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£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
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£95.95Sicilienne - Gabriel Fauré
One of the most beautiful and popular pieces by Gabriel Faur is meticulously arranged for the modern concert band by Larry Clark. It contains all of the lush harmonies and subtle features of Faur's music in a wonderful concert band setting.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£123.95Chorale and Alleluia - Howard Hanson
This well-known, impressive work by Howard Hanson is one of the great cornerstones of the literature for the modern concert band.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£78.95
Japanese Pictures - Kevin Mixon
Japanese Pictures draws inspiration from both traditional and modern Japanese music. The harmonies are western as suggested by the accompanying melodies, and the percussion is styled to give the sounds of a taiko drum ensemble. Young bands will find this piece intriguing and different. Use this work as part of your multi-cultural approach to teaching music appreciation. Also a good choice for contest or festival performance.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£67.50Sanctus - Franz Schubert
Franz Schubert (1797-1828), great Austrian composer, was a supreme melodist and master of lieder. This transcription is based on his Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) from his German Mass in F. (ca. 1815) for four-part choir and lends itself well to the expressive qualities of the modern brass quintet.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£69.99Fusion Factory - James L. Hosay
At the end of the Sixties and the beginning of the Seventies, slowly but surely, a new exciting music style arose in pop music. Pop groups enlarged the musical spectrum by combining jazz harmonies with rock 'n' roll rhythms. These experiments are now known as 'fusion'. Fusion Factory combines elements of early fusion with modern fusion sounds. Listen to the excellent result!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£99.99A Celtic Christmas - James L. Hosay
This spirited new Christmas medley from the pen of James L. Hosay will be a delight for all as the crown jewel of your holiday performance. The unmistakable sounds of the Emerald Isle are artfully portrayed here by one of the finest band composers of modern times.A thrilling opening with the rhythmic counterpoint of a 6/8 against 3/4 effect introduces this festive holiday rhapsody of popular European Christmas carols in traditional Celtic settings. A CELTIC CHRISTMAS includes six of the classic melodies which bring the holidays alive for millions, including I SAW THREE SHIPS, AWAY IN A MANGER, HERE WE COME A WASSAILING, and others.This setting goes well beyond the usualholiday medley. You'll find Gaelic gold when you unwrap this sparkling musical gift with your band this year !
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£79.99
Echo Carol - Traditional
This setting of While Shepherds Watched features the historical as well as modern renditions of this much loved carol. Optional off-stage ensembles echo your visible players and create a unique concert experience for all involved.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£49.99Good Tidings at Christmas - Douglas Court
A wonderful modern treatment of the ages old favorite We Wish You a Merry Christmas! This creative arrangement serves equally well as an opener for your Christmas Concert as it will in the traditional closer position that the grand old carol has so long held. Be sure to hear the demo CD on this one. We think you'll be both surprised and delighted. Without question, your students will enjoy playing Good Tidings at Christmas and the audience will Love it!Original!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£84.99Dimensions of Seven - James Curnow
Commissioned by the University of Georgia Bands F. David Romines, Associate Director of BandsRich modern harmonies and exquisite rhythmic counterpoint make this Grade 3 gem a rich and rewarding project for your ensemble. This remarkable piece is a wonderful and exciting performance piece which at the same allows the director countless opportunities to teach the players about intervals, inversions, and so much more. A nice batterie of Percussion instruments adds lots of color and energy and the contrasts in density and dynamics ensure that Dimensions of Seven will keep the audience fully engaged from the first beat to the last.Unforgettable!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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