Results
-
£264.99
Diferencias on an Old Spanish Song - Yasuhide Ito
I am immensely happy that my Gloriosa, symphonic poem for band (1990), has been performed by so many bands in the last thirty years.During this period, the growth of the internet has made it much easier to access information.When I composed Gloriosa, I only had limited information about the period when Christianity and Western music was first introduced to Japan, and had to rely a lot on my imagination.However, nowadays, it is easy to obtain various source materials and to read interesting studies on the music of the past.In recent years, the music of Luis de Narvez (born ca.1500 - died between 1555-1560), Spanish composer and vihuela player, has become increasingly known, and several CDs of his music are now available.Narvez composed the earliest-known set of diferencias, a forerunner of the variation form. One of his works is Seys diferencias sobre el himno "O gloriosa domina" [Six diferencias on the hymn "O gloriosa domina"] (1538), based on the Spanish Marian hymn, and it was this melody I used in the first movement of my Gloriosa.Western music has been my musical roots since childhood, and throughout my career as a composer, it has continued to fascinate me. One could say that this has provided the inspiration for Diferencias on an Old Spanish Song, my own take on the diferencias form.Actually, such music from the early sixteenth century could sound fresh to our modern ears. So I decided to quote the melody from Narvez's Sey diferencias at the beginning and end of the piece, in order that people can get the feel for the period.The main section (bars 42-390) is formed of 13 diferencias, similar to the first movement of the Gloriosa.In the middle section, which begins after the eighth diferencia(from bar 187), one should be totally absorbed in the tranquility and the beauty of the music. Although it's in the style of a sarabande, it should be taken slower and played as pianissimo as possible.This is followed by folk-style dance music. (As only standard percussion instruments are used, try to be creative with tonal colours and sense of rhythm).The structure of the work is simple, but be aware of the connection between the sections when constructing the whole.Also, think about the tonality. Overall, the work is in F minor. The main section is basically in D minor, but from bar 102, it modulates to A flat minor and G minor, and then in the middle section it suddenly switches to A flat major (which is the furthest key from D minor, and the relative major of F minor). From bar 219, it modulates to F minor and then to C minor, then back to F minor by way of A minor.N.B. The Oboe II part can be substituted by the English Horn (as indicated in the parts). One can choose according to the player's skills or preference.Recent new compositions for wind band are often full of rhythm, dynamism, and tonal colour, and compositional techniques and orchestration have also evolved greatly. Yet on the other hand, they tend to feature fewer melodic or expressive elements. Since this work is the test piece for WMC Kerkrade 2022, I had to think about what "tests" or "challenges" to set, and I decided to compose something that doesn't involve a lot of technical display, but requires beautiful sounds and harmonies, and above all, musical expressivity. I didn't put many expression markings in the score, because I wanted the performers to think about how best to express this music. If it is played merely as notated, it's not going to sound very interesting.Christianity was introduced to Japan in the mid-16th century, but it was subsequently banned and Japan entered a period of national isolation, which meant that there was hardly any international exchange for two hundred years. As a result, the Christian hymns that were introduced prior to the isolation became almost unrecognizable over the centuries. This was the theme I explored in my Gloriosa thirty years ago.Now, in 2021, the whole world has been forced to "isolate" due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In such times, it seems pertinent that I've written a work using this melody again. I sincerely hope that people will be able to gather in Kerkrade in 2022.(English Translation:Nahoko Gotoh)
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£104.99Song of Hope - Jan Van der Roost
2011 was a disastrous year for Japan: on March 11 the northeast of the country suffered a violent earthquake, which triggered a huge tsunami and caused massive damage to people and the environment. The ensuing problems with the nuclear reactor atFukushima only increased the misery: a black day in the country's history...One almost inevitable consequence of such dramatic circumstances is the particular damage suffered by the cultural arts. And so it was in Japan: various high school wind orchestras in the effected areas lost their practice rooms and/or instruments.It will take a long time before the damage suffered is repaired - and it will take great effort to overcome the psychological effects, too. Focusing on the latter, Yutada Nishida (director of The Bandwagon radio program) asked a few composers fora simple work that could be played by many orchestras. It just so happened that the Osakan Philharmonic Winds (with whom Jan Van der Roost had conducted a concert exclusively of his own works on September 25th) had had a similar idea. This concert saw the baptism of Song of Hope. This pieceimmediately struck a chord with musicians and audience alike: it begins bleakly in the low register and evolves to a more open, optimistic close. There really is hope for better times!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£84.99I Say A Little Prayer - Burt Bacharach
