Results
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£74.95Connotations (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Gregson, Edward
Connotations was commissioned for the 1977 National Brass Band Championship finals, held in the Royal Albert Hall, London (the winner, incidentally, of that particular competition was the famous Black Dyke Mills Band).At the age of 32 Gregson was the youngest composer to have received the honour of such a commission. It came at the end of a productive five years writing for the brass band publisher R Smith. Some of those works - The Plantagenets, Essay and Patterns for example, with their direct and tuneful style, have remained popular with brass bands the world over.For Gregson, these were the means by which he sharpened the tools of his trade, preparing the ground, as it were, for his finest work to date - Connotations. He thought of calling the piece Variations on a Fourth, but with due deference to Gilbert Vinter perhaps (Variations on a Ninth), he chose a more appropriate one. As Gregson has written, 'Connotations suggests more than one way of looking at something, an idea, and this is exactly what the piece is about'.Writing a competition piece brought its own problems. 'It has to be technically difficult and yet musically satisfying. I didn't like being kept to an eleven-minute maximum. The inclusion of short cadenzas for less usual solo instruments seems to signify a certain test-piece mentality'.Gregson solved the problems admirably by adopting a symphonic approach to variation form: Introduction - fanfares, a call to attention, in effect Variation 1; Theme - a six-note motif, given a lyrical and restrained first statement; Variation 2 - a delicate toccata; Variation 3 - typically robust in melody and rhythm; Variation 4 - lyrical solos; Variation 5 - a scherzo; Variation 6 - cadenzas; Variations 7-9 - an introduction, fugato and resounding restatement of the theme.Duration: 10.30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£40.00Trittico (Brass Band - Score only) - Curnow, James
Trittico was commissioned by the Swiss Brass Band Association for their national championships in 1988.A trittico is a triptych or group of three paintings or musical compositions based on a common theme and presented or performed together. The present work is a set of three extended variations on the American shaped-note hymn Consolation.The work opens in grand style with motives based on intervals of the hymn tune. The opening motif, and smaller fragments of it reappear throughout the piece and serve as an underlying element alongside the theme itself.The first variation is essentially a scherzo which echoes the minor mood of the theme. The hemiolic opposition of compound and duple time is used to good effect and, again, the main motif is never far away. This is music with energy and forward movement.The second variation gives the soloists a chance to shine. The mood is tranquil, yet there is always some activity and the musical material pre-echoes the third variation.The third variation is another scherzo-like section, the main theme accompanied by a rhythmic ostinato. Toward the conclusion there is a short aleatoric passage - a variation within a variation allowing half the band to make their own variations in a cacophony of sound. An energetic coda draws together several elements to round off a work brim full of drive, energy, and self-propelled enthusiasm.Recorded on Polyphonic QPRL044D Brass from the ValleysDuration: 13:30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£90.00
Trittico (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Curnow, James
Trittico was commissioned by the Swiss Brass Band Association for their national championships in 1988.A trittico is a triptych or group of three paintings or musical compositions based on a common theme and presented or performed together. The present work is a set of three extended variations on the American shaped-note hymn Consolation.The work opens in grand style with motives based on intervals of the hymn tune. The opening motif, and smaller fragments of it reappear throughout the piece and serve as an underlying element alongside the theme itself.The first variation is essentially a scherzo which echoes the minor mood of the theme. The hemiolic opposition of compound and duple time is used to good effect and, again, the main motif is never far away. This is music with energy and forward movement.The second variation gives the soloists a chance to shine. The mood is tranquil, yet there is always some activity and the musical material pre-echoes the third variation.The third variation is another scherzo-like section, the main theme accompanied by a rhythmic ostinato. Toward the conclusion there is a short aleatoric passage - a variation within a variation allowing half the band to make their own variations in a cacophony of sound. An energetic coda draws together several elements to round off a work brim full of drive, energy, and self-propelled enthusiasm.Recorded on Polyphonic QPRL044D Brass from the ValleysDuration: 13:30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£119.95The Torchbearer (Symphonic Variations on a Theme by Eric Ball) (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Graham, Peter
2015 National Championships Regionals - Championship Section. The variations are based upon the first phrase of the trio from Eric Ball's Salvation Army march, Torchbearers. After opening statements of the theme, variation 1 (an energetic allegro brillante utilising fragment A) commences. Cadenza passages for Eb Bass and Euphonium lead to variation 2 (an andante appassionato based upon fragment B) Variation 3 (a vivace featuring C as an ostinato) is followed by variation 4 (the central andante e sciolto molto for solo cornet). The work culminates in a reprise of the cornet solo, now fully metamorphosised and mirroring in music a concept at the centre of Ball's broader philosophy, that of transformation. Eric Ball will be remembered as a composer whose classic works for brass shine through with integrity and sincerity. There has been no less sincere in the composers' efforts to pay musical tribute to the 20th century's most influential composer of brass band music. Duration: 12:30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£37.95
The Torchbearer (Symphonic Variations on a Theme by Eric Ball) (Brass Band - Score only) - Graham, Peter
2015 National Championships Regionals - Championship Section. The variations are based upon the first phrase of the trio from Eric Ball's Salvation Army march, Torchbearers. After opening statements of the theme, variation 1 (an energetic allegro brillante utilising fragment A) commences. Cadenza passages for Eb Bass and Euphonium lead to variation 2 (an andante appassionato based upon fragment B) Variation 3 (a vivace featuring C as an ostinato) is followed by variation 4 (the central andante e sciolto molto for solo cornet). The work culminates in a reprise of the cornet solo, now fully metamorphosised and mirroring in music a concept at the centre of Ball's broader philosophy, that of transformation. Eric Ball will be remembered as a composer whose classic works for brass shine through with integrity and sincerity. There has been no less sincere in the composers' efforts to pay musical tribute to the 20th century's most influential composer of brass band music. Duration: 12:30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£152.99Between the Two Rivers (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Sparke, Philip
