Results
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£44.95Masquerade (Score Only)
The first performance took place on the 4th. September 1993 at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester during the British Open Brass Band Championships.Note by Philip Wilby:Masquerade is a centenary tribute to Verdi's last opera Falstaff and takes its final scene as the basis for my own piece. Thus I have used some of Verdi's music, and some of Shalespeare's plot, and woven them into a fabric with highly demanding music of my own to produce a work in the great tradition of operatically-based brass band pieces. Such scores date from the very beginnings of band repertory and are often not direct arrangements in the established sense but new compositions produced in homage to a past master. They may still offer performers and audience alike something familiar interwoven with something new. My own piece reuses some elements from the original story: . .Falstaff has been caught in a web of his own lies by the ladies of the town, who propose to teach him a lesson. The story opens at night in Windsor Great Park. The plotters, variously disguised in Hallowe'en fashion (as fairies,elves hobgoblins etc!) assemble in the park to await Falstaff's arrival (musicologists will, perhaps, note a rare use of 'large bottle in F' being used during this scene of suppressed alcoholic revelry!). Falstaff's companions, Bardolph,Piston and Robin, enter (represented here by the three trombones!), and are variously abused by the masqueraders. At the height of the Tout an alarm sounds and Falstaff (euphonium cadenza) enters as Midnight strikes. From a safe hiding place he watches as the disguised Nanetta (principal comet) sings a serene solo as the moon appcars above the trees. With sudden force the others seize him and drag him from his hiding place. As in the traditional game 'Blind Man's Buff', he is roughly turned seven times (a sequence of solo accelerandi) until, at last, he recognizes his assailants as his sometime friends. Far from complaining, Verdi's character concludes the opera with a good-humoured fugue on the words.... 'All the World's a Joke... Every mortal laughs at the others, But he laughs best who has the final laugh. Philip Wilby.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£29.95Unity Series Band Journal October 2013 Numbers 410 - 413
No. 410 March - Go Forth! (Paul Drury)This march was written as a tribute to Bandmaster Jack Spowart and the Bo'ness Salvation Army Band. The composer lives in the twon of Bo'ness and has had numerous opportunities to share with the band and the wider corps at various events. This march serves as recognition of the faithful service given in the Lord's name in the town by The Salvation Army for over 100 years. Two tunes are featured, both well-known and instantly recognisable, namely, Forward! be our watchword and We're marching on.No.411 (1) O give thanks (Marian Parker)The composer, Marian Parker, is a new contributor and is the Recruiting Sergeant at Leicester South Corps. This simple, yet rhythmic piece should not pose any technical problems for most bands and features the attractive arrangement of Joanne Pond's contemporary song, 'O give thanks'.No.411 (2) Hymn Tune Arrangement - St Michael (David Rowsell)The hymn tune 'St Michael' was composed in 1551 by French composer Louis Bourgeois and the composer provides a very useful arrangement of this historic hymn.No. 412 Precious Lord, take my hand (Erik Silfverberg O.F.)This well-known Gospel Song is a favourite of many. It has been recorded by many great artists, including Rosetta Tharpe, Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. The words were written by Reverend Thomas A. Dorsey, who is often known as the 'Father of Gospel song'.No. 413 Search Me (Gavin Whitehouse)The second new contributor to this journal is Gavin Whitehouse. gavin is the Assistant Music Director for the Greater New York Division and is also the USA Eastern Territorial Songster Leader. This piece combines two songs - one old and one new - which speak of a God who knows us intimately. 'Search me, O God and know my heart today' (associated with the beautiful Maori melody, 'Now is the hour') is woven with a contemporary setting of Psalm 139 by Rebecca St James, the first line of which says, 'You searchme, you know me'.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£27.95Three Fanfares (Brass Ensemble - Score and Parts)
