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£64.99The Soulful Sixties
The music of the '60s was just about as diverse as musically imaginable. And in the midst of it all, Motown continued to crank out hit after hit of catchy rhythm-based tunes. Here is a medley that is sure to be enjoyed by all agesthat includes: I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Land of a Thousand Dances, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman and Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£264.99
Diferencias on an Old Spanish Song - Yasuhide Ito
I am immensely happy that my Gloriosa, symphonic poem for band (1990), has been performed by so many bands in the last thirty years.During this period, the growth of the internet has made it much easier to access information.When I composed Gloriosa, I only had limited information about the period when Christianity and Western music was first introduced to Japan, and had to rely a lot on my imagination.However, nowadays, it is easy to obtain various source materials and to read interesting studies on the music of the past.In recent years, the music of Luis de Narvez (born ca.1500 - died between 1555-1560), Spanish composer and vihuela player, has become increasingly known, and several CDs of his music are now available.Narvez composed the earliest-known set of diferencias, a forerunner of the variation form. One of his works is Seys diferencias sobre el himno "O gloriosa domina" [Six diferencias on the hymn "O gloriosa domina"] (1538), based on the Spanish Marian hymn, and it was this melody I used in the first movement of my Gloriosa.Western music has been my musical roots since childhood, and throughout my career as a composer, it has continued to fascinate me. One could say that this has provided the inspiration for Diferencias on an Old Spanish Song, my own take on the diferencias form.Actually, such music from the early sixteenth century could sound fresh to our modern ears. So I decided to quote the melody from Narvez's Sey diferencias at the beginning and end of the piece, in order that people can get the feel for the period.The main section (bars 42-390) is formed of 13 diferencias, similar to the first movement of the Gloriosa.In the middle section, which begins after the eighth diferencia(from bar 187), one should be totally absorbed in the tranquility and the beauty of the music. Although it's in the style of a sarabande, it should be taken slower and played as pianissimo as possible.This is followed by folk-style dance music. (As only standard percussion instruments are used, try to be creative with tonal colours and sense of rhythm).The structure of the work is simple, but be aware of the connection between the sections when constructing the whole.Also, think about the tonality. Overall, the work is in F minor. The main section is basically in D minor, but from bar 102, it modulates to A flat minor and G minor, and then in the middle section it suddenly switches to A flat major (which is the furthest key from D minor, and the relative major of F minor). From bar 219, it modulates to F minor and then to C minor, then back to F minor by way of A minor.N.B. The Oboe II part can be substituted by the English Horn (as indicated in the parts). One can choose according to the player's skills or preference.Recent new compositions for wind band are often full of rhythm, dynamism, and tonal colour, and compositional techniques and orchestration have also evolved greatly. Yet on the other hand, they tend to feature fewer melodic or expressive elements. Since this work is the test piece for WMC Kerkrade 2022, I had to think about what "tests" or "challenges" to set, and I decided to compose something that doesn't involve a lot of technical display, but requires beautiful sounds and harmonies, and above all, musical expressivity. I didn't put many expression markings in the score, because I wanted the performers to think about how best to express this music. If it is played merely as notated, it's not going to sound very interesting.Christianity was introduced to Japan in the mid-16th century, but it was subsequently banned and Japan entered a period of national isolation, which meant that there was hardly any international exchange for two hundred years. As a result, the Christian hymns that were introduced prior to the isolation became almost unrecognizable over the centuries. This was the theme I explored in my Gloriosa thirty years ago.Now, in 2021, the whole world has been forced to "isolate" due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In such times, it seems pertinent that I've written a work using this melody again. I sincerely hope that people will be able to gather in Kerkrade in 2022.(English Translation:Nahoko Gotoh)
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£73.60The Emerald Shores - Dean Jones
The familiar sounds of Celtic music are steeped in history and have crossed the globe with great popularity. This particular piece uses 3 tunes from Ireland:When Johnny comes marching homeI'll tell me ma (The belle of Belfast city)Morrison's Jig People are featured heavily in Irish Folk music and each song has a personal element within its lyrics. The tunes are memorable and have a strong sense of character, much like the Irish people themselves! Although the music starts slowly, the pace then gathers and the performance will need to convey lots of energy and above all, joy!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£60.99Sleepsong - Brendan Graham
From the composers of You Raise Me Up, this tender ballad is filled with a range of emotions in the form of a lullaby from a parent to a grown child embarking on a life all their own. Michael Sweeney retains the soothing beauty ofthe original melody while exploring a rich variety of textures and moods, giving full expression to the feelings that inspired the lyric. Dur: 4:20
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£116.40Norma Ouverture - Vincenzo Bellini