Between the Two Rivers was commissioned by Fanfare Prins Hendrik, from Aalst in the Netherlands. The title derives from the fact that the town of Aalst lies between two tributaries of the River Dommel. The community is a highly religious one, so the famous Luther chorale, Ein' Feste Burg, was an obvious choice for Philip Sparke to use as the theme for this new work. It takes the form of a theme with four contrasting variations. Variation 1 is a moto perpetuo, variation 2 has a slower march like feel, variation 3 is a sinister slow movement and the final variation is in the form of a lyrical fugue. Between The Two Rivers is sure to become a major work in modern brass band repertoire.Duration: 15:00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£99.95ROCOCO VARIATIONS (Gregson) (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Gregson, Edward
Rococo Variations was commissioned by the British Open Championships for their 2008 contest in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, and co-commissioned by the Norwegian Band Federation, for their National Championship in Bergen in 2009.The title of the work has been used before, of course, most notably by Tchaikovsky in his work for cello and orchestra. My set of variations follows the Tchaikovskian model in that it is based on a quasi-Baroque original theme, and has certain 'dance-like' characteristics in the variations, but beyond that all comparisons end.There are six variations: Toccata, Siciliana, Waltz, Moto Perpetuo, Lament, and Fugal Scherzo, followed by a triumphant re-statement of the theme. Throughout, there is considerable contrast in the music, with the fast variations being rather virtuoso in character, sometimes with constantly changing time patterns, whilst the two slow variations (Siciliana and Lament) are in turn lyrical and pensive in mood with prominent solos and duets for a number of instruments.Although the work overall is dedicated by my brother, each of the six variations pays tribute to a different composer whose contribution to the brass band repertoire during the second half of the twentieth century has been of great significance. To this end, all six composers have their own 'musical signature' embraced within the particular variation, a process which reaches its zenith, contrapuntally speaking, during the final variation and reprise of the theme.- Edward Gregson
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£49.95
ROCOCO VARIATIONS (Gregson) (Brass Band - Score only) - Gregson, Edward
Rococo Variations was commissioned by the British Open Championships for their 2008 contest in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, and co-commissioned by the Norwegian Band Federation, for their National Championship in Bergen in 2009.The title of the work has been used before, of course, most notably by Tchaikovsky in his work for cello and orchestra. My set of variations follows the Tchaikovskian model in that it is based on a quasi-Baroque original theme, and has certain 'dance-like' characteristics in the variations, but beyond that all comparisons end.There are six variations: Toccata, Siciliana, Waltz, Moto Perpetuo, Lament, and Fugal Scherzo, followed by a triumphant re-statement of the theme. Throughout, there is considerable contrast in the music, with the fast variations being rather virtuoso in character, sometimes with constantly changing time patterns, whilst the two slow variations (Siciliana and Lament) are in turn lyrical and pensive in mood with prominent solos and duets for a number of instruments.Although the work overall is dedicated by my brother, each of the six variations pays tribute to a different composer whose contribution to the brass band repertoire during the second half of the twentieth century has been of great significance. To this end, all six composers have their own 'musical signature' embraced within the particular variation, a process which reaches its zenith, contrapuntally speaking, during the final variation and reprise of the theme.- Edward Gregson
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£76.99Tango for Joe (Trombone Solo with Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Sparke, Philip
Tango for Joe was written for Joe Alessi, principal trombone of the New York Philharmonic. He gave the official premiere with the Brass Band of Battle Creek on 3rd December 2022 at the W K Kellogg Auditorium in Battle Creek, Michigan.Opening with an (optional) unaccompanied recitative for the soloist, Tango for Joe then develops into a slow and sensuous tango, exploring the lyrical properties of the trombone. The opening of this theme is then taken up by the full band but is soon interrupted by a highly decorated version of the melody by the soloist. A further cadenza-like passage then leads to a faster 'tango nuevo' which makes up the majority of the work.A long introduction by the band builds to the first entry of the soloist, who plays the main tango melody over a rhythmic accompaniment. This is taken up briefly by the band but the soloist enters again with his own variation on the theme. After a bridge passage featuring a brief 'question and answer' exchange between the instruments, the soloist then plays a new version of the opening slow tango theme over rhythmic interpolations. After a climax, the soloist presents a long and elaborate cadenza accompanied only by a solo cajon or drum kit. This eventually leads to a repeat of the main theme and , after a short second cadenza, the piece ends with a flourish for band and soloist.Duration: 8.45
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£44.95Bravura (A Fantasy on British Folk Songs) (Euphonium Solo with Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Graham, Peter
Bravura is a companion piece to the composer's earlier euphonium display piece Brillante, utilising the same traditional 19th century "fantasy variation" structure, familiar to generations of brass soloists. Folk songs from the four corners of Great Britain are featured; Oranges and Lemons, (England), The Blue Bells of Scotland, The Minstrel Boy (Ireland) and the famous Welsh anthem Men of Harlech.The solo is a conflation of the original version, written for the 2002 Royal Albert Hall Gala Concert, which followed the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. On that occasion the combined talents of virtuosi David Childs, Derick Kane, Steven Mead and David Thornton (with guests Robert and Nicholas Childs) were on display, each personalising the cadenza section towards the end. This version incorporates a published cadenza, though soloists should feel free to improvise their own material at this point.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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