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£80.00St. Magnus - Kenneth Downie
Dedicated to Alastair Massey, an inspirational music teacher. Commissioned by the Scottish Brass Band Association for the 2004 European Brass Band Championships in Glasgow. This music is a set of variations on the tune known as St Magnus, which is attributed to Jeremiah Clarke. Most people will associate it with Thomas Kelly's hymn which begins: "The Head that once was crowned with thorns is crowned with glory now". The tune is very simple, consisting of just two, four-bar phrases. Neither is there much in the way of rhythmic variety, every note being a crotchet with the exception of two quavers, and the last note in each phrase. Within such a simple structure, however, lies considerable strength. THEME The listener is given the opportunity of hearing it twice, in full, at the beginning, starting with one player but soon taken up by the full ensemble. It returns in the middle of the music and is stated again near the end. This has been done quite deliberately in the hope that there will be an appreciation of what material is being developed, by the listener as well as by those with access to the score, who are able to see the visual connections. VARIATION 1 This takes the rhythm of the last part of the theme and also uses the shape of the opening as a recurring figure. The mood is whimsical and skittish, with short, teasing rhythmic figures tossed around the band, and quick interplay with percussion, at a fast tempo. An energetic flourish finishes this variation before the Andante espress. VARIATION 2 This commences with chords related to the opening of Variation 1. The cantabile on solo comets establishes a new, lyrical mood and there is scope for expressive playing in a series of short solo passages. The theme works its way unobtrusively into the texture before a reprise of the solo cornet melody and some more lyrical interchanges between Eb bass, euphonium, flugel horn and comets. The variation ends serenely with clear references to the last phrase of the theme. VARIATION 3 The first idea to dominate is clearly linked to the shape of the theme's first phrase. There is a frenetic feel to much of this variation, with considerable energy and instability created by extensive use of cross-rhythms. A thinning-out of the score marks a clear change to development of the start of the second phrase of the theme. This proves to be short-lived however, and the opening material returns leading to a restatement of the theme, "Maestoso," after which a euphonium cadenza links to Variation 4. VARIATION 4 Here we have some solos for euphonium, cornet, trombone and Eb bass set against a background of horns and baritones presenting a pensive statement of the theme's opening. VARIATION 5 This commences Allegro, with lively work for cornet and euphonium spreading to the whole band before attention focuses on the beginning of the second phrase of the theme which is initially presented in diminution, then in regular rhythm, then in inversion. An increase in tempo coupled with a decrease in volume, requires dexterity and control, with several metrical challenges thrown in for good measure. The same fragment of phrase becomes an ostinato which generates a frenzied climax, punctuated by short, dramatic silence, before the opening figure returns and the music gradually winds down. The tubular bells herald the final return of the theme, in augmentation, marking the start of the Finale. FINALE This features the running semiquavers of the previous variation sounding in counterpoint. A fast, furious coda speeds the work to a conclusion while references to the opening of the theme are still trying to break into the texture of the music. Kenneth Downie
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£289.80Catharsis - Kjetil Djønne
"Catharsis" explores purification through musical art - a process that provides spiritual renewal and release from moral ambiguities. Its etymology traces back to ancient Greece, but understanding and usage in modern language evolved in the late 18th century. The piece poses cathartic questions through diverse musical elements, from cadences to the ensemble, undergoing changes in tempo, style, texture, and meter. The music embarks on a journey from lyrical expressions to structuralism, from vibrant hues to pale tones, from unrest to tranquility, and from jazzy interludes to grand fulfillment.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£72.70Here Comes the band! - Hans Offerdal
Hans Offerdal wrote this march for Furuset skoles musikkorps and Haugen skolekorps for the 17th of May 2007 and here it is now finally in a version for Brass! It has a simple texture that you will have sounding good with not too muchpractice. During rehearsal one should stress the melodic aspect of each part, and that all parts are just as important. Because of its title and duration of appx. two minutes, this march is perfect for presenting the band at various arrangements youtake part in.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£115.60Three Stages of Placebo - Hans Offerdal
This piece is about the anxiety of going to the doctor, the effect of taking too many pills, and the frustration of not getting the proper medication!Three movements:I - At the DoctorII - Under the InfluenceIII - Backto the DoctorTo the conductor:This piece present challenges regarding accidentals and dissonant chords but consists for the most part of simpler rhythms and texture. There is much use of repeating patterns. The use of dynamics is ofimportance throughout the whole piece and should present an interesting challenge.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£47.80Movin' Up! - Dean Jones
The beat just rolls on! Movin' Up! is very much a sequel to Dean Jones' previous work Hangin' On! There are the usual sounds you'd expect from a swing band piece: vibrant sounding from the trumpets and trombones and then a layered harmonious texture from the horns and baritones. There's also scope for some top class solo work too around the band. There is one twist at the end... the pace is slowed down, the 'top button and bow tie loosened', but the scene is set and concluded with exciting brass sounds.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£105.20Riv i hjertet - Sondre Justad - John Philip Hannevik
The singer/ songwriter Sondre Justad was born in Lofoten in the north of Norway in 1990. His first album Riv i hjertet was released in 2015, and it became a huge success. He got very fine reviews in some of the largest norwegian newspapers, and the title-song was played frequently on the national radio-stations. The song title could loosely be translated as pulling at my heartstrings, and the song has a deep and dark meaning, with the opening lyrics sounding: If I knew - that I would be dying soon, would I be happy with the way I am living my life Please note that the repeating figures in upper cornets should never be dominant, they should only provide texture tothe accompaniment.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£102.99Introduction & Punk - Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen
Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen's (1964) way of composing can be described as: uncompromising, wilful and contemporary. It is not surprising, therefore, that this occasionally causes a stir. In the middle of the Seventies a trend arose in youth culture, which was characterized by provocation, distrust of the great ideologies, and the autonomy of the individual. Punk is playful, aggressive, often humorous, and anti-everything, which inevitably leads to self-irony. The first part of Aagaard-Nielsen's composition (Introduction) is a texture based mainly on one short theme. This pompous theme breathes a spirit of cold empty plains, where icy winds sigh around yourhead. In the vehement Punk (Presto barbaro!) there is no longer any question of a theme. The basis for this part is formed by a repetitive motif (a descending minor third). This motif is alternated with very powerful percussion beats and later on shrill harmonies. De wijze van componeren van Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen (1964) laat zich omschrijven als: compromisloos, eigenzinnig en eigentijds. Niet verwonderlijk dat dit af en toe wat stof doet opwaaien. Midden zeventiger jaren ontstaat er een stroming binnen de jongerencultuur, die provocatie, wantrouwen tegen de grote ideologieen en de autonomie van het individu centraal stelt. Punk is speels, agressief, veelal humoristisch en anti-alles, wat onvermijdelijk leidt tot zelfspot. Het eerste deel (Introduction) is een weefsel, gebaseerd op voornamelijk een kort thema. Het pompeuze thema ademt de sfeer van kille lege vlakten, waar de ijzige wind je om de oren suist. Tijdens de 'heftige' Punk (Presto barbaro!) is van een thema geen sprake meer. De basis voor dit deel is een steeds herhalend motief (dalende kleine terts). Dit motief wordt afgewisseld met zeer krachtige percussie slagen en later schrille samenklanken. Dit alles zorgt voor een bombastisch geheel. Aan het slot van de Punk horen we het intoductie-thema tussen het punkgeweld door terugkomen.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£65.00Christmas Overture - Nigel Hess - Phillip Littlemore
Nigel Hess' vivacious and colourful A Christmas Overture, originally commissioned as an orchestral work by John Rutter for his 2007 Christmas Festival, proved an instant success with audience and orchestra alike. Traditional carols, skilfully juxtaposed and interwoven, provide the thematic material. These include Ding Dong! Merrily On High; Il Est N Le Divin Enfant; Infant Holy, Infant Lowly; Personent Hodie; We Wish You A Merry Christmas and Angels From The Realms Of Glory, which brings the overture to a majestic close. Fragments of other carols appear along the way to enrich the texture of what is surely one of the mostattractive pieces written for the festive season. Brass Band Grade 4/5. Duration: 7 minutes, 30 seconds
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£29.95The Strong Tower (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Following the popularity of Turris Fortissima, I decided, albeit many years later, to revisit some of the material it contains and create a shorter piece, expanding on some of the ideas and motifs, allowing myself to follow those in different directions altogether. The result is this piece which I hope will also excite players and listeners alike.The music is marked at a quick tempo from the start, but despite several changes in meter, the tempo doesn't change until the small accelerando leads us into the presto section. In order to maintain the excitement and drama, it's important to set the pace and keep it consistent throughout.Section A introduces a few of the motifs that will be developed during the piece, including the main Turris Fortissima theme from bar 13 to 18.At section B, ensure the quavers are tight across the whole band with a strong attack, making an obvious difference in dynamic when fff is marked, in bars 23, 25 and 27. A more lyrical approach will be effective from the Horns in section C, with vigorous interruptions from the rest of the band breaking up their melody.Section D features long notes from muted 1st and 2nd Cornets and Trombones, with crescendos each time. These should be significant and sound as though they emerge from nowhere, completely cutting through the overall texture.Section D features long notes from muted 1st and 2nd Cornets and Trombones, with crescendos each time. These should be significant and sound as though they emerge from nowhere, completely cutting through the overall texture.Sections E and F are both passages of building intensity. Various contrasting motifs are layered, including a subtle reference to the hymn tune Ein' feste Burg (A mighty fortress is our God) from the Euphonium. The music becomes more busy and muddled, before reaching its climax at section G where the lyrical melody is heard again, this time from the Solo Cornets and Euphonium.In bars 141 to 145, there is a reference to Dean Goffin's My strength, my tower in the Basses, as used in Turris Fortissima. Allow this motif to dominate, keeping the notes full and grand-sounding. In bars 149 to 151 there is further use of the line from Ein' feste Burg in the Baritones, Trombones, Euphoniums and Basses leading into the final section.- Steven Ponsford
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£34.95Fire & the Phoenix, The - Christopher Bond
The Fire & the Phoenix (2015) was commissioned by Brett Baker in early 2015 as the opening track to his solo CD 'Myths & Legends'. Whilst structurally a single-movement work, it is presented so that it can link directly into the next work on the CD, adding to a continuous theme comprising a number of pieces from a number of composers. Opening with huge strident chords in the full band, the representation of the phoenix is instantly reflected; bold, powerful and a bird of great intensity. This makes way for a more mystical section marked 'distant' which reflect the beauty of the Phoenix and it's mythical nature where the trombone soars up into its higher register with a sweeping melody. Soon after, the music takes a sharp turn, becoming dramatic and instantly moving away from the mystical mood created previously. Here, we imagine the Phoenix catching fire, burning intensely with huge flames as it gradually turns into ash. We reach a tonic pedal point in the music, over which chord progressions subtly weave in and out of the texture. Here, we imagine the Phoenix rising from the ashes, with the dynamics gradually increasing to reflect this, slowly taking shape as it is born again. A return to earlier material follows, this time manipulated to reflect the Phoenix in its new form - the same bird; the same animal; but at the same time different. A beautiful chorale-like passage is heard before the music transports us back into a magical land, where delicate rhythmic ideas are juxtaposed against bolder lower chords; both ideas together transporting the listener forward into the next piece.
Estimated dispatch 10-14 working days
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