This bittersweet song from 1967 is a real classic, partly due to the rendition by two queens of soul, Dionne Warwick and later also Aretha Franklin. The theme was very topical at the time: A woman is concerned about her husband fighting in the Vietnam War, and thinks about him during her day-to-day worries. Top arranger Peter Kleine Schaars created a tasteful and carefully orchestrated version. His arrangement stays true to the original colour and feel of the song, and, as a grade 3 piece, is still perfectly playable for most bands.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£77.99
A Finnish Rhapsody - Clare Grundman
The opening measured of Clare Grundman's A Finnish Rhapsody are base on Oi kallis Suomenmaa (O Blessed Fatherland), an old South Bothnian melody beloved of the whole Finnish nation. The words of this song epitomize each Finn'snoblest duty, the readiness to sacrifice all in defense of his country's liberty. Next is an episode based on Kesilta (Summer Evening), one of the loveliest of Finnish folk songs, being as delightfully tranquil as the Finnishcountryside. Following this is a section based on the lively folk tune, Talon Tytt (The Country Lass), a mirthful love song about a peasant maid and her swain. This leads into the majestic Finlandia Hymn, created by Jan Sibelius.The work closes with the return of Oh, Blessed Fatherland, with all its strength and grandeur. (5:30)
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£78.95
Variations On A Sailing Song - Carl Strommen
Variations on A Sailing Song is a vigorous, lively sea chanty that should be played with gusto & enthusiasm. Carl Strommen has composed a set of playable variations on this famous theme that will be perfect to highlight your band's skills at a contest or festival.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£228.70Reflections - Suite on a Norwegian Folk Tune - John Brakstad
The suite is constructed around a Norwegian folk tune. The melody is called "Dark Forebodings", and the words of the song revolve around thoughts and reflections on a future that can take unexpected, insecure, or perhaps dramatic and tragic turns.This is essentially a sad song with a beautiful melody. The folk tune itself is presented in the 2nd movement. In the 1st movement, the folk tune is joined with fleeting themes that indicate the unexpected; as if the music sometimesis confused as to which way to go. There are constant changes in atmosphere and feeling, from the harsh and dissonant, to the harmonious and melodic. The 3rd movement presents a more lively variant of thefolk tune, showing optimism andhappiness, even though the "halting" character of the rhythm underscores the unpredictable. The title "Reflections", therefore, refers to thoughts we can have about life. To the Conductor:The 2nd movement has an alternativeending which is may be used if the movement is played as an independent lyrical piece in a concert.It is advisable to begin first rehersal with the 2nd movement so that the main theme is known, before beginning on the 1st movement with itsmore semi-tonal parts. Intervals and intonation can provide much of the challenge in this movement.The 3rd movement can be more technically challenging, but there is considerable leeway in the tempo marking! It is important to maintain theenergy and intensity of the music through the whole movement.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£82.50A Maid in Bedlam - Randall D. Standridge
A stunningly beautiful Scottish folk song that tells a tale of longing, loss, and redemption. This arrangement starts in the style of an intriguing folk dance that evolves into a mournful, lyrical moment. Then taking on a more familiar character, the music pays homage to the sound of classic British folk song settings by generations of composers, helping to preserve great music from our world's history.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£133.80Everyone Needs a Friend - Frode Alnaes
"Everyone needs a Friend" is the most famous song by the band Dance with a Stranger, first released on their self-titled debut album in 1987. It became an instant hit following their performance of the song at Spellemann 1988, one of the band's most important performances during their 40-year-long career.Both guitarist Frode Alns, vocalist ivind "Elg" Elgenes individually, and the entire band have collaborated with the bands of the Norwegian Armed Forces on numerous occasions. This arrangement was created for one of these collaborations and was later recorded on "Gudim & Marinemusikken - p norsk" where Knut Marius Djupvik is the vocal soloist and Alns makes a guest appearance as guitarist.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£64.99The Penny Whistle Song - Leroy Anderson
Imagine strolling along the trail through a bucolic countryside on a sunny spring day, whistling all the way. The Penny Whistle Song conjures that very mood, featuring a trio of flutes on the melody with a bouncy two-step accompaniment. This exclusive Southern band edition by Mark Rogers reintroduces Anderson's enchanting work to new generations of audiences.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£69.99Song of Gratitude - Thomas Doss
Song of Gratitude was written for an old friend. Many friendships that start off at a young age last for life and thus form a sort of connecting thread throughout one's existence. In this particular work, this notion is mirrored in a short motif that expands more and more and becomes more passionate until it finally settles down in a thankful closing passage.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
View Music