This set includes three fanfares by Edward Gregson for symphonic brass and percussion ensemble:Fanfare for a New EraFanfare for the NorthFanfare for EuropeFanfare for a New Era: This fanfare was commissioned by Lady Sheila Stoller to celebrate the opening of the Stoller Hall at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester (UK). It is dedicated to Sir Norman Stoller, who generously donated the funding for the new concert hall. It was first performed by students of Chetham's School of Music, conducted by Stephen Threlfall, at the Royal Opening of the Stoller Hall on 24 April 2017. Ideally, the fanfare should be performed using as much spatial arrangement as possible, so that the antiphonal effects are heard to their best advantage. Whatever the chosen lay-out, the 1st Trumpet should be positioned off-stage in a suitable position. This could be a rear balcony if the venue is not too large, or in a side balcony in a larger concert hall. Duration: 3.00Fanfare for the North: This fanfare was commissioned by the Gateshead Garden Festival of 1990 and was first performed by London Brass Virtuosi, directed by David Honeyball, at the Royal Opening by HM The Queen. Its four-note motif (G, A, E, D), which is heard throughout the fanfare, is derived from the letters of 'Gateshead'. Duration: 1.15Fanfare for Europe: This fanfare was specially commissioned for two concerts celebrating the UK's entry into Europe (or the European Economic Community as it was then known) in 1973. The first performances were given at York Minister and the Royal Albert Hall, London, in January 1973. The fanfare was also featured as the opening music for the first episode of a series of short documentary programmes made for BBC Radio 4 in 2018 by Mark Mardell entitled Brexit: A Love Story? Duration: 1.15Duration: 5.30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£74.95Eden (Score and Parts)
This work was commissioned by the Brass Band Heritage Trust as the test piece for the final of the 2005 Besson National Brass Band Championship, held at the Royal Albert Hall, London.The score is prefaced by the final lines from Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost (completed in 1663), in which Adam and Eve, expelled from Paradise, make their uncertain way into the outside world:"...The world was all before them, where to chooseTheir place of rest, and providence their guide:They hand in hand with wandering steps and slow,Through Eden took their solitary way."My work is in three linked sections. In the first, the characters of Adam, Eve and the serpent guarding the Tree of Knowledge are respectively represented by solo euphonium, cornet and trombone. The music opens in an idyllic and tranquil mood and leads into a duet between euphonium and cornet. Throughout this passage the prevailing mood darkens, though the soloists seem to remain oblivious to the increasingly fraught atmosphere. A whip-crack announces the malevolent appearance of the solo trombone who proceeds to engage the solo cornet in a sinister dialogue.The second section interprets the Eden story as a modern metaphor for the havoc mankind has inflicted upon the world, exploiting and abusing its resources in the pursuit of wealth. Though certainly intended here as a comment on the present-day, it is by no means a new idea: Milton himself had an almost prescient awareness of it in Book I of his poem, where men, led on by Mammon:"...Ransacked the centre and with impious handsRifled the bowels of their mother earthFor treasures better hid. Soon had his crewOpened into the hill a spacious woundAnd digged out ribs of gold."So this section is fast and violent, at times almost manic in its destructive energy. At length a furious climax subsides and a tolling bell ushers in the third and final section.This final part is slow, beginning with an intense lament featuring solos for tenor-horn, flgel-horn and repiano cornet and joined later by solo baritone, soprano cornet, Eb-bass and Bb-bass.At one stage in the planning of the work it seemed likely that the music would end here - in despair. Then, mid-way through writing it, I visited the extraordinary Eden Project in Cornwall. Here, in a disused quarry - a huge man-made wound in the earth - immense biomes, containing an abundance of plant species from every region of the globe, together with an inspirational education programme, perhaps offer a small ray of hope for the future. This is the image behind the work's conclusion and the optimism it aims to express is real enough, though it is hard-won and challenged to the last.John Pickard 2005
