Results
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£378.99Of Myths and Monsters - Philip Sparke
Philip Sparke's Of Myths and Monsters links thematically to his work Music of the Spheres. The Hydra, Cassiopeia, Orion and Pegasus are the constellations and corresponding Greek myths depicted in this impressive three-movement work.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£164.99Spirit of Endeavour - Philip Sparke
Spirit of Endeavour is a virtuosic piece of music with a positive musical message. It tells the story of a wind band embracing hard work, friendship, musical excellence, love, marriage and birth, as well as the sad loss of cherished members.Composer Philip Sparke decided to salute the history of the Canadian concert band 'Harmonie de Charlesbourg' with a work that falls into two contrasted sections. One Vision deals with forming the band and the subsequent united desire tocreate an ensemble espousing the idea of musical perfection. The Pursuit of Excellence salutes the 20 years of hard work of the wind band. This concert work ends with a chorale of thefull band, symbolising the fulfilment of a united dream!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£110.99Second to None - Philip Sparke
Second to None is a perfectly suitable title for this work, though it actually refers to "Nulli Secundus", the motto of the British Corps of Army Music, who gave the commission to Philip Sparke. The piece opens with a fanfare, followed by two short quotes from two of the Corp's own marches and a festive Vivace. A more legato central section creates a nice contrast before the work closes with the opening fanfare. A perfect affair!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£164.99A Weekend In New York - Philip Sparke
Philip Sparke was so inspired and moved by his first visit to New York, that he had to capture the moment in one of his compositions. At first a general picture of New York is presented as all the sights and sounds are taken it. Eventually the composer finds himself in Manhattan. Walking along a street, music can be heard wafting from one of the jazz-clubs. This musical representation of personal impressions creates an extremely memorable work.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£209.99Diamond Concerto - Philip Sparke
Diamond Concerto was commissioned by Musikverein Mrschied from Germany - Dr. Eric Grandjean, conductor - for a special concert featuring Steven Mead as guest soloist. Together they gave the world premiere on 28th April 2012 in the town theatre of Idar-Oberstein.The commission is a highlight in the 30-year friendship between composer and soloist, which has included many mutual CD projects and concerts and, now, a concerto. Sparke had Steven Mead's special euphonium sound in his head throughout the composition process and made free use of the variety of styles which the world-renowned virtuoso has made his own during his highly successful solo career.The village ofMrschied lies to the west of Frankfurt am Main in the area known as the German Road of Precious Stones, which is famous for its thriving gem industry. Because of this it was decided to give the commission a local connection by choosing the title, Diamond Concerto. Each of the three movements is named after a famous diamond:1 EARTH STARis rather stern in mood, opening with a free fantasy for the soloist over a static chord from the band. This leads to an Allegro Moderato in minor mode where small motives are gradually repeated and developed by both band and soloist.2 OCEAN DREAMuses a varied quote from the composer's Music for Battle Creek, including a melting slow melody that was originally written with Steven Mead in mind.3 BLUE HEARTwas written, at Steven Mead's suggestion, in bebop style and takes the form of a jazz waltz. The quasi-improvisatory central section features a call-and-response passage for the soloist and upper woodwinds.Soloist: Difficulty 6Diamond Concerto is available for euphonium and piano (AMP 374-401) as well as for euphonium and brass band (AMP 354-030).
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£106.99A Klezmer Karnival - Philip Sparke
Klezmer music originated in the 'shtetl' (villages) and the ghettos of Eastern Europe, where itinerant Jewish troubadours, known as 'klezmorim', had performed at celebrations, particularly weddings, since the early Middle Ages. Since the 16th century, lyrics had been added to klezmer music, due to the 'badkhn' (the master of ceremony at weddings), to the 'Purimshpil' (the play of Esther at Purim) and to traditions of the Yiddish theatre, but the term gradually became synonymous with instrumental music, particularly featuring the Violin and Clarinet. In recent years it has again become very popular and in A Klezmer Karnival Philip Sparke has used threecontrasting traditional tunes to form a suite that will bring a true karnival atmosphere to any concert.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£84.99For Whom the Bell Tolls - Philip Sparke
For Whom the Bells Tolls was commissioned by the Irish Symphonic Wind Orchestra, who gave the premiere in their 10th anniversary concert, held in the Artane School of Music, Dublin, on the 31st August 2024.The commission was funded by money raised to provide a piece which commemorated friends and members of the orchestra who had recently passed away. This prompted the choice of title, taken from the famous poem by English writer John Donne (1572 - 1631), which reminds us that the death of anyone affects us all.The work opens with an enigmatic duet between oboe and clarinet. This is taken up by the full band and leads to the work's main theme, a lyrical chorale, which builds to a passionate climax. A central section, introduced by the English horn (cue clarinet), eventually leads back to a triumphal return of the chorale on full band. The mood subsides to introduce an echo of the opening material, which brings the work to a peaceful close.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£68.99The Castle on the Hill - Philip Sparke
The Castle on the Hill was commissioned by the Harmonie l'Abeille de Lucens, based in western Switzerland, and premiered by them in their 2025 Spring Concert on April 12th in the Grande Salle in Lucens. The band has a proud history dating back to 1883 and boasts a separate youth band as well as a music school. The march is in traditional form. After a brief introduction the main theme unfolds on the full band. This is followed by a bold theme in the bass, decorated with woodwind flourishes. A bridge passage leads to a second theme on clarinets and saxophones, repeated by the full band. A change of key heralds the trio section featuring a legato melody, again on clarinets and saxophones and taken up in a fresh key by the full band. This leads directly back to a recall of the opening material in a slightly abridged and decorated version, leading to an emphatic close.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£206.99Omaggio - Philip Sparke
Omaggio was commissioned by Steven Mead in celebration of his 60th birthday and in memory of his father, Rex. He gave the premiere of the brass band version in Rome in March 2022, accompanied by the Italian Brass Band conducted by Filippo Cangiamilla. The concert band premiere took place on 6th July that year as part of the 2022 Spanish International Tuba Euphonium Conference, accompanied by the Banda municipal de msica de Mlaga. The concerto is set in 3 continuous movements, which are united by a recurring syncopated interval of a fifth. The first movement, FANTASIA, opens with this motive accompanying an extended monologue for the soloist. This is followed by a lengthy bridge passage by the band (piano), which is eventually joined by the soloist, who guides the music back to the opening soliloquy, leading to an energetic central section. This develops until the opening material again returns to introduce the second movement, BALLAD, which revolves around an expressive melody for the soloist, interspersed by accompanied cadenzas. The third movement, THE KING TRIUMPHANT, pays homage to Steven's late father, Rex, and its title alludes both to Rex's name ('Rex' being Latin for 'king') as well as his love of Eric Ball's Salvationist masterpiece, The Kingdom Triumphant. The finale is an energetic tour-de-force featuring an acrobatic 6/8 melody, which is interrupted twice by the magnificent hymn tune, Helmsley, which Ball uses so effectively in The Kingdom Triumphant. A galloping coda brings the work to a close.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£164.99Songs and Dances - Philip Sparke
Songs and Dances is a festive and energetic work with an emphasis on music with a rhythmic, dance-like quality. Its three continuous movements are set in a fast-slow-fast form. Highly syncopated themes, flowing chorales and attractive melodies: what more could one wish for? This piece offers enjoyment for musicians and listeners alike.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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