Results
-
£9.99Christmas Collection - Words and music (piano)
Christmas Collection is a newly revised carol book with original, additional and rearranged carols from New Christmas Praise as well as 10 extended pieces. Parts are now also available in large print A4 size!Titles:A child this day is bornA Christmas lullabyA great and mighty wonderAll my heart this night rejoicesAngels, from the realms of Glory (Come and worship)Angels, from the realms of Glory (Iris)Angels we have heard on highA starry nightAs with gladness men of oldA virgin most pureAway in a manger (The manger scene)Away in a manger (Traditional)BethlehemBrightest and best (Spean)Brightest and best (Traditional)Calypso CarolCarol for the NativityCarol of the drumChild of MaryChristians AwakeChrist is born (Il est n)Christ was born on Christmas DayCome and join the celebrationCome, children, come quicklyCoventry CarolDing dong! merrily on highDo you hear what I hear?Gabriel's MessageGaudeteGlory in the highestGlory in the highest HeavenGod of God, the uncreatedGod rest you merry, gentlemenGood Christian men, rejoiceGood King WenceslasGo, tell it on the mountain!Hark the glad sound!Hark! the herald angels singHow far is it to Bethlehem?Huron CarolInfant HolyIn the bleak midwinter (Cranham)In the bleak midwinter (Darke)I saw three ships come sailing inIt came upon the midnight clear (Traditional)It came upon the midnight clear (Willis)I wonder as I wanderJesus, good above all otherJoy to the world!Little baby JesusLittle children, wake and listenLittle DonkeyLittle Jesus, sweetly sleepLo! he comes with clouds descendingLong, long agoLove came down at ChristmasMary's boy childMary's ChildMasters in this hallNoelO come, all ye faithfulO come, ImmanuelO Heaven-sent KingO holy night!O little town of Bethlehem (Christmas Carol)O little town of Bethlehem (Forest Green)O little town of Bethlehem (St Louis)Once in royal David's cityPast three o'clockPersonent HodiePraise ye the LordRing the bellsRise up, shepherd!Sans day carolSaviour's DaySee, amid the winter's snowSilent Night!Softly the night is sleepingStars are shiningStill, still, stillSussex CarolSweet chiming bellsSweet chiming Christmas bellsThe candle songThe cherry tree carolThe first NowellThe holly and the ivyThe infant KingThe light has comeThe shepherds' farewellThe stable doorThe star in the eastThe virgin Mary had a baby boyThey all were looking for a kingThou didst leave thy throneThree kings' marchUnto us a boy is bornWe gather round the manger-bedWe three kings of Orient areWhat child is this?Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing?When wise men came seekingWhile shepherds watched (Cranbrook)While shepherds watched (Handel)While shepherds watched (Winchester Old)Who is he?Zither Carol
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£0.99Christmas Collection - Words only
Christmas Collection is a newly revised carol book with original, additional and rearranged carols from New Christmas Praise as well as 10 extended pieces. Parts are now also available in large print A4 size!Titles:A child this day is bornA Christmas lullabyA great and mighty wonderAll my heart this night rejoicesAngels, from the realms of Glory (Come and worship)Angels, from the realms of Glory (Iris)Angels we have heard on highA starry nightAs with gladness men of oldA virgin most pureAway in a manger (The manger scene)Away in a manger (Traditional)BethlehemBrightest and best (Spean)Brightest and best (Traditional)Calypso CarolCarol for the NativityCarol of the drumChild of MaryChristians AwakeChrist is born (Il est n)Christ was born on Christmas DayCome and join the celebrationCome, children, come quicklyCoventry CarolDing dong! merrily on highDo you hear what I hear?Gabriel's MessageGaudeteGlory in the highestGlory in the highest HeavenGod of God, the uncreatedGod rest you merry, gentlemenGood Christian men, rejoiceGood King WenceslasGo, tell it on the mountain!Hark the glad sound!Hark! the herald angels singHow far is it to Bethlehem?Huron CarolInfant HolyIn the bleak midwinter (Cranham)In the bleak midwinter (Darke)I saw three ships come sailing inIt came upon the midnight clear (Traditional)It came upon the midnight clear (Willis)I wonder as I wanderJesus, good above all otherJoy to the world!Little baby JesusLittle children, wake and listenLittle DonkeyLittle Jesus, sweetly sleepLo! he comes with clouds descendingLong, long agoLove came down at ChristmasMary's boy childMary's ChildMasters in this hallNoelO come, all ye faithfulO come, ImmanuelO Heaven-sent KingO holy night!O little town of Bethlehem (Christmas Carol)O little town of Bethlehem (Forest