Results
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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.
Estimated dispatch 3-7 working days
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£29.95Dream Sequence - Jonathan Bates
DURATION: 3'00". DIFFICULTY: 3rd+. Composed for Strata Brass in 2020 as part of their COVID-19 induced, virtually recorded 'A Christmas Carol' (a new suite for brass bandlasting around 30 minutes in total), 'Dream Sequence' is an ethereal texture-driven work relying heavily on the use of tuned percussion to create a dreamy layer of sound within which the band intersperse. In the context of the story, this work is used to set the scene of Scrooge drifting to sleep, contemplating his ways before the visit of the 3 ghosts later that evening. The 2 Christmas carols utilised in this work are 'O Come Emmanuel' and 'Carol of the Bells'. .
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£44.95Panic on Pudding Lane - Jonathan Bates
DURATION: 5 minutes. DIFFICULTY: Championship. Panic on Pudding Lane was composed for the 2016 RNCM Festival of Brass, for the Black Dyke Band and Prof. Nicholas Childs. The work was composed to mark the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London in 1666. Following the frantic panicking, and hustle and bustle of the emergency service vehicles, a moment of reflection and tranquility is found in the core of the work, with a feature for Soprano Cornet and Flugelhorn in a section that almost pleads and mourns over the damage and devastation which surrounds them, as they stand amongst the burning rubble and debris (enhanced by a CD sound effect backing track). Whilst this section proves to be the calming point of the piece, the chaos and destruction is still never far from the ear, with distant echoes of sirens in the background towards the section's close. . Panic once again returns as the piece builds to a chaotic and driving close, with a huge sweeping recapitulation of the 'London's Burning' motif taking the lead before a wild,dischordant and frenzied finale brings the work to it's end. .
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 working days
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£25.00Meditation - John Stainer
Based on "God So Loved The World" from John Stainer's "Crucifixion".In the 19th century, the English composer John Stainer wrote an oratorio named "The Crucifixion". It contains a beautiful a capella setting of the Biblical text from John chapter 3 verses 16 & 17. Although I have added a few obligati and counter subjects, and a short fugal link, for the most part, I have not tried to add too much to a beautiful piece of traditional harmony. What I have done, is to try to emphasise the subtle changes of tone colour in the unique sound of the brass band. "Meditation" is on the latest CD from Weston Brass. Order from [email protected] price �6.95."..a beautiful concert item that reflects the title of the work perfectly." Robert Childs
In Stock: Estimated dispatch 3-5 working days
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Duet For Two Cats - G. Rossini - Len Jenkins
"Duet For Two Cats" is often performed as an encore to vocal recitals and operatic galas. It may be sung by two sopranos, male-female pairs, or even as a tomcat duet and can be accompanied by a piano or a full orchestra. The lyrics are simple; the single word 'Miaow', repeated with various styles of inflexion and attitude throughout the piece. Our arrangement is for a cornet and trombone. The piece is generally ascribed to Rossini, though there is some doubt as to its actual origins and whether it is an authentic work by that composer. It is believed that an English composer, Robert Lucas Pearsall under the pseudonym G. Berthold may have assembled the various elements from Rossini and perhaps other composers into the piece as we now know it. In order to achieve the correct balance between band and soloists, there is a need to mute most of the band instruments. Recognising that not all bands will have the larger mutes which are expensive and sometimes unwieldy, we suggest a form of muting made famous by a jazz trumpeter and which works well on most instruments. It consists of a circle of heat resistant padded table covering or felt, slightly larger than the bell diameter, with an elasticated edge like a 'mop-hat'. With 3 holes in it to let the sound out, the mute is then simply stretched over the bell to achieve the desired effect and folded up when not required.
