Results
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£104.99Variations on a Chord - Jan de Haan
Variations on a Chord was composed on the occasion of the second lustrum of the Dutch Brass Band Championships celebrated in 1990. The piece is the immediate sequel to Contrasten a piece which was composed in 1986, and which is performed all over the world. Not only was the final chord of this previous work used as a starting point for the new composition, but Variations on a Chord is also the first concert piece for brass band composed by Jan de Haan since then. The several variations are based on a solemn theme. The so-called minor-major seventh chord is easily detectable. The structure of the piece is such that the lyrical theme is preceded by a majestic introduction, and isfollowed by eight variations each strongly contrasting in character. The piece finishes in a short but extremely spectacular coda.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£109.99Suite Celebration - Bruce Fraser
Bruce Fraser composed this test piece for the 'Gouden Spiker Festival' 2003 (The Netherlands). Suite Celebration was inspired by events in his recent family life. The first movement celebrates the marriage of his daughter and reflects her bubbly personality and vitality. The melodies and harmonies of the whole work are based on a note row which came up during a discussion with the publisher. The second movement celebrates the birth of his grand-daughter 'Rebecca Aileen' and takes the form of a ballad featuring expressive opportunities for the soloists. The final movement is more of a look into the future and hope of success and a good life for hisfamily. Who knows what is coming?
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£59.95Essay - Edward Gregson
This work was specially commissioned as the test piece for a new brass band competition in 1971, held at the Royal Albert Hall, London. It is in three movements, the titles of which all have literary connotations. The first movement, Dialoguetakes the form of 'conversations' between the instruments. The second movement, Soliloquy is dedicated to the memory of Gilbert Vinter - a composer who did so much in the 1960s to bring the brass band into the modern world. The final movement,Epigram, creates strong rhythmic contrasts and exploits the more virtuoso character of the brass band.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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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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£74.99Olympus - Philip Harper
Selected as the test-piece for the 3rd Section Regional contests of the National Brass Band Championships 2012The music begins with a depiction of the exciting Opening Ceremony where noisy fanfares and sudden swells add to the cosmopolitan flag-waving clamour. Without a break the music leads to The Chariot Race, a fast compound-time gallop withthundering hooves in the basses and percussion, and a heroic melody introduced by the tenor horns. Chariot racing was the main equestrian event in the Ancient Greek Games, which were founded in memory of King Oenomaus. In the Greek legend he suffereddefeat in a chariot race to his son-in-law and Zeus' grandson, Pelops, but much of the music is bitter-sweet to symbolise the fact that Pelops had to cheat to win drawing parallels with some of the issues still facing modern-day athletics. A slow, mystical passage follows, describing The Temple of Zeus at Olympia. The statue of Zeus, who was honoured throughout the Ancient Games' history, was housed inside the temple and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Themusic depicts this period of the dawn of one of mankind's most ancient civilisations and there is a series of solo passages above a drone. The next section is called The Olympic Flame and a broad and lyrical anthem-like melody develops slowly in the euphoniums, which gradually ascends until the horns can take it over before passing upwards again to the cornets (Higher). The musicbursts into bright life at the lighting of the flame and the regular rhythmic pattern which has been established goes through an accelerando (Faster). The final section is called The Olympic Truce and aims to capture the cooperative spirit of the ancient practice of ending wars for the duration of the games. The anthem-like melody makes an affirmatory return (Stronger) and the work ends asit began with a blaze of colour and a real sense of optimism and global celebration. "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stonger)NOTES ON PERFORMANCEPercussion requirements: 1 to 3 players (3 Timpani, Snare Drum, Tenor Drum, Cymbals, Glockenspiel, Triangle)
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£154.99Sunrise with Sea Monsters - Oliver Waespi
The title of this work is based on the painting of the same name by the English painter William Turner. The ambiguity and suggestive power of this seascape offers great musical possibilities. The first part of the work represents the sunrise, and depicts scenes from Greek mythology in which two sea monsters from Odyssey play their part. In Charybdis, rugged high and low sound fields contrast with a tuneful theme, veined with restlessly pulsing lines. The subsequent fragmentary movement, Sirens, is characterized by mysterious sounds and intertwined arabesques, that are increasingly overshadowed by menacing chords. Concluding the final movement is another famous musical monster: a Tarantella. Sunrise with Sea Monsters was commissioned by the Brassband Burgermusik Luzern and was premiered at the 2023 Swiss Brass Band Championships, conducted by Michael Bach.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£134.99Crazy Twenties - Thierry Deleruyelle
Crazy Twenties takes place in the 1920s, a decade otherwise known as the "Roaring Twenties". This work retraces an exceptional period in social, cultural and artistic terms, when a new generation dreamt of a new world. The work opens with a bright and lively movement, followed by a nostalgic interlude. A gracious slow movement accompanies the Parisian district of Montparnasse. Written in the style of an unstable blues, the next movement evokes characters sipping their Bloody Marys in a cafe. The final movement is a fugue with the main motif as the subject.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£45.99L-O-V-E - Christopher Bond
L-O-V-E was written by Milt Gabler and Bert Kaempfert for the final album of the same name by the American singer and pianist Nat King Cole. This album, released in 1965, is largely regarded as a classic. Over the years, many cover versions have been made, including one by Michael Buble. In 2007, the English soul singer and songwriter Joss Stone recorded the song for the promotion campaign around the Coco Mademoiselle perfume by Chanel. Christopher Bond arranged this catchy music for brass band.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£105.00King Arthur - Benjamin Britten
King Arthur was the first of 28 scores Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) composed for radio between 1937 and 1947. It was an ambitious dramatisation of King Arthur's life and times - part pageant, part play, partcantata - written by D.G. Bridson. This colourful suite incorporates the Introduction, a dramatic Wild Dance, some of the music underscoring the scenes for Galahad and The Holy Grail, and two vividbattle scenes, ending with The Final Battle and Apotheosis. King Arthur (scenes from a radio drama) for brass band should not be confused with a much longer orchestral suite which Paul Hindmarsh devised from the same sourcein1995. King Arthur (scenes from a radio drama) will be played by the 20 First Section finalists on 16th September 2018 at this year's National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£118.99Lions of Legends - Thierry Deleruyelle
This work was commissioned by Eurofestival. Ever since antiquity, mankind has been fascinated by the lion: symbolising courage, strength and temperance. Many have made use of the lion to represent themselves in symbols and emblems. In five movements the composer describes both the history of the lion throughout centuries, as well as the characteristics. A challenging idea to turn into music! The final movement 'King of Kings' is extremely spectacular. A great choice for thematic concerts or as a main piece in your concert or contest.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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