Green)O little town of Bethlehem (St Louis)Once in royal David's cityPast three o'clockPersonent HodiePraise ye the LordRing the bellsRise up, shepherd!Sans day carolSaviour's DaySee, amid the winter's snowSilent Night!Softly the night is sleepingStars are shiningStill, still, stillSussex CarolSweet chiming bellsSweet chiming Christmas bellsThe candle songThe cherry tree carolThe first NowellThe holly and the ivyThe infant KingThe light has comeThe shepherds' farewellThe stable doorThe star in the eastThe virgin Mary had a baby boyThey all were looking for a kingThou didst leave thy throneThree kings' marchUnto us a boy is bornWe gather round the manger-bedWe three kings of Orient areWhat child is this?Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing?When wise men came seekingWhile shepherds watched (Cranbrook)While shepherds watched (Handel)While shepherds watched (Winchester Old)Who is he?Zither Carol
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£0.99
Christmas Collection - Words only - Large Print
Christmas Collection is a newly revised carol book with original, additional and rearranged carols from New Christmas Praise as well as 10 extended pieces. Parts are now also available in large print A4 size!Titles:A child this day is bornA Christmas lullabyA great and mighty wonderAll my heart this night rejoicesAngels, from the realms of Glory (Come and worship)Angels, from the realms of Glory (Iris)Angels we have heard on highA starry nightAs with gladness men of oldA virgin most pureAway in a manger (The manger scene)Away in a manger (Traditional)BethlehemBrightest and best (Spean)Brightest and best (Traditional)Calypso CarolCarol for the NativityCarol of the drumChild of MaryChristians AwakeChrist is born (Il est n)Christ was born on Christmas DayCome and join the celebrationCome, children, come quicklyCoventry CarolDing dong! merrily on highDo you hear what I hear?Gabriel's MessageGaudeteGlory in the highestGlory in the highest HeavenGod of God, the uncreatedGod rest you merry, gentlemenGood Christian men, rejoiceGood King WenceslasGo, tell it on the mountain!Hark the glad sound!Hark! the herald angels singHow far is it to Bethlehem?Huron CarolInfant HolyIn the bleak midwinter (Cranham)In the bleak midwinter (Darke)I saw three ships come sailing inIt came upon the midnight clear (Traditional)It came upon the midnight clear (Willis)I wonder as I wanderJesus, good above all otherJoy to the world!Little baby JesusLittle children, wake and listenLittle DonkeyLittle Jesus, sweetly sleepLo! he comes with clouds descendingLong, long agoLove came down at ChristmasMary's boy childMary's ChildMasters in this hallNoelO come, all ye faithfulO come, ImmanuelO Heaven-sent KingO holy night!O little town of Bethlehem (Christmas Carol)O little town of Bethlehem (Forest Green)O little town of Bethlehem (St Louis)Once in royal David's cityPast three o'clockPersonent HodiePraise ye the LordRing the bellsRise up, shepherd!Sans day carolSaviour's DaySee, amid the winter's snowSilent Night!Softly the night is sleepingStars are shiningStill, still, stillSussex CarolSweet chiming bellsSweet chiming Christmas bellsThe candle songThe cherry tree carolThe first NowellThe holly and the ivyThe infant KingThe light has comeThe shepherds' farewellThe stable doorThe star in the eastThe virgin Mary had a baby boyThey all were looking for a kingThou didst leave thy throneThree kings' marchUnto us a boy is bornWe gather round the manger-bedWe three kings of Orient areWhat child is this?Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing?When wise men came seekingWhile shepherds watched (Cranbrook)While shepherds watched (Handel)While shepherds watched (Winchester Old)Who is he?Zither Carol
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£9.99Christmas Collection - Large Print A4
Christmas Collection is a newly revised carol book with original, additional and rearranged carols from New Christmas Praise as well as 10 extended pieces. Parts are now also available in large print A4 size!Titles:A child this day is bornA Christmas lullabyA great and mighty wonderAll I want for Christmas is youAll my heart this night rejoicesAngels, from the realms of Glory (Come and worship)Angels, from the realms of Glory (Iris)Angels we have heard on highA starry nightAs with gladness men of oldAuld lang syneA virgin most pureAway in a manger (The manger scene)Away in a manger (Traditional)A winter's taleBethlehemBrightest and best (Spean)Brightest and best (Traditional)Calypso CarolCarol for the NativityCarol of the bellsCarol of the drumChild of MaryChristians Awake!Christ is born (Il est n)Christ was born on Christmas DayCome and join the celebrationCome, children, come quicklyCoventry CarolDeck the hallDing dong! merrily on highDo you hear what I hear?Frosty the snowmanGabriel's MessageGaudeteGlory in the highestGlory in the highest HeavenGod of God, the uncreatedGod rest you merry, gentlemenGood Christian men, rejoiceGood King WenceslasGo, tell it on the mountain!Happy Christmas (War is over)Hark the glad sound!Hark! the herald angels singHave yourself a merry little ChristmasHere we come a-wassailingHow far is it to Bethlehem?Huron CarolInfant HolyIn the bleak midwinter (Cranham)In the bleak midwinter (Darke)I saw mommy kissing Santa ClausI saw three ships come sailing inIt came upon a midnight clear (Traditional)It came upon a midnight clear (Willis)It's beginning to look a lot like ChristmasIt's the most wonderful time of the yearI wish it could be Christmas everydayI wonder as I wanderJesus, good above all otherJingle BellsJingle bell rockJoy to the world!Last ChristmasLet it snow!Little baby JesusLittle children, wake and listenLittle DonkeyLittle Jesus, sweetly sleepLo! he comes with clouds descendingLong, long agoLove came down at ChristmasMary's boy childMary's ChildMasters in this hallMerry Christmas everyoneMistletoe and wineNoelO Christmas treeO come, all ye faithfulO come, ImmanuelO Heaven-sent KingO holy night!O little town of Bethlehem (Christmas Carol)O little town of Bethlehem (Forest Green)O little town of Bethlehem (St Louis)Once in royal David's cityPast three o'clockPatapanPersonent HodiePraise ye the LordRing the bellsRise up, shepherd!Rockin' around the Christmas treeRudolph, the red-nosed reindeerSans day carolSanta Claus is comin' to townSaviour's DaySee, amid the winter's snowSilent Night!Sleigh RideSoftly the night is sleepingSo here it is, merry ChristmasStars are shiningStill, still, stillStop the cavalrySussex CarolSweet chiming bellsSweet chiming Christmas bellsThe candle songThe cherry tree carolThe Christmas songThe first NowellThe holly and the ivyThe infant KingThe light has comeThe shepherds' farewellThe stable doorThe star in the eastThe twelve days of ChristmasThe virgin Mary had a baby boyThey all were looking for a kingThou didst leave thy throneThree kings' marchUnto us a boy is bornWalking in the airWe gather round the manger-bedWe three kings of Orient areWe wish you a merry ChristmasWhat child is this?When a child is bornWhen Santa got stuck up the chimneyWhence is that goodly fragrance flowing?When wise men came seekingWhile shepherds watched (Cranbrook)While shepherds watched (Handel)While shepherds watched (Winchester Old)White ChristmasWho is he?Winter WonderlandWorldwide Christmas messageZither CarolA starry nightChristmas JoyChristmas PraiseCoventry CarolInfant HolyMid-winterRudolph, the red-nosed reindeerThe everlasting lightTo celebrate his birthYuletide Rag
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£7.99
Christmas Collection - March Card Size
Christmas Collection is a newly revised carol book with original, additional and rearranged carols from New Christmas Praise as well as 10 extended pieces. Parts are now also available in large print A4 size!Titles:A child this day is bornA Christmas lullabyA great and mighty wonderAll I want for Christmas is youAll my heart this night rejoicesAngels, from the realms of Glory (Come and worship)Angels, from the realms of Glory (Iris)Angels we have heard on highA starry nightAs with gladness men of oldAuld lang syneA virgin most pureAway in a manger (The manger scene)Away in a manger (Traditional)A winter's taleBethlehemBrightest and best (Spean)Brightest and best (Traditional)Calypso CarolCarol for the NativityCarol of the bellsCarol of the drumChild of MaryChristians Awake!Christ is born (Il est n)Christ was born on Christmas DayCome and join the celebrationCome, children, come quicklyCoventry CarolDeck the hallDing dong! merrily on highDo you hear what I hear?Frosty the snowmanGabriel's MessageGaudeteGlory in the highestGlory in the highest HeavenGod of God, the uncreatedGod rest you merry, gentlemenGood Christian men, rejoiceGood King WenceslasGo, tell it on the mountain!Happy Christmas (War is over)Hark the glad sound!Hark! the herald angels singHave yourself a merry little ChristmasHere we come a-wassailingHow far is it to Bethlehem?Huron CarolInfant HolyIn the bleak midwinter (Cranham)In the bleak midwinter (Darke)I saw mommy kissing Santa ClausI saw three ships come sailing inIt came upon a midnight clear (Traditional)It came upon a midnight clear (Willis)It's beginning to look a lot like ChristmasIt's the most wonderful time of the yearI wish it could be