Results
-
£317.99Music of the Spheres - Philip Sparke
The piece reflects the composer's fascination with the origins of the universe and deep space in general. The title comes from a theory, formulated by Pythagoras, that the cosmos was ruled by the same laws he had discovered that govern the ratios of note frequencies of the musical scale. ('Harmonia' in Ancient Greek, which means scale or tuning rather than harmony - Greek music was monophonic). He also believed that these ratios corresponded to the distances of the six known planets from the sun and that the planets each produced a musical note which combined to weave a continuous heavenly melody (which, unfortunately, we humans cannot hear). In this work, these six notesform the basis of the sections MUSIC OF THE SPHERES and HARMONIA. The pieces opens with a horn solo called t = 0, a name given by some scientists to the moment of the Big Bang when time and space were created, and this is followed by a depiction of the BIG BANG itself, as the entire universe bursts out from a single point. A slower section follows called THE LONELY PLANET which is a meditation on the incredible and unlikely set of circumstances which led to the creation of the Earth as a planet that can support life, and the constant search for other civilisations elsewhere in the universe. ASTEROIDS AND SHOOTING STARS depicts both the benign and dangerous objects that are flying through space and which constantly threaten our planet, and the piece ends with THE UNKNOWN, leaving in question whether our continually expanding exploration of the universe will eventually lead to enlightenment or destruction.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£152.99Morning Song - Philip Sparke
Morning Song features the horn quartet mostly in a soloistic role - indeed there is an accompanied cadenza towards the end of the piece - but there are moments where the horns assume their conventional concert band role as harmonic support or playing the counter melody. This expressive composition shows all the versatility of the horn quartet and gives them the chance to be in the spotlight.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£87.99York'scher Marsch - Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven's York'scher Marsch is one of a collection of three tattoos (WoO 18-20) and has had a chequered history, to say the least. There are several autograph copies for different instrumentations, dedicated to different archdukes who were commanders of various regiments of the army including the Prussian regiment called Marsch des Yorkschen Corps, which is how its current title arose. Philip Sparke's arrangement enables a march by this major classical composer to be enjoyed by concert bands.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£106.99Ten Chorale Preludes - Max Reger
During his short lifetime Max Reger (1873-1916) was a prolific composer with many of his best known works being composed for organ. The ten chorale preludes in this selection are from his set of Thirty Short Chorale Preludes Op.135a composed as short voluntaries for liturgical use rather than for recitals in these arrangements Philip Sparke has kept this in mind and each prelude can be performed with minimal instrumentation for those occasions where a small band is needed. They also make great pieces for band warm-ups or studies in intonation, sound and balance.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£168.50Kaleidoscope - Philip Sparke
Kaleidoscope is a set of five variations of on the 'Brugger Lied' (Brugg Song) which is the traditional song of the town of Brugg. The lyrics tell of the geography, people and traditions of this charming and historic town, which is situated in the north of Switzerland, near to the German border, about halfway between Basel and Zurich.Each variation is based on tiny extracts of the theme, the whole piece therefore resembling the effect of a kaleidoscope, which juxtaposes small fragments of colour in a constantly changing pattern.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£79.99Simple Sarabande - Philip Sparke
The sarabande originated in the early 17th century and is a stately dance in triple time. It was popular in France and Spain but as a dance it quickly spread throughout the courts of Europe and the style was soon adopted into instrumental music in dance suites for solo instruments as well as orchestra. Something of this style has influenced Simple Sarabande and although its harmonic language is perhaps more up-to-date it could be seen as a 'period piece'.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£106.99A Huntingdon Celebration - Philip Sparke
This short and lively overture will make a fantastic opening piece for any concert. It begins with the fanfare-like main theme played by the Clarinets and Saxophones, which is taken up by the whole band. Following a slower central chorale the original tempo returns and the opening fanfares re-appear to bring the piece to a triumphal end.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£176.50Masquerade - Philip Sparke
MASQUERADE was commissioned by Stadtmusik Willisau from Switzerland (Reto Gdel, conductor) to celebrate their 175th anniversary in 2003 and first performed by them in November that year. 1. OvertureThe first movement opens with a fanfare-like figure, featuring the brass, before the main them is introduced over staccato chords. After a short, syncopated interlude a legato theme is introduced in the tenor register and material is developed until the music slows temporarily. The opening theme returns and the 'tenor' tune is taken up by the whole band until the opening fanfare returns to close the movement. 2. ElegyThe slow movement opens intensely with a bare two-part theme, whichleads to a passionate chorale-style melody. A second theme is introduced and leads to a climax, a return of the chorale theme and a pianissimo repeat which again leads to a full-band climax. The two-part theme returns quietly to create a peaceful close. 3 InterludeA short movement which changes the mood to introduce:- 4 FinaleThree violent chords preface a lively syncopated opening theme. The trumpets introduce a second idea, which is treated fugally, and this in turn leads to the main melodic idea of the movement, over staccato chords. A contrasting subject is then introduced in the middle of the band, followed by echoes of the first movement fanfare. The opening theme returns and material is revisited until the opening fanfare returns in full to end the work triumphantly.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£149.99Out of the Darkness, into the Light - Philip Sparke
Out of the Darkness, Into the Light is about optimism. All of us experience disappointments in our lives, such failed relationships or the loss of loved ones, but the indomitability of the human spirit allows us to overcome such set backs and get through the darker moments. For some, faith and religion may be the answer, but this piece is more about the internal strength that we can all call upon.Opening in sombre mood, the first phase of the work symbolises the doubts we all have about ourselves and our lives. The opening phrase on solo clarinet appears throughout the piece and could be seen as the central idea of the work, the human spirit itself. The faster, centralsection is about the struggle to overcome the pain we experience and at bar 88 the moment of catharsis occurs. This signals a change of mood and from then on, the clarinet motif is transformed into a feeling of joy and optimism. We have entered the light.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£206.99
Chorale and Variations - Philip Sparke
As the title suggests, this piece comprises a set of variations on an original chorale,which is presented in the opening bars.The chorale uses the dark middle and lower sections of the band and is extended with minor variations until a pause leads to the first real variation, marked Vivo. This is in the form of a moto perpetuo. The second variation is a beautiful Andante introduced by a solo clarinet. Following a full band climax the final variation opens with quiet, nervous energy until its main theme is introduced.The chorale makes a brief appearance until the main theme reappears. This leads to a triumphant final augmented statement of the chorale theme, decorated by theflorid clarinet theme in the upper woodwinds. A dazzling new concert work.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
View Music