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£29.50Eden (Score Only)
This work was commissioned by the Brass Band Heritage Trust as the test piece for the final of the 2005 Besson National Brass Band Championship, held at the Royal Albert Hall, London.The score is prefaced by the final lines from Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost (completed in 1663), in which Adam and Eve, expelled from Paradise, make their uncertain way into the outside world:"...The world was all before them, where to chooseTheir place of rest, and providence their guide:They hand in hand with wandering steps and slow,Through Eden took their solitary way."My work is in three linked sections. In the first, the characters of Adam, Eve and the serpent guarding the Tree of Knowledge are respectively represented by solo euphonium, cornet and trombone. The music opens in an idyllic and tranquil mood and leads into a duet between euphonium and cornet. Throughout this passage the prevailing mood darkens, though the soloists seem to remain oblivious to the increasingly fraught atmosphere. A whip-crack announces the malevolent appearance of the solo trombone who proceeds to engage the solo cornet in a sinister dialogue.The second section interprets the Eden story as a modern metaphor for the havoc mankind has inflicted upon the world, exploiting and abusing its resources in the pursuit of wealth. Though certainly intended here as a comment on the present-day, it is by no means a new idea: Milton himself had an almost prescient awareness of it in Book I of his poem, where men, led on by Mammon:"...Ransacked the centre and with impious handsRifled the bowels of their mother earthFor treasures better hid. Soon had his crewOpened into the hill a spacious woundAnd digged out ribs of gold."So this section is fast and violent, at times almost manic in its destructive energy. At length a furious climax subsides and a tolling bell ushers in the third and final section.This final part is slow, beginning with an intense lament featuring solos for tenor-horn, flgel-horn and repiano cornet and joined later by solo baritone, soprano cornet, Eb-bass and Bb-bass.At one stage in the planning of the work it seemed likely that the music would end here - in despair. Then, mid-way through writing it, I visited the extraordinary Eden Project in Cornwall. Here, in a disused quarry - a huge man-made wound in the earth - immense biomes, containing an abundance of plant species from every region of the globe, together with an inspirational education programme, perhaps offer a small ray of hope for the future. This is the image behind the work's conclusion and the optimism it aims to express is real enough, though it is hard-won and challenged to the last.John Pickard 2005
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£5.99Scripture-based Songs Compilation Folio Books
No. of TuneTitleRefernece1Above all powersSpring Harvest Song Book 2003, 12All for theeThe Musical Salvationist, January 19763All Heaven declaresMagnify, 24All the world is waitingThe Musical Salvationist, April 19875As we are gatheredThe Source, 296Be bold, be strongThe Source,387Be still for the presence of the LordMagnify, 78Beauty for brokennessThe Source,379Blessd be the name of the LordThe Source,5310Breathe 11By his handSing to the Lord, Vol.1, Part 112Come, now is the time to worshipThe Source, 66213Come on and celebrate!The Source, 7514Come, thou Fount of every blessing (Nettleton)Salvation Army Song Book, 31315ContentmentHappiness & Harmony, 1416Crown him with many crowns (Diademata)Salvation Army Song Book, 15617Cwm RhonddaSalvation Army Song Book, 57818Do something beautifulSing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1219Faithful GodThe Source, 8820Father, we love youHappiness & Harmony, 1621Give thanks with a grateful heartThe Source, 1822Glorious things of thee are spoken (Abbot's Leigh)Salvation Army Song Book, 15723God in youSing to the Lord, Vol.9, Part 224Great is the darkness (Come, Lord Jesus)Magnify, 1425He is ableSing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1526He is the Lord (Show your power)Magnify, 1927Healing ChristSing to