Results
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£40.00Variations on a Theme of Michael Tippett (Brass Band - Score only)
A Centenary Tribute by Michael Ball, Edward Gregson, Elgar Howarth, Bramwell Tovey and Philip WilbyThis unique 'pice d'occasion' arose out of a telephone conversation in 2004 with Alan Wycherley, who was the soprano cornet player of the Foden's Richardson Band at the time. He indicated that the band would like to include an original birthday tribute for Edward Gregson (60) and Elgar Howarth (70) in its concert at the 2005 RNCM Festival of Brass in Manchester. I have been Artistic Director of Manchester's Festival of Brass since it was established in 1990 as a BBC Radio 3 series, As the centenary of the birth of Sir Michael Tippett fell on 5 January 2005, I devised this collective work as a way of embracing all three anniversaries in a novel way.The idea of joint compositions is not a new one in the classical music world. In the 1860s, Verdi was joined by a number of his contemporaries in a Requiem Mass for Rossini. In this country there have been a number of orchestral examples over the past fifty years, but never before for the brass band. Although Tippett composed only one work for brass band, Festal Brass with Blues, his orchestral works and operas are full of idiomatic brass writing. The theme I chose for this celebration is one of Tippet's most memorable miniatures featuring wind and brass. In the opera Midsummer Marriage it marks the entry of the Ancients. It is also included in the orchestral Suite in D (1948), for the Birthday of Prince Charles.I invited five of the leading contemporary voices in brass band music to add their own creative perspectives to the little Tippett theme, with it's characteristic rhythms, embellishments and modality - the Lydian mode. Each contribution was designed to fit into a tonal and formal template to give the whole work a flow and continuity. In Danse des Amis, Bramwell Tovey has composed a jazzy, humorous variation. Inspiration came from Tippett's love of jazz and, more personally, from the characteristically syncopated gait of the distinguished music critic John Amis, who Tovey once observed leaving a performance of Tippett's opera King Priam before the end. Incidentally, that performance was conducted by Elgar Howarth.We hear Edward Gregson in lyrical mode. His Midsummer Song is redolent of the sound world of Tippett's opera A Midsummer Marriage and it ends with a brief reference to a favourite of Gregson's, Tippett's Concerto for Orchestra. Michael Ball provides a brief moment of light, airy activity bringing to mind perhaps Tippett's love of Shakespearian fantasy, especially The Tempest. Elgar Howarth juxtaposes a slowed down version of the processional theme with distant recollections of fanfares from King Priam. Philip Wilby has rounded the tribute off with a spectacular fugue. During its inexorable progress Wilby ingeniously introduces the two other birthday references - the three-note musical signature that Elgar Howarth includes in much of his music and the characteristic theme which begins Edward Gregson's substantial work for brass an organ The Trumpets of the Angels. An elaborated reprise of Tippett's little theme is followed by a dynamic coda.- Paul HindmarshDuration: 13.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£153.00
Bipolar (Bra) - Stijn Aertgeerts
With 'Bipolar', the composer Stijn Aertgeerts wants to try to describe the vast feelings someone suffering from bipolar disorder can go through. It's difficult to imagine how hard it must be to live with the range of emotions of bipolarity, going rapidly from a state of hypomania to severe depression, or worse. This piece of music aims to describe those episodes, from a highly elevated mood to a great feeling of sadness; from euphoria to complete darkness. The piece starts off excited, almost overexcited, as well as a touch nervous. The mood quickly shifts to one of self-doubt, introduced by the multiple cadenza's in cornet, euphonium, flugelhorn and trombone. This grows into a haunting feeling of growing sadness. We're served with another eerie reminder of the opening shifts in the mood, with calmness, optimism and - even for just a second - complete happiness. This, however, fades instantly as you hear someone literally being dragged down by a chain. A total spiral into darkness follows, spinning more and more out of control into a heavy and dark conclusion.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£32.00The Cistercians