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£69.95Judd: Isaiah 40
Commissioned for the final of the 1996 National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, Isaiah 40 represents Robert Redhead's only 'test piece' composition to date. The timeless truths contained in Isaiah 40 were written to encourage a people facing very intimidating circumstances. The Jewish people of the 5th Century BC were preparing to make an arduous journey though the desert to return to their ravaged homeland after a lengthy exile in the sophisticated society of Babylon. Both Scripture and music sound out a message of hope, as they view life from an eternal perspective, thus placing change in its proper context. Because 'the Lord is the everlasting God' his word 'stands forever' and 'those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength'. They will not merely get through somehow but 'they will soar on wings like eagles'.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£34.95Island Whirl (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Island Whirl was commissioned by Margaret Milligan who wanted a brand new piece of music composed as a present for Ian, her husband for his 70th birthday. Ian Milligan is a keen and dedicated musician and he is the musical director of Callendar Brass, based in Callendar near Stirling in Scotland.Margaret contacted me about the possibility of composing a short lively piece which had a Scottish theme that would be ideal for Callendar Brass Band and any other ensemble to get their teeth into. This piece takes its inspiration from the traditional Scottish folk song 'An Eriskay Love Lilt' which is a particular favourite of both Margaret and Ian.With thunderous Celtic drums the piece opens in a whirlwind of sound with fanfare brass and an off-stage soloist that can perform using either the cornet or trumpet. After the exciting opening, the brass and drums die away to allow the off-stage soloist to air the traditional tune 'An Eriskay Love Lilt'.The beautiful haunting melody, keeping its originality throughout undergoes a series of changes in the accompanying harmonic material before dying away to allow the Celtic drums to return. The percussion whip the band into a frenzy as the piece gets faster and faster. Just prior to the final notes the band diminuendo to allow one last closing statement from the Eriskay Love Lilt lead by the off-stage soloist before the ensemble charge to a dramatic close.When performing this piece I would recommend the off-stage soloist taking a position somewhere in the audience, so they can almost feel part of the performance. In addition, with the two tom-tom parts that represent the Celtic drums, bands should make the most of showcasing them by getting the two drummers out to the front of the band to perform. The ideal stage position would be with the players set up in stereo with one player in front of the soprano cornet and the other in front of the solo trombone.With the various choreographed movements from both the off-stage soloist and the percussionists. This piece is a great addition to any concert repertoire and is an ideal showcase for bands who want to try something a little different.I wish Ian at 70 years young, all the very best with his music making in the many years to come and I hope this piece, composed especially for him and Callender Brass brings them many years of musical enjoyment.Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£59.95Festival Suite (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
This three movement suite for brass band was commissioned by the Solothurnischer Blasmusikverband (SOBV) in Switzerland for their 2009 Festival. The first movement, Energy, is appropriately lively in character. It is dominated by an agitated theme on trombones and cornets, driven by a percussion accompaniment, and complemented by pulsating counterpoint from the rest of the band. The second movement is called Repose and its opening melodious theme on cornets provides a welcome respite from the restlessness and verve of the opening movement. The lyrical nature of the music is sustained throughout. The finale, Suspense, opens with a theme containing more than a hint of foreboding which recurs several times. There are numerous abrupt changes of dynamics, and also a brightening of mood, before everything finishes in a blaze of sound.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£10.00Isaiah 40 (Brass Band - Study Score)
Commissioned for the final of the 1996 National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. The timeless truths contained in Isaiah 40 were written to encourage a people facing very intimidating circumstances. The Jewish people of the 5th Century BC were preparing to make an arduous journey though the desert to return to their ravaged homeland after a lengthy exile in the sophisticated society of Babylon. Both Scripture and music sound out a message of hope, as they view life from an eternal perspective, thus placing change in its proper context. Because 'the Lord is the everlasting God' his word 'stands forever' and 'those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength'. They will not merely get through somehow but 'they will soar on wings like eagles'.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£94.00Montage (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Each of the movements of the symphony take as their starting point forms originating in music of the 16th and 17th centuries.The first, an intrada, introduces the main thematic material (based on the interval of a minor third) in its embryonic state. As the piece progresses, this material is developed and manipulated in a variety of ways. The interval of the third remains central to the overall scheme of the work, even unifying the three movements on a tonal plane (I: F (minor); II: A flat (major); III: C flat (minor). The internal structure of the intrada is an arch form: ABCBA, roughly modelled on the first movement of Concerto for Orchestra by Witold Lutoslawski, to whose memory the movement is dedicated.A chaconne follows - the basic material now transformed into expansive solo lines underpinned by a recurring sequence of five chords (again, a third apart). The movement's structure combines both ternary form and golden section principles and the chaconne's continuous cycle of chords may be visualised as circles.The final movement, a rondo, bears the dramatic weight of the entire work, as the underlying tonal tensions surface. A musical journey ensues, making diversions through lyrical territories as well as through more spiky, jazz-flavoured ones. The aural (and visual) montage is perhaps most apparent towards the climax of the piece, where three keys and polyrhythms sound simultaneously in the upper brass, xylophone, horns, and timpani. The climax itself combines the lyrical music heard earlier with the rondo theme, now presented by cornets and trombones in canon.The teleological thrust of the movement (if not the entire work) can be symbolized by the flight of an arrow, as it steers a predetermined course towards its target.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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