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  • £113.30

    Moderate Dances - Angelo Sormani

    This piece is a tribute to dance music, especially passionate, intense and meditative dance music. "Moderate Dances" is divided into three movements: a "Tango", a "Slow Waltz" and a "Bossa Nova". Each movement and each dance has its own particular characteristics but, when combined, these different rhythmic beats and times give the piece a feeling of completeness and uniformity. The Tango started to flourish in the suburbs of Buenos Aires in around 1880. There is still some doubt as to its origins, which may be Cuban (Habanera) but are probably African. It was most popular in Argentina and Brazil: here the male protagonist was originally the "gaucho" with his inseparable guitar, later to be replaced by the proud, elegant "compadre". By around 1910 the Tango had spread to Italy and France. New clubs opened, where the upper classes could watch and dance the Tango. Here the dance also underwent some rapid transformations. The exaggerated and extravagant gestures and body movements disappeared. Slow, gliding steps replaced the old rotational movements. The women's red ankle-boots and the partners "staring into each other's eyes" accentuated the erotic nature and sensuality of this dance. So much so that, in 1913, the German government banned soldiers from dancing the Tango. Those who broke the law were immediately discharged from the army. From a strictly musical perspective, the basic instruments were a flute, a harp (the diatonic harp typically played by the Indians of Paraguay) and a violin, or flute, guitar and violin or even clarinet, guitar and violin. These instruments were easy to transport, ideal for playing at parties, in the streets and in courtyards. The musicians played by ear, frequently improvising: there were no scores, no records, which is the main reason why it is impossible to trace the Tango back to its exact origins. However, the Tango's evolution (and growing popularity) was once again fostered by its fundamental ability to absorb "other" cultures, languages and sounds. And it was the arrival of the "bandoneon" (an accordion-like instrument that was invented in Germany and brought to Rio de la Plata by some immigrant), which replaced the flute, that marked the beginning of the Tango's huge success outside Argentina. A number of talented composers, above all the great Astor Piazzola (1921-1992), transformed the bandoneon from a simple accompanying instrument to a solo instrument that was to become the distinguishing feature of the 20th century Tango. The Slow Waltz originated from the Waltz, the typical dance of the Bavarian and Tyrolese peasants in the 1700s. It was composers like Johann Strauss, father and son, who carried the Waltz to its zenith in the 1800s, creating the sensual and melancholy yet joyful and charming dance we are all familiar with. When the Waltz first became popular in Germany, the members of respectable society were shocked at the closeness of the dancing partners, who had always previously danced apart. The main difference between the Waltz and Slow Waltz is that the latter has a slower, more expressive rhythm: the men wear tails and the women wear ball gowns decorated with beads and feathers and couples dance in graceful rotational movements. "Bossa Nova" is the title of the last movement in the piece. Jobim, the great Brazilian musician, described this musical genre as a combination of modern Jazz and Samba. Bossa Nova means "new wave". This was the name of the artistic and musical movement that evolved in Brazil in the late Fifties and was extremely popular throughout the Sixties. The songs are usually about love or social matters, drawing inspiration from the slums of Rio De Janeiro and the lives of their inhabitants. Bossa Nova, with its original compositions and the artistic talent of its musicians, also became hugely popular in the United States and Europe, and top Jazz musicians (Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Getz, Bob Cooper, Charlie Bird, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Dizzy Gillespie) started to include Bossa in their repertoires.

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £71.50

    Variations On A March Tune - Roland Barrett

    This attractive work is full of rhythmic variety, as well as changes of orchestration and instrumentation. The catchy march melody is introduced by the clarinets and cornets, after which it goes through a series of creative transformations (or variations) in which the same musical ideas are presented in a variety of different musical formats and styles.

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £82.50

    Caves In The Mountains - Barry E. Kopetz

    Here is an exciting musical journey through underground terrain with all the sensations that one might feel when traveling through such mysterious places! This piece is a musical depiction of a set of explorations through various chambers found within a series of caves. Each new section represents a different cave, providing a slightly varied emotional content. This unique selection will be an interesting addition to any program.

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £82.50

    Treasures Of Ancient Earth - David Gorham

    If youre looking for something different for growing bands, this is for you! Developing bands will sound exceedingly mature through the magnificent instrumental colors, especially during the luminescent opening. Well suited for performances of special importance, upper-grade-level bands will want to take advantage of the programming possibilities this piece offers.

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £104.50

    Pet Of The Petticoats - John Philip Sousa

    When Sousa became the fourteenth leader of the United States Marine Band he immediately began to add his own works to the bands repertoire, including Pet of the Petticoats March. This delightful and interesting march is in a different form than that of Sousas later marches, having no introduction, as it begins right with the first strain. Originally written for a stage play of the same name, Pet of the Petticoats March provides a musical window into another era in a simpler, less complex America.

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £82.50

    Rhythms Of Life - Ryan Main

    This intriguing piece takes audiences on a lively excursion through the ups and downs and peaks and valleys of everyday life. While exploring the different musical moods, the music never loses the rhythmic drive and optimistic nature that makes it so unique and appealing. A spirited musical journey, bursting with rhythmic energy and optimism. Uplifting and inspiring!

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £82.50

    The Legend Of Greensleeves - John Prescott

    The well-known song Greensleeves was written in 15th century England, quite possibly by King Henry VIII himself. The wistful quality of this legend is captured here by the use of lush harmonies and a rhythmic ostinato that gets transferred to different colors within the ensemble. With a hauntingly beautiful ending, this unique arrangement will be the highlight of programs at Christmas and throughout the year as well.

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £71.50

    Shenandoah - Robert E. Foster

    The beautiful song Shenandoah is an early American folk song dating back to at least the early 1800s. Its been known by several different titles, including Oh, Shenandoah and Across the Wide Missouri. Clearly a part of American tradition, it remains one of Americas most enduring and popular folk songs. This arrangement has been carefully arranged for the ability of young players but will also sound great with more experienced ensembles as a warm-up or lyric concert selection.

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £71.50

    We Wish You A Calypso Christmas - Robert E. Foster Jr.

    This arrangement brings something different to young band holiday concerts. Based on We Wish You a Merry Christmas, this version is in 4/4 time and has a lively Latin beat to lighten the mood, providing young percussion sections interesting parts and a variety of instruments to play. Students will enjoy this fun setting and its sure to complement your winter music program.

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £82.50

    Heart of Adventure - Ryan Main

    Heart of Adventure is that spirit of exploration that drives us to seek new experiences and ideas, to discover. Decidedly optimistic in nature, the music is meant to evoke the different emotions and experiences that one might have in the course of a great adventure: the longing to begin, the excitement of embarking, the fear of the unknown, the strife of conflict, and the triumph of success. Originally composed for orchestra, Heart of Adventure was included in the thrilling score for the Xbox Live game "Shifter".

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days