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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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£45.00March a Doodle Dandy (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Shaffer, David
This title says it all. A clever melody punctuated by interesting percussion solo moments introduces your young musicians to march performance style. The well-known American folk tune, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" is presented as the "trio" of this march allowing for an interesting independence of high and low voices. Written using only the first six notes learned in band instruction, "March A Doodle Dandy" is an exceptional teaching tool for introducing a unique musical style, and a great programing piece for any concert. Duration: 1.45
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£53.50March to Concord (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Kirby, Rick
An important part of American history comes to life through March to Concord. The familiar patriotic anthem Chester is woven throughout the work coupled with an engaging original melody. Rick Kirby's dynamic setting is both rhythmic and powerful, utilising a range of variation techniques plus skilful handling of the percussion section.Duration: 3:15
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£53.50The Irish Baker (Angelina the Baker) (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Longfield, Robert
Two fiddle traditions are combined in this lively setting for concert band. The American bluegrass favourite Angelina the Baker is creatively combined with the style of a Celtic dance tune! After a flowing and lyric opening statement, the drones and rhythms of an Irish jig take the band and the audience on an exuberant romp.Duration: 2:30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£60.99Earth and Sky (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Sweeney, Michael
The Native American Omaha Tribe believed in an inseparable union between earth and sky. Commissioned for the Nebraska All-State 8th Grade Band, Michael Sweeney's Earth and Sky celebrates this ideal with a balance of woodwind motifs and delicate textures (sky) contrasted with an underlying percussion ostinato and feature spots (earth). Rich chordal accompaniments and soaring melodies provide continuity and flow in this dynamic work for band.Duration: 6:15
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£49.99The Star Spangled Banner (Flexible Ensemble - Score and Parts) - Key & Smith - Sweeney, Michael
Opening with an attention-getting fanfare and scored for just about any combination of instruments, here is an extremely versatile, yet great-sounding arrangement of the American national anthem.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£52.95Western Horizons (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Kahelin, Thomas
From the Badlands of South Dakota to the cliffs of Big Sur, California, the western horizon is both an ending and a beginning. Standing in the grandeur of the American West, one senses the exuberance and wildness of a time long gone by. Gazing west, one imagines an astonishing variety of landscape unfolding beyond the horizon, leading to the beauty of California's sunset and the optimism of tomorrow. This piece celebrates the nostalgia, gusto and optimism of that western horizon.Duration: 3.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£72.00North Bay Vistas (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Smith, Robert W.
Composer Robert W. Smith's journey to the San Francisco Bay Area inspired this musical panorama. Beginning with an intriguing fanfare statement representing the unforgettable skyline of San Francisco and the unique images of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, our journey begins north over the waters of the bay. Sailing across the water, we are treated to magnificent vistas including both the city and the surrounding mountains. An early morning sunrise looking down on the vineyards of Sonoma was the inspiration for the center of the piece. The early morning mist combined with light and shadow creates a very peaceful scene that is not soon forgotten. The piece concludes with the return to the city providing a new perspective of this truly unique American landscape.Duration: 6.15
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£76.00Amid the Great Displace (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - McBride, Cory J.
Commemorating a landmark event in American history, Cory McBride sets out to replicate the awe of the New Madrid Earthquake of February 12, 1812, which affected over 1 million square miles and was powerful enough to change the route of the Mississippi River. Featuring an insistent motive that is supported by intertwined counterpoints, the vigilant beginning leads to a chorale-like middle section, expressing the dismay after the quake, which is soon followed up by an emotionally ending. The piece contains challenges for every instrument and is well-suited for more experienced groups. Amid the Great Displace is a fantastic choice for concert or contest and will be inspiring programming for your students and audiences.Duration: 5.30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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