Christmas everydayI wonder as I wanderJesus, good above all otherJingle BellsJingle bell rockJoy to the world!Last ChristmasLet it snow!Little baby JesusLittle children, wake and listenLittle DonkeyLittle Jesus, sweetly sleepLo! he comes with clouds descendingLong, long agoLove came down at ChristmasMary's boy childMary's ChildMasters in this hallMerry Christmas everyoneMistletoe and wineNoelO Christmas treeO come, all ye faithfulO come, ImmanuelO Heaven-sent KingO holy night!O little town of Bethlehem (Christmas Carol)O little town of Bethlehem (Forest Green)O little town of Bethlehem (St Louis)Once in royal David's cityPast three o'clockPatapanPersonent HodiePraise ye the LordRing the bellsRise up, shepherd!Rockin' around the Christmas treeRudolph, the red-nosed reindeerSans day carolSanta Claus is comin' to townSaviour's DaySee, amid the winter's snowSilent Night!Sleigh RideSoftly the night is sleepingSo here it is, merry ChristmasStars are shiningStill, still, stillStop the cavalrySussex CarolSweet chiming bellsSweet chiming Christmas bellsThe candle songThe cherry tree carolThe Christmas songThe first NowellThe holly and the ivyThe infant KingThe light has comeThe shepherds' farewellThe stable doorThe star in the eastThe twelve days of ChristmasThe virgin Mary had a baby boyThey all were looking for a kingThou didst leave thy throneThree kings' marchUnto us a boy is bornWalking in the airWe gather round the manger-bedWe three kings of Orient areWe wish you a merry ChristmasWhat child is this?When a child is bornWhen Santa got stuck up the chimneyWhence is that goodly fragrance flowing?When wise men came seekingWhile shepherds watched (Cranbrook)While shepherds watched (Handel)While shepherds watched (Winchester Old)White ChristmasWho is he?Winter WonderlandWorldwide Christmas messageZither CarolA starry nightChristmas JoyChristmas PraiseCoventry CarolInfant HolyMid-winterRudolph, the red-nosed reindeerThe everlasting lightTo celebrate his birthYuletide Rag
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£0.99New Christmas Praise Song Book 1 - 95
These books are now an archive publication and, although are still available, have been superseded by Christmas Collection (available in marchcard size: https://www.sps-shop.com/cc-marchcard or A4 size https://www.sps-shop.com/cc-largeprint). Christmas Collection includes 46 new carols and songs as well as 10 extended carols (originally seen in the Sounds of Christmas books).Ideal for congregational singing.CONTENTS 1. A child this day is born 2. A Christmas Lullaby 3. A great and mighty wonder 4. A starry night 5. A virgin most pure 6. All my heart this night rejoices 7. Angels from the realms of Glory (Come and worship) 8. Angels from the realms of Glory (Iris) 9. Angels, sing again? 10.Angels we have heard on high 11.As with gladness men of old 12. Away in a manger 13. Away in a manger (The manger scene) 14. Bethlehem 15. Brightest and best 16. Brightest and best (Spean) 17. Child of Mary 18.. Calypso Carol 19. Carol for the Nativity 20. Carol of the bells 21.Carol of the drum 22. Christ was born on Christmas Day 23. Christians Awake 24. Come, children, come quickly 25. Coventry carol 26. Do you hear what I hear 27. Ding dong! merrily on high 28. Gabriels message 29. Glory in the highest 30. Go, tell it on the mountain 31. God of God, the uncreated 32. God rest you merry, gentlemen 33. Good Christian men, rejoice 34. Good King Wenceslas 35. Hark the glad sound! 36. Hark! the herald angels sing 37. How far is it to Bethlehem 38. I saw three ships come sailing in 39. I wonder as I wander 40. Il est n 41. Immanuel Appears 42. In the bleak mid-winter 43. Infant Holy 44. It came upon the midnight clear (Traditional) 45. It came upon the midnight clear (Willis) 46. Jesus, good above all other 47. Joy to the world 48. Little baby Jesus 49. Little Jesus, sweetly sleep. 50. Little donkey 51. Long, long ago 52. Marys boy child 53. Masters in this hall 54. Noel 55. o come, all ye faithful 56. o come, Immanuel 57. O come with me to Bethlehem 58. O little town of Bethlehem (Christmas Carol) 59. O little town of Bethlehem (Forest Green) 60. O little town of Bethlehem (St Louis) 61. O Heaven-sent King 62. O holy night 63. Once, in royal Davids city 64. Past three oclock 65. Personent hodie 66. Praise ye the Lord 67. Rise up, shepherd! 68. Sans day carol 69. See, amid the winters snow 70. Silent night! 71. Sleep, holy Babe 72. Softly the night is sleeping 74. Stars are shining 73. Sussex carol 76. Sweet chiming bells 75. Sweet chiming Christmas bells 77. The angels sang the story 78. The first Nowell 79. The holy Boy 80. The holly and the ivy 81. The infant King 82. The shepherds farewell 83. The virgin Mary had a baby boy 84. The stable door 85. They all were looking for a king 86. Three kings march 87. Unto us a boy is born 88. Wayfaring 89. We gather round the manger-bed 90. We three kings of Orient are 91. What child is this 92. When wise men came seeking 93. While shepherds watched 94. Who is he 95. Zither carol