DescriptionThe Cistercianswas written during December 2003 and January 2004 as an entry for Morecambe Band's Centenary New Music Competition, which it went on to win. The first two performances were at the final of this competition, part of the band's 100th Anniversary Concert at The Dome in Morecambe on 9 July 2004.The music was inspired by visits to three of Britain's great Cistercian Abbeys; Valle Crucis, Fountains and Rievaulx. The Cistercian Order was founded at Citeaux in France in the 11th Century and was based on the principles of austerity, humility and piety. Cistercian Abbeys were deliberately sited in remote, difficult areas. Despite this many of them, especially Rievaulx, became immense centres of commerce and power, with ever more complex administration and hierarchies.In a way the music reflects this; all the material in the piece is derived from two simple motifs played by flugel and solo horn in the opening bars and becomes more complex and further removed from the original material as the piece develops. After a tranquil opening section a fugal chorale develops over a medieval-style "tenor" - a stretched out version of one of the original motifs. A burst of semiquavers leads into a faster, folk-dance type section - our medieval abbey has become a bustling trade centre - before rhythmic quaver pulses in the horns and cornets accompany powerful chords in the low brass; this is another "tenor" derived from the opening motifs. A short development section, including the folk dance "hocketing" round the band and a slightly disjointed 10/8 section leads to a restatement of the fugal chorale from the beginning before a frenetic coda brings the work to a triumphant conclusion.Performance Notes:Percussion instruments required are Bass Drum, Suspended Crash Cymbal, Glockenspiel, 2 x Tom-toms, Snare Drum, Tambourine, Tam-Tam, 2 x Timpani (G-C, C-F), Triangle, Wood Block. All cornets will require metal stratight mutes and all except soprano require cup mutes. All trombones require cup and metal straight mutes.You can follow a preview of the score in the video below.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£67.00
Ungarsk marsj - Hector Berlioz - Bjorn Morten Kjaernes
The "Rakoczi March" (Hungarian March) was the unofficial state anthem of Hungary before Ferenc Kolcsey wrote the Himnusz which is today the official national anthem of Hungary.The first version of this march-song was probably created around 1730 by one or more anonymous composers, although tradition says that it was the favorite march of Francis Rakoczi II. That early version called back Francis Rakoczi II to save his people. It was very popular in the 18th century but in the 19th century the more refined Rakoczi March became prevalent.Hector Berlioz included the music in his composition "La Damnation de Faust" in 1846, and Franz Liszt wrote a number of arrangements, including his Hungarian Rhapsody No. 15, based on the theme. The march gave its name to a 1933 Austrian-Hungarian feature film - Rakoczy-Marsch This arrangement is based on Berlioz instrumentation and phrasing from his Hungarian March, but in the form of the 19th century Rakoczi March
Publisher Closed for Holidays. Est Delivery 13-14th Aug
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£35.00Oubliette - Lucy Pankhurst
Lucy Pankhurst has created a highly immersive solo for Tuba/Eb Bass with brass band accompaniment, aiming and succeeding in showing the lyrical and technical diversity of the tuba, demanding virtuoso brilliance and clarity in performance.Dedicated to tuba player Edd Leech, Oubliette raises the bar for tuba repertoire.Set includes score, brass band parts and solo parts for Eb Bass (TC) and Tuba (BC). Solo with piano accompaniment available separately.Programme notes from the composer, Lucy Pankhurst:From the French word oublier, meaning 'to forget', an oubliette was a form of dungeon used in the 14th century. A small, windowless room where someone is locked away to be forgotten and left to go mad.I initially chose this title for the piece as the Tuba is often forgotten as a solo instrument, when its versatility in performance should be celebrated. Oubliette showsThe work begins with desolate and sparse accompaniment with lamenting solo lines. The soloist has already been cast into the oubliette at this point and is beginning to wake from a somnolent state. Reality is blurred through the darkness of the chamber - the only entrance is a hatch in the ceiling, far out of reach.Memories are confused by countless hours of solitude - hallucinations and paranoia tainting reality. Gradually, the soloist remembers images from the past and gains confidence and strength. Long forgotten by the captors, or presumed dead in the chamber, the entrance hatch suddenly opens to allow another prisoner inside. The soloist seizes the opportunity for escape and a short battle ensues. Sword and fist fighting, perilous leaps over the entrances to more dungeons and fierce battle cries are futile, as the soloist suddenly realises they are alone in the oubliette once more and the skirmish was nothing but another dream.The piece concludes with unaccompanied soloist in the low register, sinking deeper into the shadows of the windowless prison; are they accepting their fate, or merely lying in wait for another chance of escape, if one will ever come . . .
