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£159.20
Chasing the Mystery - Kevin Houben
Commissioned by KU Leuven on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of KU Leuven.Chasing the MysteryKevin HoubenDedicated to the Wind Orchestra Universitair Harmonieorkest (UHO) of KU Leuven.Chasing the Mystery is the final movement of the triptych Beyond the Horizon of Thought.On the occasion of KU Leuven's 600th anniversary in 2025, the university commissioned Kevin Houben to compose a new work tailored to the Universitair Symfonisch Orkest, the Universitair Harmonieorkest and the Leuvens Universitair Koor. Maud Vanhauwaert, writer-in-residence during the 2023-2024 academic year, provided a poetic libretto.With Beyond the Horizon of Thought, Kevin Houben created not only a unique anniversary composition for more than 250 student musicians. The composition also conveys a universal message that perfectly reflects the spirit of the celebrating university: keep searching, keep developing yourself and keep hoping - even in turbulent times.From a compositional perspective, the work is built around themes and motifs with a clear symbolism. Kevin Houben explains: "I use a technique in which letters are converted into musical notes - a method also used by great masters such as Bach, Bartk and Shostakovich. This musical signature forms the basis of the melodic structure. In this way, 'KUL600' is represented by the notes D - G - E - F (re - sol - mi - fa)."The composition is conceived as a triptych: three movements that flow seamlessly into one another and are performed by different orchestral formations, yet together form a single whole. The work opens with the symphony orchestra, where the thematic 'KUL600' cells are introduced and explored. In this movement, Awakening the Wonder, several highlights establish a musical connection with the following movements.In the second movement, The Urge of Search, the choir sings a cappella to the poem Het is het by Maud Vanhauwaert, in which she reflects on the tireless quest for knowledge that has characterized the university for 600 years. Classical Gregorian techniques and traditional voice leading enter into dialogue with contemporary techniques, as the singers alternately whisper, call out and proclaim.Finally, the wind orchestra introduces the third movement, Chasing the Mystery. With a searching and anticipatory character, the orchestra presents the thematic cells in soloistic fashion, based on the main melody of the choral movement. References once again appear to the rhythmic 'KUL600' cells, which ultimately culminate in a grand apotheosis. A solitary soprano saxophone opens the finale with the 'KUL600' theme in its most intimate and meditative form. The expanded choir then joins the orchestra for an impressive final chord, musically preparing KU Leuven for the next 600 years.Beyond the Horizon of Thought premiered on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 April 2025 at LUCA Campus Lemmens, and was also performed on 9 May 2025 at Concertgebouw Brugge on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of KU Leuven. More than 250 musicians from the Universitair Symfonisch Orkest (USO) conducted by Edmond Saveniers, the Leuvens Universitair Koor (LUK) conducted by Kevin Hendrickx, and the Universitair Harmonieorkest (UHO) conducted by Erwin Scheltjens shared the stage.Cover illustration design: Grotezk Studio.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£122.50The Guild of Roslar - Klaas Coulembier
The Guild of Roslar is an impressive and multifaceted composition that was written for the centenary of the 'Koninklijke Harmonie Het Gildemuziek Roeselare' (Belgium). This work brings to life the unique character of the band: vigorous in the streets, delicate in the concert hall.With a traditional march as its beating heart, a stirring musical journey unfolds. From the first fanfares and warm chorale sounds, the excitement grows through playful motifs with subtle references to the rich musical heritage of this society from Roeselare. Personal elements, such as the musically incorporated name theme of conductor Nick Vandendriessche, give the work extra layers of meaning.From a moving mourning march to energetic and recognisable themes, this composition combines tradition with renewal. It develops toward a grand and effervescent conclusion that will delight the musicians as well as the audience.The Guild of Roslar is an homage, a story, and a powerful musical experience all in one.
