Results
-
£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
-
£44.95Brasilia (Trombone Solo with Brass Band - Score and Parts)
From the Robin Dewhurst collection, this multi-talented young composer has produced a simply wonderful solo for trombone and brass band. Premiered by virtuoso Brett Baker, this latin-styled work reaches its climax in a stunning cadenza for soloist supported by percussion section. (Also available with piano accompaniment).
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£89.95TUBA CONCERTO (Gregson) (Tuba Solo with Brass Band - Score and Parts)
This work was commissioned by the Besses o' th' Barn Band with funds provided by the Arts Council of Great Britain. It was written for, and is dedicated to, John Fletcher, who gave the first performance in Middleton Civic Hall, near Manchester, on 24 April, 1976, with Besses o' th' Barn Band conducted by the composer. Another interesting feature about the premire was that it was recorded by BBC Television for an Omnibus programme with Andr Previn as presenter. The concerto exists in four versions: with brass band (1976), orchestra (1978), wind band (1984) and piano reduction.The concerto is in three movements, following the usual, quick-slow-quick pattern: Allegro deciso,Lento e mesto, Allegro giocoso. The first movement has a sonata form shell with two contrasting themes, the first one being rhythmic in character, the second lyrical. There is a reference made in passing to the Vaughan Williams Tuba Concerto, but this merges into the other material in the development section.The second movement begins with a chorale, but after the entry of the tuba it leads to a cantabile theme, softly unfolded by the soloist. The opening chorale passage returns, this time briefly on muted brass, and leads to a middle section which is more chromatic in style and soon builds to a powerful climax, where the opening cantabile theme triumphantly returns. The music subsides, returning to the opening chorale and ending peacefully.The finale is light and breezy in style, and is cast in rondo form. After a brief introduction the tuba announces the main rondo theme, which is dance-like and a little jaunty. There are two episodes: the first a broad sweeping tune, the second a slowish waltz and a little jazz-like. After a virtuoso cadenza reference is made to the very opening of the concerto before the work ends with a triumphal flourish.The Tuba Concerto has established itself as one of the main works in the solo tuba repertoire. It has been performed and broadcast in over 40 countries all over the world. There are currently six commercial recordings of the concerto in its various versions.resolution in C major, pointed by a simple but expansive melody towards which the piece has been heading, and ending in a blaze of joyful colour.Duration: 18 mins
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£34.95Away in a Manger (Flugel Horn Solo with Brass Band)
The traditional carol in a beautiful yet simple setting for flugel horn (or Bb cornet) and band. (Also available with piano accompaniment).
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£14.95Abide With Me (Trombone and Piano)
The very evocative tune to this hymn is called 'Eventide' and was written by William Henry Monk. He was an important figure in 19th century English church music and became organist and choirmaster at a variety of London churches in the course of his lifetime. In 1857, he was appointed the first editor of Hymns, Ancient and Modern, a publication that would eventually sell sixty million copies! It was for this hymnbook that he wrote the tune 'Eventide' to the words, 'Abide with Me' by Henry Francis Lyte. This version, for trombone solo and brass band, was commissioned by Brett Baker.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£14.95Bel Canto (Tenor Horn and Piano)
Bel Canto, a solo for Eb Tenor Horn and band, was written for Sheona White. As the title suggests the music is very song-like and features soaring melodic lines which exploit the middle and upper registers of the tenor horn.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£14.95Isle of Mull (Soprano Cornet and Piano)
This lovely, delicate solo was one of Kenneth Downies first projects as Composer in Residence of Yorkshire Building Society Band and was written especially for Peter Roberts
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£19.95Mozart Variations (Euphonium and Piano)
The main theme of this music comes from Mozart's opera The Magic Flute, a very well-known melody which is sometimes associated with sacred words. It is a beautiful tune which lends itself to variation treatment including these very light-hearted examples. While working on this music, the composer had the idea of incorporating references to other well-known Mozart themes, again, with a rather tongue-in-cheek approach. The result is a high-spirited, flamboyant solo that will be fun to play and to listen to.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£14.95My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose (Euphonium and Piano)
An arrangement for Euphonium solo with brass band accompaniment of surely one of the world's greatest melodies. Its wide-ranging intervals and exquisitely shaped climax near the end give it a natural line that is truly memorable.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£14.95Piper of Dundee (Tenor Horn and Piano)
This tricky solo, commissioned for Sheona White, will provide a challenge to all aspiring soloists on this instrument. Exploring fully the wide range of the instrument and full of rhythm and jaunty humour.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
View Music