prelude, Capriccio, La Danza 1, Processional, La Danza 2, Arias and Duets, Fuga Burlesca, Chorale, and Postlude.The work, which is around 16 minutes in length, is also partly autobiographical - in the manner say of Strauss's Ein Heldenleben - in that I have incorporated into the score brief quotations from many of my other major works for brass band. In that respect, The World Rejoicing sums up a particular facet of my life as a composer, and reflects the admiration I have always had for what is surely one of the great amateur music-making traditions in the world.Duration: 16.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£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
-
£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
-
£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
-
£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
-
£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
View Music