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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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£91.99A Bandsman's Overture - Philip Sparke
A Bandsman's Overture was commissioned by British Bandsman magazine to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2012.It was premiered by Black Dyke Band, conducted by Dr Nicholas Childs, at a special anniversary concert held in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, on July 1st.British Bandsman was for a period known as British Bandsman and Contest Field, following an amalgamation of two magazines. The then owner, John Henry Iles, celebrated this new title by commissioning Ord Hume to write the famous march, BB & CF. As a salute to this heritage A Bandsman's Overture starts with thefour notes, B(b)-B(b)-C-F, a motive which permeates an opening fanfare, which contrasts a busy opening with a more legato central section.This gives way to a bustling Vivo, based on repeated staccato notes. A change of key heralds a central cantabile melody, first on euphoniums and baritone and then played by the full band, which is followed by a short development section. This leads to a transformed reprise and a return of the opening fanfare, decorated this time by florid muted cornets.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£115.60
In Dulci Jubilo - Idar Torskangerpoll
This Christmas psalm is famous all over the world and especially in Europe. It is likely that the melody is more than 600 years old.Many famous composers have written their own harmonics and versions of the psalm. This arrangement isbased on two different harmonics; The first and third verse is based on the harmonics by Michael Praetorius while the second verse is based on the harmonics of Johann Sebastian Bach.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£271.60Aubade - Dawn Songs of the Fabulous Birds - Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen
Commissioned by The Norwegian Band Federation for The European Brass Band Championship 2003, in Bergen, Norway (Third edition) I remember as a kid the very early morning wake-up ceremonies caused by Seagulls having a "party" outside our home. Very few would describe it as beautiful, particularly not at 4:30 in the morning... But by listening carefully to birds I was fascinated by their diversity and musical language: they dont sing tunes or long phrases, they rather make sounds and signals, based on short motives. Aubade is based on musical pictures of the imaginary birds: the creatures with wings that exists only in myths and legends. The whole story starts with aBaritone-cadenza that evoke all the sleeping creatures. Very soon they all start to sing their songs in one way or another. The composition has a burlesque scherzo-character including slow espressive intersections. Traditional elements like melody and harmony is combined with extensive sounds and textural effects created by use of multiple muting, singing and playing at the same time. I am not too concerned about having a program for the piece. I just know that by thinking of the unheard dragon-songs, griffin-songs, the sound of the dodo, my creativity was stimultated. As a piece of music, Aubade follows its own rules based on well-known elements like melodies, arpeggio-figures, harmonies, rhythms, variations and recapitulation of ideas. - Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.99A Lyrical Duet - Bert Appermont
This attractive composition focuses on the lyrical qualities of two solo instruments: tenor horn and baritone. An expressive theme is initially performed by the baritone; then the tenor horn takes over this melody. A rich dialogue arises, in which the soloists make music in sweet harmony, and then in a 'call-and-response game'. In the B section, the lyricism becomes more virtuosic, and a more playful character comes to light. There is then a gradual build-up to a grand tutti in which the opening theme resounds again. The work ends in a reverie, echoing the dreamy beginning.A Lyrical Duet was commissioned by tenor horn artist, conductor, and teacher Tim De Maeseneer, and is dedicated to him and Katrina Marzella. The work can be heard on Tim's solo CD, Beyond the Paradox, a project that was created in collaboration with Brass Band Willebroek and its conductor Frans Violet.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£52.50Broadheath - Philip Sparke
Broadheath was commissioned by the Elgar International Brass Band Summer School for their 2024 course. The premiere took place in the Routh Hall at Bromsgrove School on Friday 26 July.It is in conventional march form, opening with a brief fanfare before the horns take up the main theme. This is then repeated by the full band before euphoniums and baritone announce the second subject. This builds to a stirring tutti passage utilising elements of the opening theme, which brings the opening section to a close.In honour of the summer school's tribute to Sir Edward Elgar (it is held in 'Elgar country'), the trio uses the opening melody of his 1st symphony as its main theme, decorating it with filigree work from the cornets. This is repeated on the full band and leads to a varied recapitulation of the opening material to bring the march full circle.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£115.60Portias Slottsorkester - Dag Wirèn - Svein H. Giske
Dag Wiren (1905-1986) came to fame as a composer in 1937 with Serenade for string orchestra, Op. 11, which remains his most played work to date. His opus list is mainly instrumental music; five symphonies, five string quartets, several overtures and a lot of film and theatre music.He composed the stage music for William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, which was performed at Dramaten in Stockholm in 1944. The drama was performed again in 1961, somewhat revised by Wiren. From this production, Wiren compiled a concert suite that he called Romantic Suite, Op. 22.The fifth and final movement is Portia's Castle Orchestra, which is based on an Irish folk melody.This instrumentation for Brass Band is based on the arrangement for wind band by Jerker Johansson. The instrumentation was written for Askoy Brass Band's performance at Siddis Brass 2022.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£115.60Vidda - Ole Edvard Antonsen - Ole Edvard Antonsen
I composed the song "Vidda" after I got my ultimate boy's dream fulfilled; To fly one of the Air Force's F-16 fighter jets! We flew out from Norwegian city Bodo on to the Finnmark plateau, where we flew so-called "low level" (at low altitude). It was such a great experience for me that I immediately wrote the song "Vidda" based on my experience of the trip. Here, I try to describe the meeting between the technical perfection of a machine that surpasses most of the various forces in it's escape through the magnificent scenery passing at great speed, and the pilot who is alone with both the adventure and responsibility. The drums which start the song is meant to describes theenergy in the power of the plane, while the lonely and kind of melancholy melody from the trumpet in the beginning describes the feelings of the pilot. As the song develop, we pass both the mountains and big beautiful plateaus with g-forces quivering body. Hopefully you will share some of my experiences through this song. Have a nice flight! Ole Edvard Antonsen
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£73.60A Spring Lullaby - Andrew Pearce
During the past few years, Andrew Pearce enjoyed a fruitful collaboration with Phillip Cobb, principal trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra, composing such works as The Maestro and Interlude for his album in 2012. Later Cobb invited Pearce to compose a slow melody, accompanied by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force for Cobb's upcoming album, displaying his softer, expressive side on flugelhorn. This song-like, warm lilting lullaby reflects on the joy of life.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£109.99Frontier Vision - Stephen Bulla
Frontier Vision is a concert or contest piece based on three elements: the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Reformation Day, the Martin Luther melody, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (Ein Feste Burg ist unser Gott) on whichthis composition is based, and thirdly the spreading of the evangelical movement in the late 19th century, of which the analogous storyline forms the structural basis of this work. Multi-cultural ethnic influences, along with the driving rhythms thatreflect the perseverance and hard work of those mission-minded pioneers, are both important components that make Frontier Vision an outstanding choice for your concert or contest. Frontier Vision was the test piece for the seconddivision in the Dutch National Brass Band Championships 2017.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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