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£211.80Karneval i Paris - Johan S. Svendsen
Johan Svendsen (1840-1911) composed "Carnival in Paris" in 1872, inspired by the energy and vibrancy of the Parisian carnival celebrations. The piece showcases a variety of moods and orchestral colours, ranging from jubilant and playful sections to more lyrical and elegant passages. It is a lively and colourful work that reflects Svendsen's skill in orchestration and his ability to capture vivid, festive atmospheres in music. In "Carnival in Paris", his Nordic musical roots meet the cosmopolitan influences he encountered while living and working in major European cities. The work has become one of Svendsen's most popular and is frequently performed in concert halls and festivals. About My Transcriptions for Wind Bands Ever since I started playing the clarinet at 8 or 9 years old in the school band "Blveisene" in my hometown of Gjvik, playing transcriptions of orchestral music has been a natural part of the repertoire. In regional bands, Norway's National Youth Band, and during my 10 years in a Military band, I played many such transcriptions. These transcriptions often included handwritten parts, masterfully crafted by colleagues in a time when music notation software didn't exist. Similarly, the scores were often incomplete, typically featuring just a solo clarinet part and condensed score in Bb. The transcriptions also contained parts for instruments like the Eb cornet and multiple tenor horns, but no saxophones, which made them less suitable for modern wind bands. The rise of many skilled Concert Bands and the increasing demands for scores and accessibility made me realize that someone needed to preserve this tradition. The reason I've transcribed these works is to ensure that you can play or conduct a repertoire that I believe has a rightful place in Norwegian Wind Band tradition. These transcriptions are my contribution to preserving some of the unique works in Norwegian music literature. Creating a transcription is a complex task, and I believe the score of "Carnival in Paris" is one of the most intricate I've undertaken. The first part of the process involves entering the entire orchestral score into music notation software. This is time-consuming and requires meticulous work. The next step is to check several editions to see if there are any discrepancies. Mistakes are often found in orchestral material, which can lead to further errors in the transcription. After that, I listen to many different recordings while following along with the score, paying attention to how different conductors emphasize balance and timbre. Gradually, I begin to note down passages I believe will work well for wind bands. One particular challenge in this piece is that the woodwinds and strings operate in the same register. In the original, the tonal difference between the strings and winds helps to clarify the individual musical lines. In the transcription, I've tried to address this by separating the lines, for example through octave adjustments, and highlighting them without compromising other aspects. I've also used some mallet percussion to broaden the tonal palette. There are countless decisions to be made to create a product that will hopefully allow future generations of wind band musicians to play this repertoire. - Stig Nordhagen -
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£159.99Resurrection - Kevin Houben
"Man wird mit Keulen zu Boden geschlagen und dann auf Engelsfittichen zu den hchsten Hhen gehoben." (Mahler over zijn 2de symfonie "Wederopstanding", Juli 1894)*"You are clubbed to the ground and then lifted to the highest heights on angels' wings"Commissioned by and dedicated to Concertband Maasmechelen (BE), conducted by Mark Prils.Kevin Houben was inspired for this work by Gustav Mahler's 2nd symphony, better known as the Resurrection symphony.The work can be regarded as a Ma(h)lerei of various compositional and spherical elements that refer to the Austrian composer but that appear in this composition in an embedded, contemporary way.As Mahler often drew his inspiration from nature, the opening of this piece brings nature right to the audience. The work starts with a solo for alto flute accompanied by a pedal note in four octaves with harmonic responses echoing the solo.From the start, Kevin Houben provides Mahler's material with a contemporary touch. He replaces the nature sounds that Mahler uses (perfect fourth) with tritone intervals. The off stage trumpet signals have been preserved but are provided with a new accompaniment. Gradually, throughout the work, the orchestra undergoes its own independent development. Mahler's musical signature remains recognizable, but Kevin Houben allows it - e.g. through the use of various timbres - to flourish in a more modern musical idiom, which characterizes numerous contemporary compositions for wind band (cfr. Where Angels Fly).The work comes to a grandiose end with a passage of the famous chorale from Mahler's 2nd symphony. The rich orchestration of this chorale gives the listener the illusion of the presence of a choir and organ without actually using them.In Resurrection, each instrument group comes into its own: in solo fragments, in transparent thematic passages or in splendid tuttis. Therefore, the work forms an interesting challenge for a wind band on several levels, both technically and melodically - the latter due to the long suspenseful melodic phrases that the musical structure requires.The piece is accessible to a wide audience and can be regarded as an enrichment for any concert programme. Resurrection takes the audience through various atmospheres and experiences: from stunning to chilling, from calming to delighting...Die Musik muss immer ein Sehnen enthalten, ein Sehnen ber die Dinge dieser Welt hinaus." (Gustav Mahler, 1860-1911)"Music must always involve a longing, a yearning beyond the things of this world."
