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£104.99Prelude and Polonaise - Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) composed his opera The Night before Christmas in 1894-95. The premiere took place on December 10 1895 in St. Petersburg. The libretto to the opera came from Rimsky-Korsakov himself and is based on a tale by Nikolai Gogol, which some years earlier had already served as operatic material for Pjotr Tchaikovsky. The opera tells the story of Vakula, the blacksmith of a small Ukranian village. He is madly in love with Oxana who demands - as proof of his love - a most unusual Christmas present: the magnificent slippers of the Empress. Knowing full well that, in normal circumstances, he would never be able to fulfil Oxana's wish, Vakula seekssupernatural assistance and finds it in the shape of the devil, who comes up with a ploy to help him. The devil carries him on his back to St. Petersburg, where during a lavish reception at court Vakula finds an opportunity to present his request to the empress. The Empress actually agrees to Vakula's wish and hands over her slippers to him. Thereupon he returns to his own village. Here, in the meantime, he had been given up for dead, and Oxana had been plunged into great sorrow as she had come to realise that she also truly loved Vakula. In the end, however, all misunderstandings are resolved and all adversities overcome: Oxana receives her extravagant present, the lovers are united, and the church bells call the villagers to the Christmas service.The vibrant Polonaise is played in the 3rd act of the opera at the entrance of the Empress, whose appearance is anticipated in the prelude by the fanfare motives. The music paints a vivid picture of the party atmosphere and the marvellous dcor at the imperial court of St. Petersburg, which Rimsky-Korsakov conjures up in his opera and which can also be played outside of the Advent and Christmas season, for example as an opening piece to any festive concert.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£267.50Gloriosa - Symphonic Poem for Band (Complete) - Yasuhide Ito
A new acquisition by Bravo Music, this fresh printing of the 1990 masterwork by Yasuhide Ito features a newly engraved score, improved parts, good availability and value. This stirring and powerful homage to early Christianity in Japan profoundly andeloquently states the case of cross-cultural conflict and resolution.Commissioned in 1989 and premiered in 1990 by the Sasebo Band of the Maritime Self-Defense Force of Kyushu, southern Japan.Gloriosa is inspired by the songs of the Kakure-Kirishitan (Crypto-Christians) of Kyushu who continued to practice their faith surreptitiously after the ban of Christianity, which had been introduced to that southern region in the mid-16th century byRoman Catholic missionary Francisco Xavier. The worship brought with it a variety of western music.Though Christianity was proscribed in 1612 by authority of the Tokugawa Shogunate in Edo (today Tokyo), Kakure-Kirishitan continued advocating sermons and disguised songs. Melodies and lyrics such as Gregorian chant were obliged to be "Japanized".For example, the Latin word "Gloriosa" was changed to "Gururiyoza." This adaptation of liturgy for survival inspired Ito to write this piece in order to reveal and solve this unique cultural mystery.The composer explains:"Nagasaki district in Kyushu region continued to accept foreign culture even during the seclusion period, as Japan's only window to the outer world. After the proscription of Christianity, the faith was preserved and handed down in secret in theNagasaki and Shimabara areas of Kyushu region. My interest was piqued by the way in which the Latin words of Gregorian chants were gradually 'Japanized' during the 200 years of hidden practice of the Christian faith. That music forms the basis ofGloriosa."I. OratioThe Gregorian chant "Gloriosa" begins with the words, "O gloriosa Domina excelsa super sidera que te creavit provide lactasti sacro ubere." The first movement Oratio opens with bells sounding the hymn's initial phrases. The movement as a whole evokesthe fervent prayers and suffering of the Crypto-Christians.II. CantusThe second movement, Cantus showcases a brilliant blend of Gregorian chant and Japanese elements by opening with a solo passage for the ryuteki, a type of flute. The theme is based on San Juan-sama no Uta (The Song of Saint John), a 17th-century songcommemorating the "Great Martyrdom of Nagasaki" where a number of Kyushu Christians were killed in 1622.II. Dies FestusThe third and final movement, Dies Festus, takes as its theme the Nagasaki folk song, Nagasaki Bura Bura Bushi, where many Crypto-Christians lived.Gloriosa, fusing Gregorian chant and Japanese folk music, displays the most sophisticated counterpoint yet found in any Japanese composition for wind orchestra.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£242.50Orpheus in Town, Dance Suite from (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Rosenberg, Hilding - Johansson, Jerker
Dance Suite in Seven Movements. Op.75. Orpheus In Town. In 1936 the Stockholm Concert Hall was given its most distinguished artistic adornment, Carl Milles' Orpheus fountain. A Greek god lets his voice and the sounds of his lyre float over the rush and bustle of the big city far up in Ultima Thule. Two choreographers at the Stockholm Opera, Julian Algo and Vera Sager, had a brainwave. Why should Orpheus merely be a statue, a symbol of the beauty and inspiring power of music, why not give the myth about him its special Stockholm chapter as well? This is what happened: On the stage we see the columned facade of the Concert Hall and in front of it the statue group with Orpheus and the eight enraptured listeners. Suddenly the figures come to life, jump down from their pedestal and dance into the crowd at the marketplace. Orpheus, who is consumed by longing for Eurydice, begins looking for his beloved, first among other