the Lord, Vol.6, Part 328Here am I, my LordThe Musical Salvationist, July 199129His ProvisionThe Musical Salvationist, July 198530Holy, holy, holy is the LordSongs of Fellowship, 18231HosannaThe Source, 18232How deep the Father's love for usThe Source, 185; Songs of Fellowship II, 78033I am a new creationThe Source, 19134I dare to be differentSing to the Lord, Vol.1, Part 135I love you, LordMagnify, 2436I will run to you (Your eye is on the sparrow)The Source, 109337In Christ aloneThe Source, 131138In his presenceSing to the Lord, Vol.9, Part 339In his time 40In Jesus' nameSing to the Lord, Vol.13, Part 141In this quiet momentSing to the Lord, Vol.13, Part 342It is to youMagnify, 3043Jesus is Lord!The Source, 28444Jesus, name above all namesHappiness & Harmony, 3245Joyful, Joyful (Europe)Salvation Army Song Book, 1046King of Kings, MajestyThe Source, 30947Knowing You (All I once held dear)Magnify, 348Light of the world (Here I am to worship)Sing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1049Lord, I lift your name on highMagnify, 3850Lord, you know that we love youThe Musical Salvationist, April 198351Love Divine (Blaenwern)Salvation Army Song Book, 43852MajestyHappiness & Harmony, 4553My Lord and Christ!Sing to the Lord, Vol.2, Part 254My Lord, what love is thisThe Source, 37055My Saviour's love (I stand amazed)Salvation Army Song Book, 17956Nothing but thy bloodSing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1357O God of burning, cleansing flame (Send the fire)Salvation Army Song Book, 20358O happy daySalvation Army Song Book, 36559Oh to see the dawn (The power of the cross)Spring Harvest Song Book 2005, 6760Only by graceMagnify, 4861Power of your love (Lord, I come to you)Magnify, 3762Praise, my soulSalvation Army Song Book, 1763Praise to the Lord (Lobe den Herren)Salvation Army Song Book, 1964Regent SquareSalvation Army Song Book, 14765Rejoice!The Source, 43866Shout to the Lord (My Jesus, my Saviour)Magnify, 4367Sing and make musicHappiness & Harmony, 5568Spirit of the living GodSongs of Fellowship, 511; The Source, 46369Storm the forts of darknessSalvation Army Song Book, 69670Teach me to danceThe Source, 46971The light has comeHappiness & Harmony, 6372The Potter's hand (Beautiful Lord, wonderful Saviour)The Source, 64073The servant King (From Heaven you came)The Source, 11474The splendour of the KingSpring Harvest Song Book 2005, 9775There is a redeemerMagnify, 5976To be in your presence (My Desire)Magnify, 6177To God be the gloryThe Musical Salvationist, April 198878Wake up, O sleeperSing to the Lord, Vol.6, Part 279We are marchingThe Source, 53980We have come into this placeHappiness & Harmony, 7381We want to see Jesus lifted highThe Source, 55982When the music fades (The heart of worship)Magnify, 7083Who is on the Lord's side? (Rachie)Salvation Army Song Book, 707
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£29.95Scripture-based Songs Compilation Full Score
No. of TuneTitleRefernece1Above all powersSpring Harvest Song Book 2003, 12All for theeThe Musical Salvationist, January 19763All Heaven declaresMagnify, 24All the world is waitingThe Musical Salvationist, April 19875As we are gatheredThe Source, 296Be bold, be strongThe Source,387Be still for the presence of the LordMagnify, 78Beauty for brokennessThe Source,379Blessd be the name of the LordThe Source,5310Breathe 11By his handSing to the Lord, Vol.1, Part 112Come, now is the time to worshipThe Source, 66213Come on and celebrate!The Source, 7514Come, thou Fount of every blessing (Nettleton)Salvation Army Song Book, 31315ContentmentHappiness & Harmony, 1416Crown him with many crowns (Diademata)Salvation Army Song Book, 15617Cwm RhonddaSalvation Army Song Book, 57818Do something beautifulSing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1219Faithful GodThe Source, 8820Father, we love youHappiness & Harmony, 1621Give thanks with a grateful heartThe Source, 1822Glorious things of thee are spoken (Abbot's Leigh)Salvation Army Song Book, 15723God in youSing to the Lord, Vol.9, Part 224Great is the darkness (Come, Lord Jesus)Magnify, 1425He is ableSing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1526He is the Lord (Show your power)Magnify, 1927Healing ChristSing to the Lord, Vol.6, Part 328Here am I, my LordThe Musical Salvationist, July 199129His ProvisionThe Musical Salvationist, July 198530Holy, holy, holy is the LordSongs of Fellowship, 