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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£168.50The Phantom of the Opera - Andrew Lloyd Webber
The English composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (1948) has been able to produce one world success after another over the past five decades. The controversial musical and film Jesus Christ Superstar (1971) was followed by Evita (1976), Cats (1981), Song and Dance (1982), a combination of Variations and Tell me on a Sunday, Starlight Express (1984) and Requiem (1985). His Phantom of the Opera premiered in 1986 starring Sarah Brightman (Lloyd Webber's former wife) and Michael Crawford. The musical won both the Laurence Olivier Award and the Evening Standard Drama Award for Best Musical of 1986.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£250.40Le Petit Prince - Angelo Sormani
Musical tale for Narrator and Concert Band."What is essential is invisible to the eye," tells the fox, and the little prince will repeat those words, which emphasize how anything can hide a treasure, a mystery to be unraveled. One must uncover the essence beyond appearances using the heart. The musical story The Little Prince, based on the famous work by Saint-Exupry, addresses both children and adults. Various levels of meanings make the story enjoyable for everyone and offer themes for reflection to people of any age. In the present work, the relationship between words and music creates the magic that accompanies the journey of the little prince among asteroids and planets. Wind band, narrator, and projection of images combine to make the performance a unique experience, which intimately ties narrative, expressive, and communicative aspects. Offered for Concert Band, the musical story The Little Prince, with its evocative and passionate features, will turn the concert into an unforgettable and emotional experience.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£104.99Balkan Dance - Etienne Crausaz
The Balkans region has always been a source of musical inspiration for composers throughout the centuries. Strong rhythms and often-abundant musical climaxes are two important characteristics of this rich and varied musical style.Etienne Crausaz took some of these elements and mixed it with elements of rock, turning this Balkan Dance into an exuberant and spectacular piece of music, during which no one can remain seated!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£53.95
Ancient Duel - Mekealian
Prepare for musical combat! The competitors? Metal instruments vs. wooden instruments. Sounds of wooden swords battling metal and stone set the scene of an epic battle. The contrasting musical elements work together to create a musical melee that draws the audience into the fray. Call and response sections provide a fun and exciting method for reinforcing rhythmic accuracy and tempo discipline.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£53.95
Scaling The Mountains Of Time - Robert W. Smith
Scaling a mountain requires courage, strength and fortitude. Scaling our musical mountains as our young bands develop their skills requires the same commitment to strength, perseverance and excellence. This masterful composition reinforces fundamental technique through musical scales in an exciting statement for the beginning concert band. Powerful percussion interacting with soaring melodic lines create an engaging and pedagogically rich opportunity for all. The band also has the opportunity to experience and perform mixed meters as they journey to the musical summit. A powerful choice for educationally rich programming!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£84.99
Sound Goes Round - Gilbert Tinner
Gilbert Tinner has written another sure fire winner with this catchy new work in a relaxed musical style.The sound of the piece, with it's simple musical lines, dissonant harmonies and driving beat, is in a pop style but could equally have come straight from a west-end musical. Sound Goes Round will make a delightful light interlude for any concert.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£66.30
Fanfares in Remembrance - Peadar Townsend
Fanfares in Remembrance was commissioned by Nick Jarvis, Principal conductor of the Band of the Royal British Legion, Christchurch, Dorset, UK to be premiered during the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium on May 27th, 2017. The work is a short reflection two World War One bugle calls, 'The General Salute' and 'Retreat' or 'Sunset' as it is also known. The significance and symbolism of bugle calls from this era are well known and they are still used in Barracks across the world. I have used sections of these famous British bugle calls on two trumpets either side of the band playing in two different musical keys. The band then plays an intermittent low drone like chord, again in a different musical key to the two trumpets. In my mind this opening depicts two buglers at dawn at either end of a misty field directly after a brutal slaughter. The two buglers are almost calling out for their missing comrades only to realise they are gone...... The work moves into a haunting oboe melody signifying loss. The oboe is joined by the full band in a tune of strength, solidarity, yet profound sadness. The work concludes with a recap of the opening idea; however, the two buglers are now united in musical key sounding 'The General Salute'. The music ends as the wind blows gently. The memories live on forever......
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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