well-known sculptures in town, then in restaurants and nightclubs. At last he thinks he recognises her in a fashionable society woman and brings her to the Concert Hall. However, faced with the threat of having to spend her life in bronze at Orpheus' side, she runs away. She wasn't Eurydice after all. Or was she? For this ballet, which had its first performance at the Stockholm Opera in 1938, Hilding Rosenberg wrote vital and entertaining music in a style which is unusually to the point, and with a bright and strong orchestration. The music in the Dance Suite from Orpheus in Town is taken from the dance scenes at the nightclub: guests and a bartender perform, finally also Orpheus and his entourage. The suite consists of: 1. Rhythm of the Times (2.00); 2. Bartender's Dance (1.30); 3. Girl's Dance (1.00); 4. Dance of the Negress (2.30); 5. Trio Dance (1.30); 6. Tango (2.00); 7. Finale (1.30). Total duration: 14.00.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£68.00Requiem Aeternam (from Edgar) (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Puccini, Giacomo - De Meij, Johan
Giacomo Puccini was commissioned to write a second opera after the resounding success of his first, Le Villi. However, the original four-act, grand opera Edgar, to a libretto by Ferdinando Fontana, received a rather lukewarm reception at its premiere in La Scala in Milan in 1889. Initially, the work was only performed three times. Of all the planned performances in the subsequent two years, only one took place, in Lucca, Puccini's birthplace. There, the work was well received. Nevertheless, the composer decided to make drastic changes to Edgar the most radical being the reduction of the opera to three acts, as well as altering a few arias, characters and instrumental parts. In its revised form, the work was even less popular than before. The discarded fourth act later provided material for Tosca (the duet Amoro sol' per te), but Puccini never felt the need to defend Edgar as he did other less fortunate operas, such as La Rondine and Suor Angelica. On a piano excerpt for his female friend Sybil Seligman he even corrupted the title to 'E Dio ti Guarda da quest' opera' (may God preserve you from this opera). This did not prevent Arturo Toscanini performing the Requiem from the third act at Puccini's funeral in Milan Cathedral on 3 December 1924. The Requiem in the third act is being played when the long funeral procession carries the alleged body of Edgar, the confused young man hesitating between the love of the virtuous Fidelia and the exotic Tigrana. The mass hails Edgar as a hero, but a monk claims that he has betrayed his country for a few gold pieces. When the soldiers try to desecrate the body, they discover that the armor contains none. The monk reveals himself as Edgar. He wants to leave with his faithful Fidelia, but the vengeful Tigrana stabs him and kills Fidelia. Edgar grieves over the lifeless body of his beloved, while Tigrana is arrested and the people submerge into prayer. Duration: 3.30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£65.00
Highlights from Bugsy Malone - Paul Williams
Highlights from Bugsy Malone (score and parts) presents four irresistible songs from the favourite children's musical, arranged by Rob Wiffin for grade 3-level symphonic wind band. Perfect for school and amateur bands, songs include So you wanna be a boxer, Tomorrow, My name is Tallullah, and You give a little love.
In stock: Estimated delivery 1-3 days
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£55.00
Congestion Charge - Nigel Hess
Congestion Charge is the third movement of Nigel Hess's New London Pictures and depicts London traffic. Thislight-hearted work includes musical images of frustrated rush hour traffic, leading to a freer flowing galop.
In stock: Estimated delivery 1-3 days
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£64.00Afterimage - Jorge L. Vargas
Afterimage is an energetic, fast-paced composition that thrives on rhythm and intricate melodies. The music is filled with distinctive harmonies and captivating rhythmic patterns, creating an exciting opening for any concert. The piece's dynamic changes and driving tempos bring intensity and energy, making it a thrilling and memorable performance.
Estimated dispatch 12-14 working days
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£49.00A Mystical Legend
Mystical Legend depicts the loup-garou (French: werewolf, sometimes rendered as rougarou in spelling and pronunciation). This swamp wolf man from Cajun folklore is largely used as a children's tale to inspire obedience, though it can be seen as a force for good. This edgy and eerie composition presents the loup-garou as a misunderstood monster or a tragic protagonist.
Estimated dispatch 12-14 working days
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£67.00Semper Gratus
Written in honor of the composer's band director, this challenging concert opener or contest selection is designed to develop fundamentals of music, technical aspects of performance and expose students to great band literature. With an expanded percussion section, multiple key changes, and interesting melodic, dynamic and rhythmic developments throughout, this composition will help your students be "always grateful" for your contributions to their music and lives.
Estimated dispatch 12-14 working days
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£53.00Unicorn Ranch
Full of interesting rhythmic patterns that evoke a horse-like "galloping" feel, this gently dissonant composition is a great way to work on ensemble blend and listening skills. Written at one tempo throughout, it's an easy way to introduce the concept of syncopation while also developing cut-time playing skills. Perfect as a challenging contest, festival or concert selection for younger bands or a lighter selection for more advanced groups.
Estimated dispatch 12-14 working days
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