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£85.00Alchymist's Journal. - Kenneth Hesketh
'The Alchymist's Journal' gets its title from the book of the same name by American author Evan S. Connell. The book fictionalises a number of famous Alchemist's writings, each one developing another's thoughts thuscontinuing one idea but changing it subtly to provide a new view point or way of thinking. This process is, in fact, alchemical as one idea transmutes into another. This idea is parallel to the processes at work within thesevariants. The whole work is constructed from 6 notes (C, A, B flat, E flat, F sharp, E) and is presented in nine different sections, each individual in mood but still based upon the original pitches. This is not a thematic setofvariations, as the themes are developed one at a time from small segments of the six notes. For example, the opening theme is the complete number of pitches, the second theme uses three notes transposed then repeated at theoriginal level, and so on. Harmonically, the six notes can be divided into two triads, A minor and E flat minor - each key beginning and ending the piece respectively. Whilst this is essentially abstract music with noprogramme there is an introduction, menacing scherzo, slow reflective section followed by a recap of the scherzo and final coda. 'The Alchymist's Journal' was commissioned by the Brass Band Heritage Trust at the suggestionof Paul Hindmarsh, to whom the work is dedicated.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£76.99Bread and Games - William Vean
'Panem et Circenses', Bread and Games were essential for keeping the citizens of ancient Rome in check. While the bread was meant for the poorest among the Romans, the Games were Popular Pastime Number One for everybody.There were different kinds of games, such as chariot races (especially popular with female spectators), or wild-beast fights, where lions, tigers, bulls or bears were set on one another or even on human beings. Most popular, however, were the Gladiator fights. In 'Bread and Games' William Vean depicts one of the many fights in the antique Colosseum. 1. Entrance of the Gladiators: By powerful bugle-calls the attention of the peoplewas asked for, after which the Gladiators entered the Arena at the sound of heroic marching-music.2.Swordfight: We can hear that the fights were not mere child's play in this part.On the contrary, they were a matter of life and death and were fought accordingly.3.Mercy of the Emperor: Sometimes a wounded gladiator could be fortunate, depending on the mercy of the audience. Waving one's handkerchief meant mercy, a turned-down thumb meant no pardon. The Emperor had the right to take the final decision, but he usually complied with the wish of the majority of the public. 4.Lap of Honour: Gladiators were mainly selected among slaves, convicted criminals, or prisoners of war. Consequently, winning was very important, as it would mean fame, honour and sometimes even wealth. A lap of honour, therefore, was the winner's due reward.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£77.00General Series Brass Band Journal, Numbers 2250 - 2253, December 2024
2250: Prelude on 'Rhosymedre' (Ralph Vaughan Williams trs. Douglas Engle)The English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams' work Three Preludes (founded on Welsh Hymn Tunes) was published for the organ in 1920. This is a transcription of the second movement of that work. The words associated with the hymn tune are by Samuel Crossman, My song is love unknown (S.A.S.B. 149), and vividly depict the events of Holy Week. The music is gentle and solemn and would be appropriate for a Good Friday service or as a moment of repose in a concert. 2251: Hosanna Shuffle (Sam Creamer)The half-time shuffle groove is a popular feel developed by alternative rock/pop bands of the 1980s. It marries elements of rock and swing styles together to form a new and infectious feel - Hosannah Shuffle being written as a tribute to this fusion of musical styles. Contrary to a swing style, shuffle brings the pulse back onto the beat while maintaining the swung quaver rhythms to create a rock-type rhythmic drive. 2252: Everlasting Love (Keith Manners)This piece was written for the London North East Music School in 2004. The theme of the week was 'Making a stand for Christ', reminding the school that it only takes one person to make such a stand before others follow. The music starts with a lone Solo Cornet playing the melody of Graham Kendrick's song Such Love (S.A.S.B. 199). One by one, other parts join in with the theme.2253: Festival March (Michael Cooper)This piece represents the first published brass composition of Bandmaster Michael Cooper, who is the Bandmaster at Brisbane City Temple Corps. This imposing festival march features the tunes I want to be a soldier (T.B. 683), Lift up the banner (T.B. 90) and My Jesus, I love thee (T.B. 506). These tunes depict the idea that spiritual warfare is an essential component of one's faith, success of which is articulated in the final verse of My Jesus, I love thee (S.A.S.B. 878).
