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£21.95Adam Zero, Suite from (Brass Band - Study Score)
Selected as the Section 2 test piece for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain 2025Following his ballet Checkmate, Bliss composed another score for the, by then, Sadler's Wells Ballet, Miracle in the Gorbals, which was choreographed by Robert Helpmann, to a scenario by Michael Benthall. Premired in 1944, the ballet made a considerable impact and was a box-office success. It was followed in turn by a further collaboration with Helpmann and Benthall, Adam Zero. This would serve Helpmann, in the eponymous role, as a vehicle in two respects: demonstrating his gifts as a dancer-actor and as a choreographer. First performed at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, on 8 April 1946, Adam Zero was conducted by Constant Lambert, the work's dedicatee. Bliss considered it 'his most varied and exciting ballet score'. Benthall provided a synopsis for the programme:There is a philosophy that life moves in an endless series of timeless cycles. As Nature passes through Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, so man is born, makes a success in his own particular sphere, loses his position to a younger generation, sees his world crumble before his eyes and only finds peace in death. This age-old story is told in terms of a Company creating a ballet and calling on the resources of the theatre to do so. Lighting, stage mechanism, dance conventions, musical forms and costumes and scenery of all periods are used to symbolize the world of 'Adam Zero'.Apart from Adam, as the Principal Dancer, other main roles included the Stage Director (representing Omnipotence), and Adam's Fates (Designer, Wardrobe Mistress, and Dresser). 'The Woman in this allegory', wrote Bliss, 'under the symbol of the Choreographer, was both the creator and destroyer of Adam: his first love, his wife, his mistress, and finally the figure of beneficent Death.' When the curtain rose, the 'audience saw the Covent Garden stage right back to the wall, completely empty except for the protagonists, 'the Company poised, still and expectant, as they await the birth of... Adam Zero.'Unfortunately, soon after the premire, Helpmann injured himself and had to withdraw from the remaining performances. Despite generally positive reviews, the ballet did not capture the imagination of audiences and, to Bliss's considerable disappointment, was not revived. Seventy years would elapse before its first major return to the stage, in 2016, performed by the ballet company of Stadttheater Bremerhaven with choreography by Sergei Vanaev.Bliss extracted a concert suite from the ballet, conducting its first performance with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra on 28 October 1948. For his own suite, arranged for brass band in 2023, Dr Robert Childs chose three dances linked to the seasons, book-ending them with the ebullient 'Fanfare Overture' and 'Fanfare Coda'. After Adam has grown to manhood, his Fates clothe him in a costume synonymous with confident youth, appropriate for the virile, ardent 'Dance of Spring'. In the 'Approach of Autumn', Adam, now wearing a sombre costume, has grown older: his Fates have streaked grey in his hair and put lines on his face. But they had earlier raised Adam to the zenith of his power, and the 'Dance of Summer' depicts him in the prime of life, in music of sweeping grandeur. The 'Fanfare Coda' signals that the next cycle of life is about to begin.Duration: 10.30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£61.99Celebration - Doug Adams, Ronald Bell, Robert Mickens, Dennis Thomas, Robert Bell, George Brown, James Taylor - Johny Ocean
Estimated dispatch 10-14 working days
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£19.95The Falcon in the Snow for Brass Band - Paul Saggers
The Falcon in the Snow is a musical depiction of British explorer Robert Falcon Scott's expedition to reach the South Pole, the work is divided into five sections, using quotes from Falcon Scott's own journal:Saturday November 26, 1910 - "We advertised our start at 3.P.M., and at three minutes to that hour the Terra Nova pushed off from the jetty".Robert Falcon Scott led the British Antarctic Expedition from 1910 to 1913, aiming to be the first to reach the South Pole. Leaving from Cardiff, Wales, in June 1910, the expedition arrived at the Ross Ice Shelf in January 1911. Scott's team established base camp at Cape Evans on Ross Island and began preparations for the push to the Pole.Thursday February 2, 1911 - "The Blizzard, Nature's protest-the crevasse, Nature's pitfall".The expedition faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather, difficult terrain, and the logistics of transporting supplies and equipment over long distances. Scott divided his men into different teams for the Pole attempt, with one led by himself and the other by Ernest Shackleton, who was eventually sent home due to illness.Tuesday January 16, 1912 - "The Norwegians have forestalled us and are first at the pole. It is a terrible disappointment, and I am very sorry for my loyal companions".Scott's team set out for the South Pole, enduring extreme conditions and struggling with low food supplies. They reached the Pole on January 17, 1912, only to discover that the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen had beaten them to it by 34 days.Thursday January 18, 1912 - "We have turned our back now on the goal of our ambition and must face our 800 miles of solid dragging".Disheartened, the team began the long and arduous journey back to base camp. Tragically, Scott and his companions-Edward Wilson, Henry Bowers, Lawrence Oates, and Edgar Evans-perished during their return journey. They were slowed by extreme weather and suffering from exhaustion and malnutrition.Thursday March 29, 1912 - "For God's sake look after our people".Their final camp, found in November 1912, became their tomb. Scott's journal, recovered with his body, provides a poignant record of their struggles.Despite the tragic outcome, Scott's expedition contributed significantly to the understanding of the Antarctic region. The scientific research and specimens collected during the journey provided valuable insights into the continent's natural history and biology. Additionally, the expedition stimulated public interest in polar exploration and science, leaving a legacy in the chronicles of exploration.