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£74.95Aspects of Adiemus (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Jenkins, Karl - Graham, Peter
Aspects of Adiemus is a collection from one of the world's most popular composers, Karl Jenkins. Adiemus, literally translated, means 'we will draw near' and represents a musical language which can be heard on five award winning albums from the composer.Since Adiemus has risen in popularity around the world, it has become a growing entity meaning many different things to many different people. Vocally, the spread of influence grows wider all the time, taking in Arabic and African sounds as well as Celtic and ecclesiastical ones. The percussion too has expanded using Indian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Chinese and even Australian instrumentation.The evolving nature of Adiemus has meant that it has been difficult to categorise. New age, classical crossover, world music, even pop. Karl sees this as a good sign: To me, Adiemus transcends labels. The fact that it reaches people of different backgrounds, faiths and cultures gives it a universal appeal which is special. The compositions can be spiritual, religious, meditative - it's open to move people in any away they choose to experience.Ironically, the Adiemus project got off the ground initially due to a television commercial for an airline. Karl Jenkins explains, I'd been toying with a new idea, completely separate to my work in advertising, but at this time, Jenkins Ratledge were commissioned to come up with the music for an airline commercial. We presented the client with a demonstration tape of one of my completed compositions and they loved it.That composition became known as Adiemus. The music for the airline commercial was aired and immediately drew interest from the public. Karl: It's ironic that a piece of music not originally intended for a TV commercial should end up on a TV commercial, and that this music became the springboard for the success of the Adiemus project.Expertly arranged by Peter Graham, Aspects of Adiemus features the eponymous Adiemus, an uplifting and instantly recognisable opener. Chorale - Za Ma Ba and Chorale - Vocalise are songs of sanctuary, the latter featuring a chamber group from within the band. The vibrant Song of the Spirit is a cornet feature, and the finale, Song of the Plains combines intense rhythmic energy with tribal harmonies. Duration is variable depending on movement selection and optional cuts.Duration: 20.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£74.95Aspects of Adiemus (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Aspects of Adiemus is a collection from one of the world's most popular composers, Karl Jenkins. Adiemus, literally translated, means 'we will draw near' and represents a musical language which can be heard on five award winning albums from the composer.Since Adiemus has risen in popularity around the world, it has become a growing entity meaning many different things to many different people. Vocally, the spread of influence grows wider all the time, taking in Arabic and African sounds as well as "Celtic" and ecclesiastical ones. The percussion too has expanded using Indian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Chinese and even Australian instrumentation.The evolving nature of Adiemus has meant that it has been difficult to categorise. New age, classical crossover, world music, even pop. Karl sees this as a good sign: "To me, Adiemus transcends labels. The fact that it reaches people of different backgrounds, faiths and cultures gives it a universal appeal which is special. The compositions can be spiritual, religious, meditative - it's open to 'move' people in any away they choose to experience."Ironically, the Adiemus project 'got off the ground' initially due to a television commercial for an airline. Karl Jenkins explains, "I'd been toying with a new idea, completely separate to my work in advertising, but at this time, Jenkins Ratledge were commissioned to come up with the music for an airline commercial. We presented the client with a demonstration tape of one of my completed compositions and they loved it."That composition became known as Adiemus. The music for the airline commercial was aired and immediately drew interest from the public. Karl: "It's ironic that a piece of music not originally intended for a TV commercial should end up on a TV commercial, and that this music became the springboard for the success of the Adiemus project."Expertly arranged by Peter Graham, Aspects of Adiemus features the eponymous 'Adiemus', an uplifting and instantly recognisable opener. 