Results
-
£164.99Wilten Festival Overture - Philip Sparke
To celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Stadtmusikkapelle Wilten in Innsbruck Philip Sparke composed Wilten Festival Overture. A bold fanfare, led by the horns, forms the opening of the work from which an expressive theme unfolds until the full band reaches a climax. Short solo statements from saxophone, horn and trumpet lead to a recapitulation of this theme which melts into a rhythmic Vivo. A robust melody is is then played by the clarinets and taken up by the whole band before a legato figure leads to a cantabile theme, again presented by the clarinets. The original Vivo melody reappears before the opening fanfare is briefly heard and the work comes to an end with ashort Coda. A great experience for the whole band!
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
-
£109.99
Dublimania - Menno Bosgra
This new work is based on Irish folk music.In the first part, the main theme is presented as a ballad, starting with the piccolo (as replacement for the flute which is widely used in Ireland), moving on the wood section to end with the entire orchestra.It then changes to a kind of rock style theme: powerful, rhythmic accompaniment with effects in dampers, a pedal point and the use of the spoons which is typical of Irish music (Irish pub), high-range bongo drum (replacement for the Bodhran), etc.In this second part I introduced a second theme as a counterbalance, played by several groups, which has clearly a more legato character and therefore sounds more melodious.The climaxof the work starts in the low-range brass section with its marcato theme that is developed with a great deal of rhythmicity in the accompaniment, clusters, etc. into a percussion solo interspersed by the orchestra in five-eight time with frequent parallel movement in chords (folk music style).Towards the end, theme 2 recurs twice: first as heard earlier with an extra counter melody and accompaniment pattern, then in a canonical form, in which the theme is played by three groups. The conclusion is a repeat of the middle section in five-eight time.I have tried to use many of the colours of a wind orchestra by having the wood sections and brass section play alone and making extensive use of dampers. Percussion also has a prominent role throughout the work.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£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
-
£109.99Bella Italia
Bella Italia is a medley of three Neapolitan songs that were made famous and popular by the tenor Mario Lanza. The work opens with the graceful waltz Santa Lucia, which is followed by a Latin-style version of O Sole Mio, a melody that became even more well known when used by Elvis Presley as the basis of the song It's Now or Never. The cheerful Funicul, Funicul ends the medley in 6/8 time. This arrangement for concert band by Roland Kernen will appeal to a broad audience and will leave both the band and the audience in a high-spirited mood.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£144.99Dances & Sonnets - Jacob de Haan
Dances & Sonnets is a piece by Jacob de Haan, inspired by the dance and poetry of the 19th Century Europe. Lively instrumental dances alternate with spoken sonnets that are recited by one or more readers, accompanied by quiet, solemn music to provide contrast. De Haan has compiled a list of suggested poems to be read, but other poems may be selected that better fit the occasion. Dances & Sonnets is a dramatic and truly special piece!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£118.99I Love the 207 - Itaru Sakai
I Love the 207 was composed in February 2010 for a commission by Osumi Symphonic Band in Kyoto. It was first performed on 25 April 2010 by Osumi Symphonic Band, conducted by Masanori Ozaki. This piece begins with an introduction to present the instruments, followed by a light scherzo. The title is an affectionate reference to the commuter rail 207 series of the West Japan Railway Company. When the band started their activity, the 207 series trains began running through the fields next to the building where they practice. The composer hopes that the trains continue to run and bring smiles to people's faces.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£144.99Like the Eagle, We Soar and Rise - Satoshi Yagisawa
Like the Eagle, We Soar and Rise was commissioned by Yuying Secondary School Concert Band and Yuying Alumni Association for the 2010 centenary of the school's foundation. The piece was named by a friend of the composer named Steven Phua, who originally suggested commissioning a new piece to Satoshi Yagisawa. The piece furthermore takes its name from the text of the Yuying Secondary School song.This composition is based on three different concepts: the first one demonstrates 'The founders' passion for education'; the second concept illustrates 'Hardship in war time'; the third one 'To the future' describes the inner strength people find to overcome struggles. Thispiece concludes with a fanfare, which is the sound of hope that leads to a brighter future in a positive direction.The world premiere of this piece was conducted by Faizal Bin Othman, who is one of the leading educators in Singapore, and was performed by the Yuying Secondary School Concert Band.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£149.99Colditz Castle - Rob Goorhuis
Written as a commission by the Stichting de Inrichting foundation of Wijk bij Duurstede (the Netherlands), Rob Goorhuis Requiem voor de mens (Requiem for Man) on lyrics by Andr van Zwieten was composed in the year 2001. This work for choir andwind-band greatly impressed the audience, whilst its composer remained obsessed by its war theme. When he subsequently heard that the Rundfunk Blasorchester from the German town of Leipzig -a place not far from Colditz - was to dedicate a CDto his work, Rob Goorhuis got the idea to process some of the themes from his Requiem for Man into an instrumental composition about the famous Colditz castle. a place still bearing the scars of war. From 1933 to 1934, the castle was aSchutzhaftlager. During the Second World War, it was used as a prison for senior officers. From this prison, many escapes were undertaken, which even resulted in the castle being nicknamed The Escape School. In the seventies, a television-seriesabout this period made the castle very well-known with the public at large.The despondent tone of the opening theme underscores the sadness caused by wars and violence. Nevertheless the works ending is hopeful and triumphant. Peace iscelebrated, but with the hope for a lasting peace sadly remaining a topical issue to the present moment.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£174.99
The Golden City - Jan Bosveld
Prague, also named 'The Golden City', has been the cultural and administrative capital city of the Czech Republic for thousands of years. The city is beautifully situated on the river Moldau. Every year millions of tourists visit Prague. It is one of the most popular cities of Eastern Europe. With it's mysterious little squares, dark alley ways and cobblestone streets, the 'City of the 100 Towers' is a unique mixture of architecture, dominated by monumental buildings, numerous churches and the oldest castle of Europe. The Bohemian capital city remains timeless. Visit the fort and be amazed at the lovely views over the Charles Bridge. Spend your time carefully browsing through the little stalls filled with paintings, photos, jewelery and hand-decorated products, accompanied by the sounds of the street musicians in the background. Notice the famous 15 th century astronomical clock that indicates the time every hour with a parade of the twelve apostles. When composing this piece, it was Jan Bosveld's intention to depict the atmosphere of this metropolitan city with over one million inhabitants, rather than to create a fairly literal musical portrait. One of the many other names of Prague is 'The City of the Clocks'. This can be heard throughout the piece depicted by the tubular bells. The piece consists of three movements (slow-fast-slow) and was written in a rhapsodic format. Jan Bosveld was commissioned to write 'The Golden City' by the Dutch Music Lend and Information Centre (MUI), a department of the library for the province of Gelderland in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
