The Wind in the Willows (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - De Meij, Johan

A book for those who keep the spirit of youth alive in them; of life, sunshine, running water, woodlands, dusty roads, winter firesides, said author Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932) about his children's book The Wind in the Willows. Initially, he wrote the stories about Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad to read to his visually handicapped son Alistair, but after the publication in book form in 1908, it became a worldwide success. It was later also turned into a film and a television series. What appealed ti the composer most is the friendly, very cosy atmosphere that Grahame has managed to create with his optimistic narrative style full of high spirits, an atmosphere that reminds thecomposer of his own carefree youth. It was therefore a great pleasure to set this book to music! The four movements successively describe: I) The River- The river, which flows through the habitat of the animals like a lifeline, regularly is the scene of pleasant boat trips and picnics. The animals lead their untroubled lives here. The four-tone main motif [A-C-D-C] is extensively presented by the brass section, and returns in the following movements as a countermelody. II) Ratty and Mole -The bright, energetic Rat and the melancholy doubter Mole are inseparable friends and have many adventures. Their opposite characters are illustrated by separate musical themes. III) Mister Toad - The wilful, haughty Mister Toad is indeed a unique case: time after time, he runs into tricky situations, and with his indomitable passion for fast, preferably stolen, cars he causes quite a lot of damage... IV) The Return of Ulysses - After Toad Hall, the majestic residence of Mister Toad, is recovered from the weasels and stoats of the Wild Wood, who had captured the estate in a cowardly way, our friends get ready for a banquet. They celebrate the victory with a triumphant parade, and so both the book and the music conclude with a happy ending. Duration: 17.00

  View Music

The Wind Racers (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Bell, Jeremy

This fast and powerful work plays off a single motive that continues to build in energy to the very end. Soaring woodwinds and a warm brass section create a unique dynamic, featuring intensely fast flourishes layered over a strong and bold harmonic landscape. A challenging and captivating work, the excitement of The Wind Racers will grab your attention and hold you until the final note.Duration: 4:30

  View Music

The Winds of Poseidon (from The Odyssey, Symphony No.2) (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Smith, Robert W.

The Winds of Poseidon launches the eagerly awaited Second Symphony from the pen of Robert W. Smith. This work, the second movement of the symphony, is based on the classic story The Odyssey. Odysseus is the shipwrecked warrior who wanders the land and sea for ten years, and this bold musical statement captures the essence of the powerful winds and waves that propel Odysseus on his journey. The center section was inspired by the tale of the Sirens, whose beautiful and captivating singing lured sailors to their deaths on the rocks. The genius of the composer is strongly in evidence in this gigantic musical tale. Duration: 7.30

  View Music

The Winds of Power (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Hess, Nigel

After a dark and menacing opening a solo trumpet introduces a theme which will eventually become the centre of a piece and is soon heard tutti in a lyrical form. This is interrupted by a return to the opening mood, with only a brief respite in the form of a chorale for clarinet choir and harp. The theme tries to return once more in a rousing, somewhat cinematic version, but again the sense of foreboding overtakes it. An unsettling march-like section follows before the theme returns in its most lyrical and gentle guise, introduced by solos in the woodwind section. Eventually, a maestoso statement which erupts into a presto coda, ends the journey in a triumphant, more optimistic blaze of sound.Duration: 10.00

The Winged Stallion (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Galante, Rossano

This Heroic composition captures the majestic beauty and strength of the mystical winged stallion, "Pegasus." Melodic brass melodies and soaring woodwind lines will take the listener on this unforgettable musical adventure. Duration: 4:00

  View Music

The Winner Takes it All (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Andersson & Ulvaeus - Murtha, Paul

Originally recorded by ABBA and featured in the movie and stage productions of Mamma Mia!, here is an easy and solidly written arrangement that is sure to appeal to all audiences.

The Wishing Well (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Galante, Rossano

The Wishing Well paints a musical portrait of a young child approaching a well and making a wish. The music ebbs and flows, utilizing solo instruments as well as the full ensemble, describing the water at the bottom of the well. Reaching the climax of the piece, the main theme is stated as the child tosses a coin into the well, and we follow its path down to the water. Delicate melodies and warm harmonies capture the essence of the child's wish, and the hope that it will be granted. Duration: 4.30

The Witch and the Saint (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Reineke, Steven

A programmatic ten-minute tone poem for symphonic band in one movement that is constructed in five distinct sections to tell the story of the lives of Helena and Sibylla, twin sisters born in Germany in 1588. Starting out with a Gregorian chant-type motif, Reineke uses all manner of musical sorcery to represent the turbulent lives of these vastly misunderstood women. A major work which is sure to become a favourite of audiences and performers alike! Very impressive!Duration: 10.30

  View Music

The Witch and the Saint (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Reineke, Steven - Conaway, Matt

Steven Reineke's compositions never fail to portray riveting legends and stories to audiences of all ages. In this edition, Matt Conaway has adapted one of Steven's more unique settings into an accessible work for younger bands. Without sacrificing the original storyline or any melodic material, this captivating arrangement provides a magnificent centerpiece to any concert or festival program. This poignant story of misunderstood twin sisters is both powerful and sensitive, and is not to be missed. Highly compelling!Duration: 6.00

  View Music

The Witches' Sabbath (from Le Villi) (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Puccini, Giacomo - De Meij, Johan

Puccini wrote two movements for a symphonic intermezzo between the two acts of his first opera, Le Villi, L'Abbandono (The Desertion) and La Tregenda (The Witches' Sabbath). The latter is extremely suitable to be performed by wind orchestra in this colourful transcription by Johan de Meij. Duration: 3.30

  View Music