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£79.95
A Psalm of Praise - Score and Parts - James Curnow
Program NotesOriginally conceived as a brass band tone poem, A Psalm of Praise gained huge popularity when it was first published in 1980. When it first appeared in print, the work was widely performed by Salvation Army bands around the world. It is full of interest and presents plenty of what for many bands will be realistically achievable levels of musical and technical challenge.As with much Salvation Army music, it was inspired by words from scripture, specifically from Psalm 100. Musically, it is based on the well-known hymn tune Praise My Soul the King of Heaven, with motifs and fragments of the tune appearing throughout the work in various guises alongside the original thematic material.James Curnow's skillfully economic use of melodic and rhythmic ideas is demonstrated to perfection in this work, which will be rewarding to rehearse in detail and perform and will provide a useful addition to concert repertoire.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£15.95
A Psalm of Praise - Score only - James Curnow
Program NotesOriginally conceived as a brass band tone poem, A Psalm of Praise gained huge popularity when it was first published in 1980. When it first appeared in print, the work was widely performed by Salvation Army bands around the world. It is full of interest and presents plenty of what for many bands will be realistically achievable levels of musical and technical challenge.As with much Salvation Army music, it was inspired by words from scripture, specifically from Psalm 100. Musically, it is based on the well-known hymn tune Praise My Soul the King of Heaven, with motifs and fragments of the tune appearing throughout the work in various guises alongside the original thematic material.James Curnow's skillfully economic use of melodic and rhythmic ideas is demonstrated to perfection in this work, which will be rewarding to rehearse in detail and perform and will provide a useful addition to concert repertoire.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£49.00Energico
Energico ignites the stage with its unique melody and dynamic rhythms, tailored for young musicians eager to showcase their skills. Bursting with life and vitality from the first note to the final measure, Energico commands attention as each section of the band adds layers of excitement and anticipation. The piece's tempo and spirited motifs challenge performers to channel their boundless energy, infusing every note with passion and verve.
Estimated dispatch 12-14 working days
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£68.00Cherry Tree
This beautiful ballad was composed to capture the wondrous feeling of cherry blossoms. It also relays elation or hope for a brightening future. The lyrical piece helps players learn the importance of inner melodies, a lighter playing style, staccato figures, and balancing of long phrases. A contrasting middle section includes tempo variations and a delicate balance of harmonic patterns. A return to the calm opening theme ends the composition on a hopeful note. This lovely work will challenge, but also reward your performers.
Estimated dispatch 12-14 working days
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£64.00Sahara
This exciting programmatic work musically paints a picture of a fantastical desert crossing in three contrasting sections: a caravan crossing of the desert, a visit to a palace in a mystical oasis city, and the caravan outrunning a sandstorm to reach their destination. With interesting lines for every instrument, an extensive percussion section, varied tempos and rhythmic challenges, this composition will challenge and reward your performers' efforts while entertaining audiences.
Estimated dispatch 12-14 working days
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£94.00Resilience
Written in response to adversity in its many forms, this concert or contest composition for advanced bands celebrates the spirit of rising above. Adversity is represented by various harmonic and rhythmic devices throughout the work and is resolved through creative reworkings of previous melodic material, different textural instrumental combinations and tempo and dynamic shadings. Truly a commentary on not only life's struggles but the fact that strife also causes positive growth, this complex, yet approachable, composition will challenge your musicians both musically and emotionally.
Estimated dispatch 12-14 working days
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£49.00Okefenokee: Land of Trembling Earth
Named Land of the Trembling Earth because the peat bog, which floats on water, moves when walked upon, the Okefenokee Swamp is a natural wonder. Starting mysteriously with a full-band sound, moving through a middle section with a flute or recorder solo that depicts the life of the early inhabitants, and ending with a spirited dance that features woodwind runs, brass countermelodies and thunderous timpani and bass drum parts, this unique composition offers performers the chance to perform a programmatic work that will challenge and entertain at the same time.
Estimated dispatch 12-14 working days
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£10.00Echoes From Within
This dramatic contest or festival piece will require your ensemble to perform emotionally in a variety of expressive styles. Using multiple meters, cadenzas, changing tempos and expressive musical shaping techniques, the music varies from romantic to light and dance-like. Challenge your entire ensemble, individual players, and audiences with this thought-provoking reflection on the strength and courage every person needs.
Estimated dispatch 12-14 working days
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