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£30.00Roots - Lucy Pankhurst
Commissioned by Katrina Marzella in 2008, this modern 'duet' for Baritone and Euphonium soloists with brass band accompaniment has been inspired by 'nature and environment' as its primary muse. The music takes the listener through 7 stages of environmental atmosphere, in its combination of sounds and effects. It is a very uplifting work and with the back-story in mind (see programme notes below), it makes for an incredibly effective concert feature.Programme notes from the composer, Lucy Pankhurst:There are 7 main sections in the piece :RainGerminationGrowthTransionSunshineRainstormRestThe work begins with Rain, symbolised by the rainstick and 'rain sounds' in the brass , which allows the themes to germinate. The 'roots' of the music themselves, are firmly established in the tonic (root Eb) and 5ths in the low brass, from which the solo lines eventually grow, using triads and 5ths.During Growth, the solo baritone and euphonium begin with separate melodies which begin to twist around each other (much like tree roots), interlocking to produce harmonies and counterpoint, complimenting one another and firmly keeping the music in Eb major. Muted cornets and trombones continue to play overlapping semiquavers, reflecting the raindrops as they fall from the trees and leaves.A brief interlude, featuring brass sextet drives the music back to its Germination stage - here, named Transion, as it grows once more, evolving into something new. The Sunshine section is a dance. Moving rapidly through different keys, the warm sunlight catches on the dewy foliage, creating dazzling moments of clarity and beauty.However, the change in conditions also lead to brief moments of uncertainty, as the various creatures tentatively reappear from their shelter to bask as the earth is warmed. Birdsong can be heard in the solo lines as the entire band join in the celebrations.The jollity does not last long, however, as a Rainstorm, more violent than the last , ensues - stopping the dance in its tracks. The tam-tam and bass drum signify thunder, crashing into the music abruptly. However, the music still survives and re-emerges from the storm, delicately but securely establishing itself into a new key (C major), before softly concluding with the two soloists in rhythmic unison as the rain subsides and the world is at Rest.
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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£95.00King Lear (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Sir Granville Bantock (1868 - 1946) composed the second of his five major brass band work for Callender's Cableworks Band, completing the commission on 30 November 1932. Based in the Thames-side district of Belvedere near Erith, the band was active between 1898 and 1961. The works band of the Callender Cable & Construction Co. Ltd, it was at the peak of its popularity during the 1930s and was a frequent broadcaster on the radio. The band employed an in-house arranger and played saxophones in its lighter material. King Lear was one of the band's major commissions and was not published in Bantock's lifetime. The manuscript score and parts were thought to be lost for decades, but were found in the library of the Haydock Band (Lancashire), which had inherited part of Callender's library of manuscripts material and bespoke arrangements after it has been transferred to nearby Prescott Cables Band after Callender's Cable Works closed.King Lear is a substantial work, in essence a dramatic tone poem in the romantic Tchaikovskian manner, presenting a series of character portraits of the foolish old king and his three daughters, Goneril, Regan and Cordelia. The music is dramatic and lyrical by turns, with the most generous lyrical episode revealing perhaps the warm-hearted Cordelia. An expansive melody that flows from this is brought back towards the end as the main climax of the work.In 2001, Bantock's score was recorded by the University of Salford Brass Band, conducted by Dr. Roy Newsome. The original is serviceable, but in comparison with the orchestral version he made in 1936 (part of which was recorded on a Paxton 78 rpm) and later brass band scores, performing editions of which were prepared by others, it lacks colour and range typical of Bantock's orchestral work. Above all it lacks percussion, which can be heard on the recorded extract. With the kind permission of the Bantock Estate, I have prepared a performing edition for publication that incorporates percussion, derived from the orchestral recording and added editorially in similar manner elsewhere. I have revoiced some of the low- lying instrumental parts to present the material in more comfortable ranges. Editorial interventions more elaborate than revoicing the original text have been identified as cue notes.- Paul HindmarshDuration: 15.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£40.00
King Lear (Brass Band - Score only)
