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£37.95The 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.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£199.95
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.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£87.99Centennial Journey - Sean O'Loughlin
A new and stunning addition to the concert band library, Centennial Journey celebrates the longevity of a beloved school. Perfect for similar events, or completely unrelated performance - this new piece has everything you could ask for in a new work by Sean O'Loughlin. Cinematic, exciting, and something that will keep both musicians and audiences engaged throughout. This one is pure joy!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£57.50Steps Ahead - Michael Gandolfi
Steps Ahead is a work by Michael Gandolfi that takes young players on a journey! Along the way, there are musical elements that are intended to educate the performers about basic compositional techniques that are intended to educate the performers about basic compositional techniques. Steps Ahead is a delightful piece with something interesting for every instrument in the ensemble. Each of its three sections addresses a kind of compositional technique - transposition, tutti (a 2-part homophonic section) and developing tutti (parts of the band enter to build to a 2-part homophonic tutti). Less experienced players might enjoy the challenges of easy syncopation and musical lines constructed with larger intervals. -Tom Duffy, series editor. 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. Visit www.bandquest.org to learn more about this innovative series, and email [email protected] request a free downloadable audio catalog.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£164.50Promising Skies - Robert W. Smith
In late August of 2005, the normally festive skies over the city of New Orleans began to change. As Hurricane Katrina approached the city, the skies promised a weather event of unprecedented proportions. Composer Robert W. Smith was commissioned by the United State Marine Forces Reserve Band of New Orleans to create this symphonic tone poem recreating and commemorating the Katrina experience. Beginning with "Blue Sky," the jazz of the historic city provides the musical inspiration. Soon, the "Threatening Sky" arrives giving way to the "Raging Sky." Finally, the "Dawn of a New Sky" brings hope as the city is reborn to share its musical gifts once again."Promising Skies" is large work for concert band at the medium advanced level. Using the American art form of jazz as its base along with unusual percussive effects, the piece is a unique and welcome contribution to the repertoire.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£74.99The Gateway City - Karl L. King
Marking 100 years since the first published music of the great American composer, bandmaster, and classic concert band proponent Karl L. King, C. L. Barnhouse is honored to launch the "Karl L. King Centennial Series" of new editions of King music. King's wonderful "The Gateway City March" inaugurates this new series with a flourish! In addition to full score, carefully edited parts, added stylistic practices, dynamics and articulations, this handsome new edition includes extensive information on the composer, this march, history, and performance practices of the "King-style." Long live the KING!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£80.99Pandora's Lament - Romeyn
In Greek mythology, Zeus gave Pandora a box, but warned her never to open it. But the urge to open it overcame her. All of life's miseries came out of the box, let free into the world. The final thing remaining in the box was hope, and a new beginning. This powerful and poignant work depicts Pandora's myth. A bold and forceful opening statement gives way to a beautiful and haunting melody. Lush and mournfully dissonant harmonies gradually build to a climax of incredible emotion and power. As the music ends, we are reminded of a new hope and a new beginning, creating a sensitive and memorable moment. A meaningful and significant addition to the concert band repertoire; destined to be a classic.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£106.95
Gryphon - Tyler Arcari
New composer Tyler Arcari depicts the mythical Gryphon in this delightful piece. You will hear the contrasting lighter-than-air sounds of a soaring eagle followed by the more dark and aggressive sounds of the lion. This is a fresh new piece from a fresh new composer who we are very excited to be adding to the Carl Fischer Music catalog. Tyler's different approach to composition is refreshing, and his scoring, melodic vision and harmonic choices are so wonderful. We expect great things from this young man in the years to come. Alert your festival music list committee about this piece and the name Tyler Arcari!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£72.95
Dark Apollo - Larry Clark
Intense is the adjective that best describes this new piece from popular composer Larry Clark. All of the compositional techniques that have made his music so popular with students can be found in this bold new piece. The melody is catchy and rhythmically interesting with harmonic interjections from the rest of the band. Thick scoring and lots of percussion will make your band sound very advanced. Highlight your band's strengths at festival with this strong new piece.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£67.95
Thunderstruck - Sean O'Loughlin
Thunderstruck is an exciting new piece from best-seller composer Sean O'Loughlin. Year after year, Sean provides us with music that is dynamic and rhythmically interesting to students and audiences alike. This piece contains an upward thrust in the melodic material that keeps reaching higher and higher into the climactic finish. Your students will reach new heights with this exceptional new piece for developing bands.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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