'Chorale - Za Ma Ba' and 'Chorale - Vocalise' are songs of sanctuary, the latter featuring a chamber group from within the band. The vibrant 'Song of the Spirit' is a cornet feature, and the finale, 'Song of the Plains' combines intense rhythmic energy with tribal harmonies. Duration is variable depending on movement selection and optional cuts.Duration: 20.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£115.60Stjernen og Rosa - John Philip Haqnnevik
The Star and a Rose is a big-scale Christmas piece for band, featuring four seasonal chorales.The first is a Gregorian-like chant Hodie Christus natus est.In this section of the piece, a soloist can be placed away from the band, maybe on a gallery. The soloist can be a tenor instrument, maybe trombone, or you can feature a vocal soloist.After this, the music leads us on to the old German Christmas chorale Lo, how a rose e'er blooming. This song is given a fairly rhythmical treatment, but make sure that the melody is presented in a cantabile style.An interlude follows, before the piece presents one of the most used and loved Scandinavian Christmas chorales, Mitt hjerte alltid vanker (My Heart will always wander), composed by the Danish bishop Hans Adolph Brorson around 1732. This song is building towards a climax, before the solo horn brings it all down to the Stable view described in the lyrics.Then comes a transition that brings us in to the final section of the piece, which presents the international Christmas Carol Adeste Fideles. As many will notice, I have borrowed a section from David Wilcocks majestic harmonization towards the end.The title of the piece has its background form the lyrics in My heart will always wander, where the text speaks about the stars in the sky. But also in the latin text for Adeste Fideles:Stella duce, Magi, Christum adorantesThe Rose is of course from the lyrics in the chorale Lo, how a Rose.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
-
£87.95Masquerade (Score and Parts)
The first performance took place on the 4th. September 1993 at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester during the British Open Brass Band Championships.Note by Philip Wilby:Masquerade is a centenary tribute to Verdi's last opera Falstaff and takes its final scene as the basis for my own piece. Thus I have used some of Verdi's music, and some of Shalespeare's plot, and woven them into a fabric with highly demanding music of my own to produce a work in the great tradition of operatically-based brass band pieces. Such scores date from the very beginnings of band repertory and are often not direct arrangements in the established sense but new compositions produced in homage to a past master. They may still offer performers and audience alike something familiar interwoven with something new. My own piece reuses some elements from the original story: . .Falstaff has been caught in a web of his own lies by the ladies of the town, who propose to teach him a lesson. The story opens at night in Windsor Great Park. The plotters, variously disguised in Hallowe'en fashion (as fairies,elves hobgoblins etc!) assemble in the park to await Falstaff's arrival (musicologists will, perhaps, note a rare use of 'large bottle in F' being used during this scene of suppressed alcoholic revelry!). Falstaff's companions, Bardolph,Piston and Robin, enter (represented here by the three trombones!), and are variously abused by the masqueraders. At the height of the Tout an alarm sounds and Falstaff (euphonium cadenza) enters as Midnight strikes. From a safe hiding place he watches as the disguised Nanetta (principal comet) sings a serene solo as the moon appcars above the trees. With sudden force the others seize him and drag him from his hiding place. As in the traditional game 'Blind Man's Buff', he is roughly turned seven times (a sequence of solo accelerandi) until, at last, he recognizes his assailants as his sometime friends. Far from complaining, Verdi's character concludes the opera with a good-humoured fugue on the words.... 'All the World's a Joke... Every mortal laughs at the others, But he laughs best who has the final laugh. Philip Wilby.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
View Music