Sir Granville Bantock (1868 - 1946) composed the second of his five major brass band work for Callender's Cableworks Band, completing the commission on 30 November 1932. Based in the Thames-side district of Belvedere near Erith, the band was active between 1898 and 1961. The works band of the Callender Cable & Construction Co. Ltd, it was at the peak of its popularity during the 1930s and was a frequent broadcaster on the radio. The band employed an in-house arranger and played saxophones in its lighter material. King Lear was one of the band's major commissions and was not published in Bantock's lifetime. The manuscript score and parts were thought to be lost for decades, but were found in the library of the Haydock Band (Lancashire), which had inherited part of Callender's library of manuscripts material and bespoke arrangements after it has been transferred to nearby Prescott Cables Band after Callender's Cable Works closed.King Lear is a substantial work, in essence a dramatic tone poem in the romantic Tchaikovskian manner, presenting a series of character portraits of the foolish old king and his three daughters, Goneril, Regan and Cordelia. The music is dramatic and lyrical by turns, with the most generous lyrical episode revealing perhaps the warm-hearted Cordelia. An expansive melody that flows from this is brought back towards the end as the main climax of the work.In 2001, Bantock's score was recorded by the University of Salford Brass Band, conducted by Dr. Roy Newsome. The original is serviceable, but in comparison with the orchestral version he made in 1936 (part of which was recorded on a Paxton 78 rpm) and later brass band scores, performing editions of which were prepared by others, it lacks colour and range typical of Bantock's orchestral work. Above all it lacks percussion, which can be heard on the recorded extract. With the kind permission of the Bantock Estate, I have prepared a performing edition for publication that incorporates percussion, derived from the orchestral recording and added editorially in similar manner elsewhere. I have revoiced some of the low- lying instrumental parts to present the material in more comfortable ranges. Editorial interventions more elaborate than revoicing the original text have been identified as cue notes.- Paul HindmarshDuration: 15.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£83.00
A Bournemouth Suite - Benjamin Tubb
Bournemouth Suite was written by Benjamin Tubb in 2005, when the composer was just 17 years of age. After spending many school holiday weeks with his grandparents in the coastal town of Bournmouth, it was obvious that these experiences would make a great basis for a composition.This testpiece is split into three separate movements: Balloon Ride, The Pier at Night and The BIC. Each movement has its own unique character, although there are ideas shared by all three throughout, one of which is the opening syncopation.Balloon RideThe First movement, Balloon Ride, describes a journey on "The Bournemouth Eye", a tethered hot air balloon that takes you up 500 feet. It's located in the middle of the town centre, which enables you to see surrounding countryside for up to 20 miles! The movement begins rather ominously as the balloon raises from the ground which leads into a more lively section caharacteresed by the repeating quavers in the lower brass and woodblock. The movement ends in much the same way as it started - signalling the return to terra firma.The Pier At NightDuring the summer there are several large firework displays in the town centre. The second movement, The Pier At Night descirbes an evening spent on the beach in deckchairs watching the montage of colours in the night-time sky. With demanding solos for horn and cornet, as well as exposed playing spread throughout the band, this slow movement will really test a band's expressive and lyrical playing.The 'BIC'The Bournemouth INternational Centre, also known as "The BIC" is one of Bournemouth's most visited attractions, and regularly hosts shows such as 'Riverdance' and pantomimes. Inside is a world of entertainment and the centre itself is just a stone's throw from both "The Bournemouth Eye" and the Pier. The 3rd movement has been written to describe the buzz of activity surrounding the BIC, and the entire works ends with the same syncopated motif from the beginning.A Bournemouth Suite was set as the 'set-test' at the Pontins Brass Band Championships 2009.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£34.95Lady of the Lake - Christopher Bond
A remote Carmarthenshire lake shrouded in Welsh legend has been named as one of the 1,000 must-see sights across the globe by an influential travel bible. Llyn y Fan Fach, 12km southeast of Llandovery in the Brecon Beacons, is the only spot in Wales to make the list, which was put together by Lonely Planet. "This isolated drop of blue, beneath a cirque of raw Welsh hills, is enchanting - and enchanted," Lonely Planet's 1,000 Ultimate Sights tells readers. The story goes that in the 13th Century, a farmer grazing cattle on the nearby slopes spotted the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. She was a fairy maiden, who agreed to marry him on one proviso - he must not hit her more than twice. In time, the inevitable happened - three strikes, and the otherworldly wife disappeared back into the lake, taking her magic cows with her. This work, for flugel horn and brass band, is reflective in nature, portraying the dismay of the man in losing his wife for his own selfishness. The work was written for and premiered by Rob Nesbitt & City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Band, at the 2019 Welsh Open Entertainment Contest in Porthcawl, Wales.
Estimated dispatch 10-14 working days
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