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£184.99
Rubicon - Bert Appermont
The Rubicon is a river in Northern Italy which Julius Caesar crossed with his army in 49 BC in defiance of the leaders of Rome, who feared his power. A civil war against rival Pompey ensued, which culminated in Caesar seizing power as the absoluteruler of Rome. The phrase "crossing the Rubicon" therefore refers to any person committing himself irrevocably to a risky, decisive and irrevocable of course of action.The work consists of three parts that deal with this important moment in history.Part 1 (Meditation) symbolises Caesars request to the Gods to assist him in his difficult choice. In a slow introduction we hear the melancholy and beseeching sounds of the duduk (alternatively, this part can be played by a soprano saxophone)and of the soprano solo singer over the bourdon accompaniment. The soprano solo singer then sings "dona tibi pacem" (give him rest) in a melodious and probing theme.In Part 2 (Battle of Pharsalus) trumpets and trombones resound alternately ina stately Roman fanfare, producing a stereophonic effect. This develops into a martial theme in which Caesars impressive army goes to battle against the army of rival Pompey. While the theme of Caesars army fades away, Pompeys theme emerges as anaive dance in six-eight time. His army is definitely in the majority and it believes it can easily defeat the enemy. Suddenly trumpets and trombones clash on two sides of the orchestra: Caesars army advances and attacks. A fierce battle ensues inwhich the two themes are played alternately as well as simultaneously. Thanks to his shrewd battle tactics, Caesar manages to win this legendary battle after all: his theme resounds ever louder in trumpets and horns until everything dies out andchanges into a kind of reconciliation between the soldiers of the two armies. The melancholy "dona tibi pacem" from part 1 now serves as a reconciliation theme.Caesar is now the sole ruler of the New Roman Empire, which would be destined to leave itsmark on our Western civilisation to this day. The third part is a sparkling succession of dance music (Dance) with many Greek and Roman elements in which Caesars victory is praised and celebrated. It is common knowledge that the culture(arts, gods, etc.) of the Romans drew heavily on Greek culture. I have therefore used an authentic Greek theme (the Seikolos song) several times in this part (bar 17 in the euphonium, bar 60 in the base section, bar 68 in the sopranosaxophone) to suggest the music of that era and to evoke the right atmosphere. After a gradual increase in tempo in the entire orchestra, the opening melody gloriously resounds once more, surrounded by virtuoso dance music. The work ends withbombastic brass fanfares in which Caesars theme triumphs once more.NOTE FOR THE CONDUCTOR:The Armenian duduk and the monochord that are used in the introduction give a special tone to the music, but could be substituted (soprano saxophone instead ofthe duduk) or left out (monochord). The soprano solo is also doubled within the orchestra and could therefore also be left out if necessary, although it does provide the work with an extra dimension. The male voices in the introduction and the finalecould possibly be replaced with a synthesizer with choral setting.As a visual and acoustic element in part 2, the trumpets, the e-flat cornet, the small drum and trombones can be stood up and placed at two sides of the orchestra (bar 80).Seen fromthe point of view of the conductor, put the trumpets, the e-flat cornet and the small drum in the left section and the trombones in the right section of the orchestra. This also helps to create a visual contrast between the two themes of the secondpart. The players can be seated again at bar 97 or bar 121. The soprano soloist can be placed in or in front of the orchestra, depending on what gives the best result. For the conclusion of the work the soprano solo can be sung from afar (from thewings) to create additional atmosphere.This work was composed especially for the "St Joseph" brass band from Pey/Echt (Belgium) with conductor Mark Prils.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£45.95
In Quest Of Uluru - James Swearingen
The slow introduction splits the melody between the clarinets, alto sax, and flute. This builds into a full band statement scored in a very lush manner. A faster section moves between 4/4 and 2/4, creating a pulse that captivatesthe listener. The repetitive rhythms and solid scoring of James Swearingen make this an ideal festival or contest piece.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£244.99Variations on a Pentatonic Theme - Rob Goorhuis
Rob Goorhuis wrote his Variations on a Pentatonic Theme (1987) for the Royal Wind band of Thorn, conductor Jan Cober. The work consists of five character variations on a pentatonic (five-tone) theme. The basic elements of the theme are the descending minor third and the descending major second, which in the course of the composition build up to a broad melody, unfolding itself in the final variation. The first variation resembles minimal music in its repetitive rhythmic motives. The second variation is explosive in character: rapid broken chords provide a background for soft solo motifs. The third variation is a quiet intermezzo on a slow chorale theme, creatingtwo contrasting moods. The fourth variation is a light-hearted scherzo. The final variation is a brilliant finale with all the necessary ingredients, or, in the composer's words, "the works" Testpiece WMC 2005 Concert Division.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£60.99Fire Dance - Douglas Akey
Here is an exciting new work for younger groups written entirely using a single tempo. The opening unison melody is used as a focal point which is developed and expanded throughout. Douglas Akey uses layers of sound, active percussion writing and even a section of canonic development in this fresh-sounding gem perfect for contest or festivals. Includes audio performance track that can accessed online using the unique code inside each book and can be streamed or downloaded. The audio files include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£53.50Lament and Jubilation - Ted Ricketts
Written in two main sections, this work opens with a lament featuring a melodic woodwind melody in a slow minor setting. The fast jubilation that follows includes a driving and rhythmic theme that is traded between the brass and woodwind sections. Expertly scored for younger ensembles, this will be easy to learn and exciting to perform. (2:35)
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£78.95Early One Morning
Although the roots of this British folksong date back to the 18th century, the first publication of the melody was in the late 1850's in the collection "National English Airs". Early One Morning is the story of a young woman misused by her lover, as overheard by the singer. In the mid-1930's the tune was adapted as a military slow march called "The Globe and Laurel" for the Royal Marines band. This arrangement focuses on the lyricism of the original with just a hint of its later military associations. Only the 1st clarinets cross the break. 1st trumpet's highest note is F.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£106.95Whispers and Shouts - Andrew Yozviak
Starting out at a slow and reflective movement, gradually increases tempo and the composition grows to its finish. It has a joyful melody and grows in excitement. The 1st trumpet's highest note is B, and the clarinets play above the break.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£79.99Land of the Healing Waters - Rossano Galante
According to legend, Tolenas Springs, in Solano County, CA was once known as The Land of the Healing Waters due to the restorative powers of the water. This beautiful descriptive work begins with a slow, lyrical melody reminiscent of the flowing water, followed with the music evolving into a faster, heroic theme stated by the brass. The piece culminates in a riveting conclusion suggesting the healing waters washing over us. (Grade 4) Dur: 4:30 Recorded by Central Winds (NY) - Andrew Perry, conductor
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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