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£124.95Hyperlink - Peter Graham
Hyperlink was commissioned by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (funded by Arts Council England and the Department for Education) for its 70th Anniversary Year. Since the anniversary coincided with other significant celebrations in 2022 (including the Royal Albert Hall/Ralph Vaughan Williams 150th and the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II) it was requested that these also be recognised in some way.
Where better to begin this challenging brief but with a computer search for the NYBBGB founder Dr Denis Wright (coincidently born in Kensington, home of the RAH). The subsequent rabbit warren of hyperlinks led me to structure the work through a series of "associations":
Movement I - The Voice of Jupiter.
Alongside the discovery that Denis Wright had been a church organist was the realisation that while the RAH has hosted thousands of musical events the fabric of the building actually incorporates a musical instrument, the famous Henry Wills organ (aka The Voice of Jupiter).Organ and J S Bach are synonymous (e.g. Toccata in D min) and so both become fundamental to the content of the movement. An opening 7 note quote from the Toccata leads to a mammoth sound cluster, as if every note on the huge RAH organ is sustained. The material which follows is based upon the notes BACH (in German notation). The notes are manipulated in various ways in a 12 tone matrix; reversed, inverted and so on. Other techniques employed in the movement are ones of which Bach was master, including ground bass and fugue.
Movement II - Remember Me.
The lives of Salvationist composer Ray Steadman-Allen (born 1922) and Ralph Vaughan Williams are remembered here, with "RSA" in musical notation and fragments of RVWs famous Tuba Concerto providing the source material.While writing the movement my father passed away and to close his funeral service the family chose the uplifting Robert Lowry hymn They'll sing a welcome home. It seemed fitting to conclude the movement with a reflective setting of the chorus, the repeated phrase "Welcome, welcome home" eventually disappearing into the ether.
Movement III - Vivat.
The finale takes the form of a short fantasy upon Hubert Parry's marvellous coronation anthem I Was Glad, truly a celebratory note with which to conclude.The first performance of Hyperlink was given by the NYBBGB conducted by Martyn Brabbins at the Royal College of Music, London on August 6th 2022.
Published Closed for Holidays. Est dispatch 13th Nov
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£30.00In Dulci Jubilo - Traditional German Carol
In Dulci Jubilo (In Sweet Rejoicing) is a German Christmas carol. Its melody has appeared in various significant historic collections. The first of these was 'Codex 1305', a manuscript from Leipzig. Subsequently it appeared in publications in and beyond Germany including those of Michael Praetorius (Germany) and Piae Cantiones (Finland). In England the settings of both J. M. Neale and Robert Pearsall are well known under the title 'Good Christian Men Rejoice'.
