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£75.50The Dream of Tiberius - David Campo
The Roman Emperor Tiberius was born in 42 BCE to Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla, both descendants of prestigious political families, at a time when Rome was undergoing significant political upheaval. Julius Caesar had begun a brutal civil war in 49 BCE to end Rome's rule as a Republic and consolidate his power as supreme ruler. Following Caeser's assassination in 44 BCE, Tiberius' father backed the forces wishing to return Rome to a Republic, but they were defeated by Caesarian loyalists led by Caeser's heir Octavian. As a result, Tiberius' early life was spent on the run and in political exile with his parents. In 27 BCE, Octavian would become the first Emporer of Rome and assume the name Augustus. Augustus forced Tiberius' parents to divorce and took Tiberius' mother as his new bride, separating the family and forcing Tiberius to live with his father. Upon his father's death, Tiberius went to live with his mother and Emporer Augustus, a situation Tiberius found extremely uncomfortable but one over which he had no control. Having been adopted by the Emperor, Tiberius assumed the military and political life thrust upon him. He proved to be an outstanding military and political leader, and with his marriage to Vipsania Agrippina his life took on a heretofore unknown stability. However, Augustus would intervene in Tiberius' life once more, forcing him to abandon his happy marriage and take Augustus' daughter Julia (Tiberius' step sister) as his new wife. This arrangement, while securing Tiberius' place as Augustus' heir and ensuring he would one day be Emperor of Rome, was disastrous. Julia's drunken licentiousness was a constant source of scandal and embarrassment for Tiberius (and her father, the Emperor) and she was eventually exiled by her father Augustus. Tiberius was named Emperor of Rome upon the death of Augustus in AD 14, assuming his position as the most powerful man on Earth. However, no matter how powerful he had become, Tiberius never felt as if he had ever had any control over his life, having been manipulated from childhood through adulthood by the whims of Augustus. As Emperor, he soon became disgusted with the political intrigue of the Roman Senate and by AD 26 left Rome and took up residence on the island of Capri, where he lived out the rest of his life. History does not regard Tiberius fondly and by all accounts towards the end of his reclusive life on Capri, he had become a miserable, sick and mentally unstable old man reveling in debauchery and cruelty. It is also informative to note that he was Emperor of Rome when Jesus of Nazareth was crucified, and while there is no indication that Tiberius was even aware of the existence of Jesus, as Emperor he was responsible for the appointment of Pontius Pilate as Governor of Judea. Even considering this, it is difficult to look on the life of the Emperor Tiberius and not feel some sympathy and pity. It's in this spirit that I composed "The Dream of Tiberius." I imagine the man sitting in thoughtful seclusion on the beautiful island of Capri imagining what his life might have happily been had not power been thrust upon him: husband, father and humble servant of the people.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£110.00Mount Everest - Kees Vlak
This composition basically consists of three fragments and an epilogue (conclusion):1) Plateaux, 2) Sherpas, 3) Climb. The piece starts with a musical depiction of the deserted plateauxs and mountain peaks of the Himalayas. The mysteriousness of theTibetan country was caused by its inaccessibility to other nations. One even believed that there was a paradise behind the huge mountains; the land of Shangra La. 1) After the sound of a gong, the Asian-like theme arises extremely softly from thedecay of the percussion. In bars 4 and 5 the syllables of Hi-ma-la-ya echo. Then a second theme appears; it symbolises the enchantment of the mountaineers by seeing the Mount Everest. 2) Eastern percussion, very evenly without emotion, sound from thedeserted village of the sherpas. The phrasing is prescribed by the number 'three'. From measure 56 Tibetian monks sing a chant, also with the religious background of the number 'three'. 3) The third part starts of with the sight of the giant MountEverest with an entirely new theme, that is played impressively by the strong low brass instruments of the band, immediately followed by the excited big climbing. The many surprises are depicted by the changing time signatures. Two themes are inconstant battle; the binary Himalaya theme and the ternary Mount Everest theme. Only once there is a steely composure. The registers in which the piece is played increase. The tension rises...Then the peak is reached. A long pause follows before onerealises that one is on top of the world. Slowly the emotions of joy grow and lead to an enormous climax. The first enchanted theme sounds again in total glory.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£104.50Meramec Rhapsody - Claude T. Smith
This work is a commission by the Missouri Bandmasters Association to honor the 50th Anniversary of the MMEA. From the opening melody stated by unison flutes, 1st clarinet and 1st trumpet, the work quickly starts through a development of that melody that only this composer does so well. The writing is very "rubato" chorale style often interrupted with short allegro sections but always returning to the opening statement. There is a short flute solo passage as well as a very fluent alto sax solo. A dramatic piece that bands will enjoy playing for years to come.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£104.50Buffalo Jump Ritual - Daniel Bukvich
This imaginative work is a musical adventure that recalls the traditional buffalo hunts that took place on the western plains of America. As youd expect, there is an overall Native American feel to the music, as the drama and excitement of the hunt is recreated through a myriad of aggressive elements that drive the piece. ( 7 minutes 12 seconds)
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£104.50Parade Militaire - Jules Massenet
As a gifted young composer, Jules Massenet (1842-1912) wrote several operas that were never produced or printed; but at the age of 25, he enjoyed his first opera production in Paris. Following that success he became a popular and successful part of the Paris music scene. In 1878, he was appointed professor of advanced composition at the conservatory, and it was while he held this position that he composed his Parade Militaire for orchestra. This lively tune is full of life, energy and subtleties, with great style and elegance, and some sudden dynamic surprises.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£104.50From Four and Beyond - Gary P. Gilroy
This composition is based on a four-note motif that has a decidely collegiate feel, complete with a reflective statement that quotes Troy High Schools alma mater. This is an exciting work that will be enjoyed by experienced bands and their audiences.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£82.50Summer Unending - Jacob Narverud
Close your eyes and become immersed in the soothing, carefree days of summer! Youll imagine a peaceful morning sunrise, the midday heat, a gentle rainstorm, and the clear blue skies that precede a magnificent sunset. Warm resonant sounds of woodwind and brass choirs with subdued percussion create a colorful evocative portrait that displays the full range of concert band sonorities. A fascinating work that will enhance any performance!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£71.50Blazing Bugles - Robert E. Foster Jr.
Blazing Bugles features the trumpet section, with tuneful melodies that are based on traditional bugle calls. The trumpets start with a wake-up call that leads us into a rollicking selection that is fun for the band as well as for the audience.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£104.50Variations On A Mighty Fortress - Darren W. Jenkins
A truly powerful setting that is worthy of this famous hymn that uses an impressive set of three variations. It opens with a slow, legato presentation of the melody stated by solo trumpet followed by the first lively variation, driven by a strong rhythmic accompaniment. The second variation features an alto saxophone solo that builds and alternates between woodwind and brass choirs before closing with a majestic fanfare and the full ensemble driving to a jubilant conclusion. Extremely uplifting!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£121.00Tock - Kenneth Froelich
Tock is a single movement work for concert band that uses percussion and asymmetrical rhythms to mimic the "tocking" of a broken clock. The repetition of melodies and of motive fragments are used to establish a regular pulse; however, while this pulse is steady, it is not even. A five-four time signature, a syncopated bass line and irregular phrases are all used to offset the central beat of the music. Much like the clock, the end result is a dance that seems consistent but is in fact "broken." Its a work that is both fascinating and creative, excellent cutting-edge writing for upper-level ensembles.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days