18231HosannaThe Source, 18232How deep the Father's love for usThe Source, 185; Songs of Fellowship II, 78033I am a new creationThe Source, 19134I dare to be differentSing to the Lord, Vol.1, Part 135I love you, LordMagnify, 2436I will run to you (Your eye is on the sparrow)The Source, 109337In Christ aloneThe Source, 131138In his presenceSing to the Lord, Vol.9, Part 339In his time 40In Jesus' nameSing to the Lord, Vol.13, Part 141In this quiet momentSing to the Lord, Vol.13, Part 342It is to youMagnify, 3043Jesus is Lord!The Source, 28444Jesus, name above all namesHappiness & Harmony, 3245Joyful, Joyful (Europe)Salvation Army Song Book, 1046King of Kings, MajestyThe Source, 30947Knowing You (All I once held dear)Magnify, 348Light of the world (Here I am to worship)Sing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1049Lord, I lift your name on highMagnify, 3850Lord, you know that we love youThe Musical Salvationist, April 198351Love Divine (Blaenwern)Salvation Army Song Book, 43852MajestyHappiness & Harmony, 4553My Lord and Christ!Sing to the Lord, Vol.2, Part 254My Lord, what love is thisThe Source, 37055My Saviour's love (I stand amazed)Salvation Army Song Book, 17956Nothing but thy bloodSing to the Lord Children's Voices Series, Vol.1357O God of burning, cleansing flame (Send the fire)Salvation Army Song Book, 20358O happy daySalvation Army Song Book, 36559Oh to see the dawn (The power of the cross)Spring Harvest Song Book 2005, 6760Only by graceMagnify, 4861Power of your love (Lord, I come to you)Magnify, 3762Praise, my soulSalvation Army Song Book, 1763Praise to the Lord (Lobe den Herren)Salvation Army Song Book, 1964Regent SquareSalvation Army Song Book, 14765Rejoice!The Source, 43866Shout to the Lord (My Jesus, my Saviour)Magnify, 4367Sing and make musicHappiness & Harmony, 5568Spirit of the living GodSongs of Fellowship, 511; The Source, 46369Storm the forts of darknessSalvation Army Song Book, 69670Teach me to danceThe Source, 46971The light has comeHappiness & Harmony, 6372The Potter's hand (Beautiful Lord, wonderful Saviour)The Source, 64073The servant King (From Heaven you came)The Source, 11474The splendour of the KingSpring Harvest Song Book 2005, 9775There is a redeemerMagnify, 5976To be in your presence (My Desire)Magnify, 6177To God be the gloryThe Musical Salvationist, April 198878Wake up, O sleeperSing to the Lord, Vol.6, Part 279We are marchingThe Source, 53980We have come into this placeHappiness & Harmony, 7381We want to see Jesus lifted highThe Source, 55982When the music fades (The heart of worship)Magnify, 7083Who is on the Lord's side? (Rachie)Salvation Army Song Book, 707
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£15.00Symphony in Two Movements (Study Score Only)
Selected as the Championship Section test piece for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain 2025This work was jointly commissioned by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) and the National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW), the latter with funding from T Cerdd (Music Centre Wales), to celebrate their 60th and 30th anniversaries respectively. The first performances were given at Cadogan Hall, London, in April 2012, by the NYBBGB, conducted by Bramwell Tovey; and at the Great Hall, Aberystwyth University, in July 2012, by the NYBBW, conducted by Nicholas Childs.When I was approached about a joint commission to write a new work to celebrate the anniversaries of these two outstanding youth bands I was delighted to accept, and decided to respond by writing a work apposite for the magnitude of these special occasions, namely a 'symphony for brass'.Through a long journey of writing music for brass band, which commenced with Connotations (1977), and continued with Dances and Arias (1984), Of Men and Mountains (1991), The Trumpets of the Angels (2000) and Rococo Variations (2008), I arrived at what I regard as the most important work of the cycle to date, combining as it does serious musical intent with considerable technical demands. It is perhaps my most abstract work for brass band, avoiding any programmatic content.The symphony lasts for some 19 minutes and is structured in two linked movements. The form is based on that used by Beethoven in his final piano sonata (Op.111), which is in two movements only: a compact sonata-form allegro, followed by a more expansive theme and four variations. Prokofiev