The composer of some famous operas such as 'La Sonnambula' and 'The Puritans', Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835) was largely self-taught. Although he wrote eleven operas, only 'Norma' remained popular, not in the least because of its splendid lyrical arias such as Casta Diva (Chaste Goddess) and Mira, O Norma (Hear me, Norma) familiar to all music lovers. The opera 'Norma' is written to a libretto by Felice Romani, based on a French melodrama by Alexandre Soumet and Louis Belmontet dealing with a story of Druids during the Roman rule. The story is neither accurate historically nor convincing dramatically, but the score is full of brilliant melodies of a type calculated to exhibit a singer's virtuosity to the utmost. The Gods order the priestess and fortune-teller Norma to give the signal of revolt against the Romans in Gaul, but she postpones this because of her relationship with the Roman proconsul Pollione with whom she secretly had two children. In the meantime, Pollione has fallen in love with the young priestess Adalgisa and Norma wants to take revenge. Finally both Norma and Pollione die on the pyre. This tragical opera in two acts was first performed at the Scala of Milan on 26 December 1831.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£144.99Scottish Dances - Peter Martin
Scottish Dances is based on three Scottish traditionals: Cock of the North, The Bonnie Bank's O'Loch Lomond and Marie's Wedding. I. Cock of the North's name is used for multiple things or events. For example for a locomotive to a famous, it seems, delicious liqueur, and rallies to snowboard competitions. Furthermore is "Cock O' the North " a nickname of a famous Duke. (The 4th Duke of Gordon). In this composition Cock of the North (a Jig) is a traditional Scottish bagpipe tune, regularly played on tattoos by Pipe Bands. Not infrequently the drummers sing the text. Auntie Mary, had a canary, Up the leg of her trousers While she was sleeping Iwas peeping Up the leg of her trousers. II. " The Bonnie Bank's O'Loch Lomond " is about a sad story that took place during an revolt against the British. In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie had to retreat. Two of his men were captured. One was convicted and executed, while the other was released. The spirit of the executed soldier would arrive in Scotland via the 'low road' (underworld) before his companion, who had still a long way to go. You'll take the high road And I'll take the low road And I'll be in Scotland afore ye But me and my true love will never meet again On the Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond III. In a Scottish wedding, after the official ceremonies, there is often danced. This is called a ceilidh. For this we use traditional Scottish music such as "Marie's Wedding '. Mid dance we go back to the church, where a lovely song in honor of the couple sounds. Marie's Wedding has been recorded by Van Morrison (among many others). Step we gaely, on we go, heel for heel and toe for toe Arm and arm and on we go, all for Marie's wedding
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£99.99Veni Immanuel
The Advent hymn we all know today as O Come, O Come, Immanuel was arranged in its modern form by Thomas Helmore and published in Hymnal Noted in 1856. Both the words and melody, however, predate this version by centuries.The tune, Veni Immanuel, is taken from a 15th century processional of French Franciscan nuns, part of the setting for the funeral hymn Libera Me. This arrangement aims to expand on the power and mystery of the original tune and will be most effective if the solo trumpet at the start and end of the piece can be placed away from the band, maybe at the back of the auditorium.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£76.99Abba on Broadway
Concert Band - Grade 3 From the radio airwaves of the '70s to the bright lights of the Broadway stage, the music of ABBA continues to excite listeners everywhere! Michael's well-paced medley of hits includes I Have a Dream; Mamma Mia; S.O.S.; Knowing Me, Knowing You; The Winner Takes It All and Dancing Queen.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£76.99Pixar Movie Magic
Since 1995 when Toy Story was released, the creative team at Pixar Studios has given us heartwarming stories and unforgettable characters that appeal to audiences of all ages and the music created for these films is an integral part of their popularity and charm. Michael Brown has created a terrific medley of these familiar melodies including: The Glory Days (The Incredibles), The Spirit of Adventure (Up), Ratatouille Main Theme, The Big Race (Cars) and You've Got a Friend in Me (Toy Story).
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£72.99Nature's Way - Gunther Schuller
From the composer: Nature's Way for intermediate level band was commissioned by BandQuest, a project initiated by the American Composers Forum. Their mission is for major composers of national reputation to write works of high quality that take into consideration the (still comparatively limited) levels of musical development--both technical and conceptual--typical of such ensembles. I eagerly accepted the commission and the challenges implied thereby--that is, to reign in my creative imagination to some extent and limit the technical/conceptual demands to a more moderate level than is to be found in my previous compositions for band. Nonetheless, since the process of rehearsing, studying and performing a work created specifically for the school student market is--and must be, in my view--primarily educational, it was very clear to me that my work would (and should) challenge the players at least to their top levels, and even a little beyond that. Thus Nature's Way in no way represents a compromise of my personal style, nor my long held concepts of form, continuity, texture, and instrumentation. I have known for a long time that young, inquisitive minds are eager to learn from new experiences, from previously never encountered challenges, that is to say, to be pushed--gently--to rise above their present levels of achievement. That's what education is all about. BandQuest, an exciting series of new music and accompanying curricula for band, is a program published by the American Composers Forum. The series was started as a response to feedback from music educators that there is a pressing need for new, fresh band music. The heart of this program is new works written by a diverse group of leading American composers who have created challenging pieces that are a true departure from standard middle school repertoire. Every BandQuest project includes a residency component in which the composer works collaboratively with a middle school as they create their new piece. Many BandQuest pieces are accompanied by an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to assist students as they learn the music and to integrate each piece with non-music studies. Visit www.bandquest.org to learn more about this innovative series, and email [email protected] to request a free downloadable audio catalog.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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