The Year 2020 (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - De Meij, Johan

Duration: 9.30

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The Year of the Dragon (Prestige Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Sparke, Philip

The 2017 version of The Year of the Dragon was commissioned by the Siena Wind Orchestra and given its world premiere on June 17th 2017 in Bunkyo Civic Hall, Tokyo, conducted by the composer.The original wind band arrangement of The Year of the Dragon was made in 1985, a year after the composer wrote the brass band version. At that time he was still learning the intricacies of writing for wind band (and still is!) and in the 32 years which have elapsed since then, his approach to scoring for the medium has developed and, hopefully, improved.Here are the main differences between the two versions:In the 1980's, the wind band movement was much less international than it is now. British wind bands were still to some extent based on the military band tradition of the time, which tended to use rather smaller instrumentation than the then-dominant American university model. The new version embraces a much more international instrumentation, including low woodwinds and string bass, as well as an expanded percussion section.In the original version there was a touch of naivety in the way the composer wrote for the woodwinds; much of their articulation was transferred too literally from the brass version, resulting in some unidiomatic writing, which he has tried to improve in the new version.In addition to the above, Philip's own compositional style has matured and developed in the intervening 32 years. There are some passages in the original which he simply would not write today - not because they are 'wrong', but because his way of writing has changed. The new version is perhaps how he would have written it today, rather than simply dressing the original version in new clothes.The work is in three movements:Toccata opens with an arresting side drum figure and snatches of themes from various sections of the band, which try to develop until a broad and powerful theme from the middle of the band asserts itself. A central dance-like section soon gives way to the return of this theme, which subsides until faint echoes of the opening material fade to a close.Interlude takes the form of a sad and languid solo for alto saxophone. A chorale for the whole band introduces a brief spell of optimism but the saxophone solo returns to close the movement quietly.Finale is a real tour-de-force for the band with a stream of rapid semi-quavers running throughout the movement. The main theme is heroic and march-like but this is interspersed with lighter, more playful episodes. A distant fanfare to the sound of bells is introduced and this eventually returns to bring the work to a stirring close.

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The Year of the Dragon (Prestige Concert Band - Score only) - Sparke, Philip

The 2017 version of The Year of the Dragon was commissioned by the Siena Wind Orchestra and given its world premiere on June 17th 2017 in Bunkyo Civic Hall, Tokyo, conducted by the composer.The original wind band arrangement of The Year of the Dragon was made in 1985, a year after the composer wrote the brass band version. At that time he was still learning the intricacies of writing for wind band (and still is!) and in the 32 years which have elapsed since then, his approach to scoring for the medium has developed and, hopefully, improved.Here are the main differences between the two versions:In the 1980's, the wind band movement was much less international than it is now. British wind bands were still to some extent based on the military band tradition of the time, which tended to use rather smaller instrumentation than the then-dominant American university model. The new version embraces a much more international instrumentation, including low woodwinds and string bass, as well as an expanded percussion section.In the original version there was a touch of naivety in the way the composer wrote for the woodwinds; much of their articulation was transferred too literally from the brass version, resulting in some unidiomatic writing, which he has tried to improve in the new version.In addition to the above, Philip's own compositional style has matured and developed in the intervening 32 years. There are some passages in the original which he simply would not write today - not because they are 'wrong', but because his way of writing has changed. The new version is perhaps how he would have written it today, rather than simply dressing the original version in new clothes.The work is in three movements:Toccata opens with an arresting side drum figure and snatches of themes from various sections of the band, which try to develop until a broad and powerful theme from the middle of the band asserts itself. A central dance-like section soon gives way to the return of this theme, which subsides until faint echoes of the opening material fade to a close.Interlude takes the form of a sad and languid solo for alto saxophone. A chorale for the whole band introduces a brief spell of optimism but the saxophone solo returns to close the movement quietly.Finale is a real tour-de-force for the band with a stream of rapid semi-quavers running throughout the movement. The main theme is heroic and march-like but this is interspersed with lighter, more playful episodes. A distant fanfare to the sound of bells is introduced and this eventually returns to bring the work to a stirring close.

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The Young Amadeus (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - De Haan, Jan

Based on the famous melody from the Adagio movement of the Clarinet Concerto by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, this work has a beautiful lyrical quality to it. Compositions of this nature require the ability to play with great expression. The wonderful talent and genius of Mozart is clearly perceptible in this unforgettable melody.Duration: 3:30

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The Young Amadeus (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Parker, Tom

Melody is the very essence of music. - W.A. Mozart (1786)Mozart confirmed this view on melody by writing the Ave Verum Corpus near the end of his short life. Originally written for chorus, strings, and organ, this work stands among the most beautiful musical expressions of all time. Timothy Johnson has skilfully made Mozart's wondrous achievement available to concert bands. It's perfect for worship services and the sostenuto style, with careful attention to dynamics, makes it a great choice for that middle spot at festival or for the more serious moment at any performance. Given the opportunity, young bands Love to play truly great music, and it just doesn't get much better than the mastery of Mozart.Duration: 3.30

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The Young Amadeus (Flexible Ensemble - Score and Parts) - Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Fernie, Alan

8 Part Flexible Ensemble and Percussion

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The Young Patriots (Concert Band - Score and Parts)

This super-charged rocker really hits the mark! The hot rock sounds of the day in an arrangement that's easy to put together and fun for both the band and the audience.

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The Young Royals (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Director, Scott

Imagine a very young king inheriting the throne and preparing to celebrate his coronation. This playful but elegantly vibrant work details the sounds of this festive occasion. Your band will love being part of this regal occasion!Duration: 3.15

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The Young Verdi (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Verdi, Giuseppe - Parker, Tom

Duration: 3:30

THEATRE MUSIC (Prestige Concert Band Extra Score) - Sparke, Philip

Extra Score. Commissioned for the "Musikpreis Grenchen 1990", a contest for new music in Switzerland, this attractive suite is in three movements which each pay tribute to the stage. OVERTURE is a brisk and lively movement, full of fun, ENTR'ACTE a tender interlude and FINALE a romp for the whole band. Performance time 10'22" (Recorded on QPRM115D GREAT BRITISH MUSIC FOR WIND BAND, Western Band of the Royal Air Force)

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