also adopted this model in his 2nd Symphony of 1925.The opening Toccata of this Symphony is highly dramatic but compact, whilst still retaining the 'traditional' structural elements of exposition, development and recapitulation; indeed, it also has the 'traditional' element of a contrasting second subject - a gentle, lyrical modal melody first heard on solo cornets.In contrast, the longer and more substantial second movement Variations is built around a theme and four variations. The slowly unfolding chorale-like theme accumulates both added note harmony and increasing instrumentation, whilst the four variations which follow are by turn mercurial (fast, starting with all the instruments muted), march-like (menacing, with short rhythmic articulations underpinning an extended atonal melody), serene (a series of 'romances' for solo instruments alongside echoes of the chorale) with an emerging theme eventually bursting into a climax of passionate intent; whilst the final variation is a dynamic scherzo (concertante-like in its series of rapid-fire solos, duets, trios and quartets) with the music gradually incorporating elements of the main ideas from the first movement, thus acting as a recapitulation for the whole work. It reaches its peroration with a return to the very opening of the symphony, now in the 'home' tonality of F, and thus creating a truly symphonic dimension to the music.Most of the melodic material of the symphony is derived from the opening eleven-note 'row', which contains various intervallic sets, and although the work is not serially conceived it does use some typical quasi-serial procedures, such as canons, inversions, and retrogrades. The symphony uses somewhat limited percussion, in line with a 'classical' approach to the sound world of the brass band, alongside a use of multi-divisi instrumentation, whereby each player has an individual part rather than the traditional doubling within certain sections of the band.- Edward GregsonDuration: 19.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£80.00The Unfortunate Traveller (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Imogen Holst (1907-1984) submitted The Unfortunate Traveller (1929) as her final work as a student portfolio at the Royal College of Music, where her composition teacher was Gordon Jacob. The title was taken from Thomas Nashe's famous 1594 picaresque novel of the same title. The Suite was first performed on 12 February 1933 at her Majesty's Theatre, Carlisle, by the St. Stephen's Band, with the composer conducting. Te concert was given in memory of Holst's uncle, Dr. H.A. Lediard. Holst had been impressed with the band's performance of his A Moorside Suite at the 1928 National Brass Band Championships (The Crystal Palace, South London) and was keen to work with them. Writing in Imogen Holst, a life in music, Christopher Grogan indicates that it was Gustav Holst's suggestion to include his daughter's work in the programme, quoting Imogen Holst's remarks made in interview to The Daily Mail as follows: "....it is the first time, so far as I know, that a woman has conducted a brass band at a public concert....It has been a delight to rehearse the St. Stephen's Band. It was their performance at the Crystal Palace Festival that inspired me to write this Suite, which I have dedicated to them."Imogen Holst accompanied her father to the Crystal Palace in 1928 to hear the performances of A Moorside Suite, and was so excited by the played and, audibly, by her father's music that she decided to write a brass band piece for her final examination. Te result was The Unfortunate Traveller (1929). However, it was not possible for her to present a brass band work for examination. She arranged it for string orchestra so that it could be played before she left the RCM in July 1930. Following the premiere of the original in 1933, the manuscripts did not resurface until 1969 Imogen found them among her late mother's effects. Although she requested score and parts be destroyed, they ended up in the possession of Manchester composer John Golland, who marked up the score presumably with the intention of creating a new performing edition. The original scoring reveals a lack of experience with what can be a tricky medium.With the agreement of the Holst Foundation, a revised edition, with additional percussion, was prepared in 2011 since when the work has been fortunate to