Results
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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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£137.99Highland Dawn - Philip Sparke
Highland Dawn portrays a sunrise in the Scottish Highlands, where stunning mountain scenery and clear air create a special atmosphere. A faster central section describes the area coming to life as the day begins, using the Scotch 'snaps' which are characteristic of traditional bagpipe music; but the serenity of the opening returns to bring the work to a peaceful close.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£134.99Bacchanalia - Philip Sparke
Bacchanalia was commissioned by the Yokohama Bacchus Brass Orchestra to celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2019. The band wanted the title of this short opener to reflect the reference to Bacchus in their name, so Bacchanalia was agreed upon. The spirit of the Greek god of wine does indeed permeate the piece, with bustling themes, dance motifs and occasional harmonic ambiguity. A lovely piece of music full of joie de vivre.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£164.99A Sevenoaks Suite - Philip Sparke
A Sevenoaks Suite was commissioned by the Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band from Kent in the south-east of England. The suite describes 3 famous landmarks in the Sevenoaks and Tonbridge area: 'Knole Park', situated to the south-east of Sevenoaks. 'The Chapel - Tonbridge School': This movement centres around a hymn-like chorale, depicting the years of worship that have taken place within the chapel, and 'The Vine Bandstand' suggesting the type of music often played in bandstands. It is in march form, but is not actually a march throughout, veering off into other styles before ending emphatically.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£99.99Salute to the Victor - Philip Sparke
Salute to the Victor is in traditional march form and contains, as a tribute to Victor Grieve who was a devotee of English music (in particular that of Sir Edward Elgar), a short quote from Elgar's Sea Pictures in the trio. Salute tothe Victor was commissioned by Helen, Alex and James Grieve for the Golden Kangaroos (Hornsby Concert Band) from Sydney, Australia, in memory of their parents, Louise and Victor Grieve, Founder and Director.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£137.99A Little Klezmer Suite - Philip Sparke
A Little Klezmer Suite was commissioned by Rushton Park High School to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their band programme. They gave the premiere in a virtual online concert in October 2020. 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. 'Klezmer' is a Yiddish term combining the Hebrew words 'kley' (instrument) and 'zemer' (song). The roots of the style are found in secular melodies, popular dances, Jewish 'hazanut' (cantorial music) and also the 'nigunim', the wordless melodies intoned by the 'Hasidim' (orthodox Jews). The melodies used in the four movements of A Little Klezmer Suite have traditionally been used in Jewish wedding ceremonies and celebrations.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£13.95BETWEEN THE TWO RIVERS (Philip Sparke) (Deutsche Blaeserphilharmonie)
Deutsche Blaeserphilharmonie conducted by Walter Ratzek. Include: The Bandwagon; spirit of the Sequoia; Manhattan (from Trumpet & Concert Band) (soloist: Woodrow R. englisH0; Mandalen Landscapes; Flying the Breeze; Festival Fanfare (from Five Festive Fanfares); Variants on an English Hymn tune (A Fantasy on Nicaea for Euphonium & Concert Band) (soloist: Roland Stuppin); Postcard from Singapore; Marchissimo: Between the Two Rivers
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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