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£15.00Perseverance
DescriptionPerseverance was commissioned by Middleton Band to mark their 140th anniversary in 2016, supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and featured on Middleton Band's CD of the same name.The title is taken from the original name of the 1876 band, the Middleton Perseverance Drum and Fife Band. According to the band's historical records, the Drum and Fife band was formed by six Middleton youngsters eager to learn music but short of funds. Following a whip round, they visited a music shop in Oldham where they purchased a 'one key flute' for six shillings and sixpence, and ('later on') a drum.This determination to make music despite the odds has been a characteristic of the band ever since; at the end of the second world war the band was again down to six players, who rebuilt the 'Middleton Borough Band' back to twenty-six players. After a period of some considerable success throughout the sixties and seventies culminating in winning the National Third Section title in 1983 the band hit hard times again in the late eighties and was down to only four members in 1987 before again being brought back to life. In recent decades the band has built a strong relationship with the East Lancashire Railway, another organisation which has battled sometimes mighty obstacles in its struggle to survive, and has maintained a thriving and successful youth band.The band's will to survive through adversity is reflected in the music, which builds from a sextet of four brass and two percussion players three times, only to fall back to the sextet twice. In the central slow movement the bass drum plays a 'heartbeat' rhythm as the remaining players remember those lost in the war. The relentless pace of the final section culminates in the band triumphing over the adversity which has curtailed the previous two sections. As a former member of Middleton Band (and one of the team that regained the National Third Section title in 2007) it is my pleasure to dedicate this work to the 'Pop and Ale Boys', Middleton Band.You can read more about the piece here.To view the accompanying video by Andy Marshall, designed to precede the piece, clickhereand find out more about the link between the video and the music here.Recording with Score VideoPerformance NotesIn performance the four brass members of the sextet (soprano, solo horn, solo trombone and solo euphonium) should stand at the sides of the band - soprano and horn behind the cornets, trombone and euphonium behind the trombones. Percussion may stand with them at the conductor's discretion, but only if the band has TWO snare drums and TWO concert bass drums available, as these are also needed at the back of the band in the tutti sections. In the second sextet snare drum should be muffled with a heavy cloth OR have the snares turned off (not both).Percussion and mutesPercussion required:snare drum (muffled with a heavy cloth at one point)concert bass drum, kit bass drum, hi-hat, suspended (crash) cymbal2 x tom-tomswood blockclash cymbals3 x timpanitam-tamglockenspielSoprano cornet, repiano and 2nd cornets, flugel and all trombones require metal straight mutes. Soprano, Solo Cornet 3/4, Repiano 2nd and 3rd cornets require cup mutes. Solo Cornet 1/2, Repiano, 2nd and 3rd cornets require harmon mutes.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£59.99Marchissimo - Philip Sparke
Marchissimo will make a fantastic opening piece for any concert. It does however come with a twist! It can be played simply as written, but is really designed to be 'staged' with players coming on the concert platform one by one as they begin to play. The piece actually consists of three marches in one, each of which highlights a section of the band. The piece culminates in a final climax where all three march themes are played simultaneously.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.99Marchissimo (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Sparke, Philip
Marchissimo will make a fantastic opening piece for any concert. It does however come with a twist! It can be played simply as written, but is really designed to be 'staged' with players coming on the concert platform one by one as they begin to play. The piece actually consists of three marches in one, each of which highlights a section of the band. The piece culminates in a final climax where all three march themes are played simultaneously.Duration: 4.30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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You're My World - Umberto Bindi, Gino Paoli, Carl Sigman - Len Jenkins
"You're My World" is a ballad originally recorded in 1963 as "Il Mio Mondo" ("My World") by Umberto Bindi, who co-wrote the Italian-language version with Gino Paoli. Although the original Italian version was not a hit, even in Italy, the song came to the attention of UK record producer George Martin, who commissioned an English version to be recorded by his protegee Cilla Black. The English lyrics were written by Carl Sigman. Cilla's recording at Abbey Road Studios was made with Johnny Pearson conducting his orchestra and The Breakaways providing background vocals. Her road manager and future husband Bobby Willis also sang on the track. "You're My World" reached No. 1 in Britain on the chart dated 30 May 1964 and remained there for a total of four weeks, one week more than Cilla's preceding single "Anyone Who Had A Heart" (Also available as a Brass arrangement from Wobbleco Music). Although Cilla returned to the UK Top Ten eight times, "You're My World" was her final No. 1 hit. Two quite different arrangements are available; one for Full Brass Band and one for Brass Quintet with optional Glockenspiel. Both attempt to retain the style of the original recording.
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£44.89Abberline (Euphonium Solo with Brass Band) Karl Whelan
Inspired by the infamous investigation into Jack the Ripper, Abberline follows Detective Inspector Frederick Abberline through the mist-shrouded streets of Victorian London in his desperate pursuit of a killer who remains forever just out of reach. Scored for brass band and solo euphonium, the piece blends atmospheric textures, shifting musical identities, and virtuosic demands to capture a narrative that is as haunting as it is unresolved. The piece opens in a world of shadows - the foggy alleys of Whitechapel - where tension simmers beneath the surface. The euphonium enters cautiously, as if stalking unseen figures, echoing the danger and uncertainty that cloaked the city in fear. This eerie calm is broken suddenly: the Ripper strikes. The moment is brief but brutal, leaving only silence and horror in its wake. From here, the music shifts into an uneasy, angular waltz: the figure of Abberline takes center stage, portrayed by the soloist as he investigates the aftermath. The waltz is melodically off-kilter and harmonically unstable, capturing both the grotesque nature of the crime and the detective's mental burden. The scene then returns to the streets - but this time, the musical material is more intricate, fragmented, and tense. The threat has deepened, and again the silence is shattered by violence. A second, slightly altered waltz follows, further reflecting Abberline's obsessive descent into the case. In the final section, the chase begins in earnest. Themes from earlier return in quick succession, intensified and overlapping as time runs out. The ancient Dies Irae chant is woven into the texture, evoking fate and judgment. In a final, erratic surge, the euphonium and band race toward an ending that is breathless and unresolved - a reflection of history's unanswered questions and the ghost that always stayed one step ahead. To view a rolling score video of the work please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i59xYzJRMaI Duration: approx. 7.30 minutes This PDF download includes parts and score. Sheet music available at www.brassband.co.uk (UK) or www.cimarronmusic.com (USA) Instrumentation: Euphonium Soloist Bb Soprano Cornet Eb Solo Cornet 1-2 & 3-4 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 (tutti) Bb Bass Eb Bass Bb Timpani Percussion 1-3
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£29.95Lead, Kindly Light (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Broughton, Bruce
This beautiful hymn is one of trust and faith, building in confidence 'till the night is gone.' This arrangement follows that line of confidence. The melody begins unaccompanied, which is to say 'alone', and the eventual accompanying voices enter sombrely. Instead of a traditional final cadence, the 'leading of the light' continues, using the first four notes of the hymn as a motif that leads to a second, more positive statement of the melody, underscored by a walking motion. The positivity grows and lasts through a final grand statement of the hymn. A short meditative coda follows, and the arrangement ends with a solo note of reflection.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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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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