travel round the world as a concert and contest piece. The original includes drums in the March only. The title was taken from Tomas Nashe's famous 1594 picaresque novel of the same title. Several Morris Dance tunes are introduced during the course of the four short movements, including Bonnie Green Garters, Shepherd's Hey, The Rose and The Wind Blaws Cauld. Quirky twists and turns of harmony and spirited rhythms that remind us how much Imogen Holst loved tradition English dance music.In September 2025, I made a performing edition of the composer's arrangement for string orchestra. The manuscript lacks the final movement, which I arranged in a similar style, ie. without extending the upper ranges. Making this edition raised some issues regarding the accuracy of my band version and some of the solutions I used to smooth out the voicing. I have used the composer's second thoughts to refine my performing edition and to correct a textual errors.- Paul HindmarshDuration: 10.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£40.00
The Unfortunate Traveller (Brass Band - Score only)
Imogen Holst (1907-1984) submitted The Unfortunate Traveller (1929) as her final work as a student portfolio at the Royal College of Music, where her composition teacher was Gordon Jacob. The title was taken from Thomas Nashe's famous 1594 picaresque novel of the same title. The Suite was first performed on 12 February 1933 at her Majesty's Theatre, Carlisle, by the St. Stephen's Band, with the composer conducting. Te concert was given in memory of Holst's uncle, Dr. H.A. Lediard. Holst had been impressed with the band's performance of his A Moorside Suite at the 1928 National Brass Band Championships (The Crystal Palace, South London) and was keen to work with them. Writing in Imogen Holst, a life in music, Christopher Grogan indicates that it was Gustav Holst's suggestion to include his daughter's work in the programme, quoting Imogen Holst's remarks made in interview to The Daily Mail as follows: "....it is the first time, so far as I know, that a woman has conducted a brass band at a public concert....It has been a delight to rehearse the St. Stephen's Band. It was their performance at the Crystal Palace Festival that inspired me to write this Suite, which I have dedicated to them."Imogen Holst accompanied her father to the Crystal Palace in 1928 to hear the performances of A Moorside Suite, and was so excited by the played and, audibly, by her father's music that she decided to write a brass band piece for her final examination. Te result was The Unfortunate Traveller (1929). However, it was not possible for her to present a brass band work for examination. She arranged it for string orchestra so that it could be played before she left the RCM in July 1930. Following the premiere of the original in 1933, the manuscripts did not resurface until 1969 Imogen found them among her late mother's effects. Although she requested score and parts be destroyed, they ended up in the possession of Manchester composer John Golland, who marked up the score presumably with the intention of creating a new performing edition. The original scoring reveals a lack of experience with what can be a tricky medium.With the agreement of the Holst Foundation, a revised edition, with additional percussion, was prepared in 2011 since when the work has been fortunate to travel round the world as a concert and contest piece. The original includes drums in the March only. The title was taken from Tomas Nashe's famous 1594 picaresque novel of the same title. Several Morris Dance tunes are introduced during the course of the four short movements, including Bonnie Green Garters, Shepherd's Hey, The Rose and The Wind Blaws Cauld. Quirky twists and turns of harmony and spirited rhythms that remind us how much Imogen Holst loved tradition English dance music.In September 2025, I made a performing edition of the composer's arrangement for string orchestra. The manuscript lacks the final movement, which I arranged in a similar style, ie. without extending the upper ranges. Making this edition raised some issues regarding the accuracy of my band version and some of the solutions I used to smooth out the voicing. I have used the composer's second thoughts to refine my performing edition and to correct a textual errors.- Paul HindmarshDuration: 10.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days