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£38.95Unity Series Band Journal - Numbers 550 - 553, February 2026
550: March - Century of celebration (Stephen Smith)This march follows a traditional pattern and should be accessible for most bands. It was written for the 100th anniversary of Camp Gifford in Loon Lake, Washington, therefore included are well-known songs with references to water as the camp is located on the shores of Deer Lake.551: Going Home (Alan Williams)Richard Jukes' song I'm a soldier bound for Glory (S.A.S.B. 856) displays the confidence of someone with a steadfast faith who is certain that by loving and serving their God they will be accepted into his Kingdom. This assurance results in a joyful song of testimony. Whilst not a direct setting of the five verses, the dance-like rhythm of this cha-cha should reflect the positive and encouraging nature of the lyrics and be full of joy and spirit.552: Whosoever will may come (Noel Jones)This is a two-verse arrangement of the song Whosoever will may come (S.A.S.B. 405), with words written by William John McAlonan and music composed by Alfred Braine. This song is included in the Invitation and Challenge section of the song book. The arrangement should be played in a spirited style.553: March - Sing a praise of celebration (Marcus Venables)This music was written at the request of the Singapore Central Corps Band, who asked that the work be based on two specific meaningful melodies. The first is To the Glory and Praise of God by Robert Redhead, a tune rooted in corporate worship and joyful proclamation, calling God's people to lift their voices in thanksgiving. The other is Home, a beloved Singaporean song that speaks of belonging.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£39.95Swing into Christmas (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Written during Colonel Robert Redhead's tenure as Bandmaster of The International Staff Band, this bright and good-humoured selection - originally titled Sounds of the forties - was composed for the UK Territory's annual Christmas event at the Westminster Central Hall in 1993. It features lively treatments of Good King Wenceslas, Carol of the drum, Silent Night! and Deck the hall and brings fresh sparkle to these familiar carols. With the permission of the Redhead family, the work has been readied for publication. Colonel Redhead lives in retirement in Canada, and this release stands as a welcome addition to the journals.The secret to a successful presentation of this piece (and any swing number) is for the band to have a clear grasp of basic swing principles. Players should aim for a relaxed, buoyant feel built on back'beat emphasis (2 and 4), light articulation, and a sense of forward motion without rushing. Note that, apart from the intentionally straight quavers on the drum kit in sections D and E, quavers elsewhere should be swung.A drum kit will be essential as it provides the stylistic anchor throughout, setting up the tempo, supporting the back'beat, and giving the band confidence to embrace the swing style.The Glenn Miller-inspired opening cornet feature sets the tone for the whole piece and should be played with strength, clarity, and stylistic assurance. The outer movements share this brighter, punchier swing character, with crisp rhythmic definition and confident ensemble playing.In contrast, the central setting of Silent Night! adopts a slow 'shuffle' feel. This section should feel spacious and unhurried, with warm phrasing, gentle back'beat, and a laid'back rhythmic pulse. In the melody line, think breadth, and in the accompaniment, think subtlety rather than weight.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£55.00Triumph Series Brass Band Journal, Numbers 1367 - 1370, November 2024
1367: March - Risen, conquering Son (Noel Jones)Two uplifting Easter songs are featured in this march; Low in the grave he lay (S.A.S.B. 228) with words and music written by Robert Lowry, and Thine is the glory (S.A.S.B. 276) with words by Edmond L. Budry and music by George F. Handel. Both serve as a powerful reminder of the resurrection of Jesus.1368: Horn Solo - O how much he cared for me (Keith Wilkinson)This solo was originally penned for Bandsman Frank Taylor, who plays Solo Horn at Stapleford Citadel Corps. As its basis, it uses the popular hymn No one ever cared for me like Jesus by Charles F. Weigle, a Baptist evangelist who wrote more than a thousand hymns.1369: My Redeemer lives (Olaf Ritman)This arrangement of Reuben Morgan's well-known worship song (S.A.S.B. 223) was first written as an accompaniment for congregational singing and can still be used in that way. It was inspired by the American R&B group Tower of Power and is meant to sound soulful and funky.1370: Selection - With life anew (Mervyn Clarke)This selection features music associated with two hymns; Blessd Saviour, now behold me (S.A.S.B. 575) by William Baugh and Breathe on me, breath of God (S.A.S.B. 294) by Edwin Hatch. Although Edwin Hatch's hymn-writing output was very small, this hymn has seen numerous settings and melodies associated with the words from which the piece takes its title; two of these melodies are featured here in Trentham and Carlisle.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£24.95Judd: Christ's Part
James Curnow's choral setting of Robert Herrick's verses, 'He who requires still', continues to inspire many vocal groups. This brass arrangement, which has been approved by the composer, will bring a new dimension to such evocative music.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£44.95Ae Fond Kiss (Tenor Horn Solo with Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Ae Fond Kiss, by the Scottish poet Robert Burns, is widely recognised as being one of the most poignant songs of lost love ever written. A brief affair with a Mrs Agnes Craig McLehose (known to Burns as Nancy) ended with her decision to join her estranged husband in Jamaica. Her parting gift to Burns was a lock of her hair which he had set in a ring. His gift to her included the poem, the first verse of which reflects Burns' feelings of resignation and despair:Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;Ae fareweel, alas, for ever!Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee,Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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