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£159.60Sculptures Of An Exhibition - Kees Vlak
This composition was commissioned by the village of Midden-Beemster to commemorate the 375th anniversary of the polder of the same name. It was premiered in august 1987 by the Beemster Fanfare Band. On this occasion some twenty sculptors were invited to create a work of art. Those sculptures were set up at the most picturesque areas of the polder. On a 40 km long bicycle route one can admire the curious statues wile enjoying the beautiful scenery as well. The compostition is based on two themes: a main theme and the promenade theme.1.Introduction: After the grandiose presentation of the main theme, on the dominant, we leave the village to the sound of some pretty music.2.Promenade and Watchman: After some time, we discover a dark statue hidden in the bushes; it is shaped like a square standing on one of its corners. It is called "Watchman". We hear the promenade theme as a solo and all next themes will be variations.3.A Building of Willow-trees: Far away on a dike, we discover the huge skeleton of a kind of house. It is a construction of skilfully interwoven willow-branches. The musical themes are also interwoven. The sculpture is called "Construction of wood used by the farmers".4."Die Flsse, ah die Flsse"and Promenade: We continue our trip and see now a horn of plenty, made of brown ceramics and set up on the green slope of an old fortress. The sun shines on the sheep being at pasture under the willow-trees. No doubt, this scene will have something to do with abundance.5.Cardplayers in front of the Nightingale: A statue in cast iron, representing two carplayers, has been erected in front of the windmill called "The Nightingale". This sculpture suggests a rather animate atmosphere. The opponents with the trumpets and the trombones suggest the cardgame. The trumpets are constantly changing from players. At a certain moment the trumpet gets hold of the decisive trick and starts a victorious blow. The trombone, however, repeats this shout of joy with quite some perverse delight and in a completely wrong pitch. The game continues and after a climax all cards are finally thrown on the table.6.Autumn and Promenade: The trip now brings us a white sculpture in ceramics, decorated with some autumn leaves. Is this a seated man or a chair? Anyway, it looks very nostalgic. This is the time for a moment of reflection with the oboe or the saxophone. It is called "Autumn".7. The Powerlifter: Somewhat hidden in a ditch, we discover a small statue in cast iron, representing a powerlifter who is going to give way under the weight. The music uses the main theme with powerlifting euphoniums, saxophones and clarinets.8.The Bull: Here we have another cast iron sculpture, but this time it is a really powerful figure. This "Bull" statue uses the same theme as that of the powerlifter, but it gets a stronger foundation from the bass insturments.9.Mirror and Promenade: While strolling alongside the channel we suddenly see four mirrors. They not only reflect themselves, but also mirror in the water of the channel. These reflections are suggested by the use of tuned percussion. The promenade theme is also used in mirror image.10.Reflictions or...?: On top of the dike we have a nice view on a farmyard with its orchard. A very big net, coverd with sparkling tin plates, has been stretched between the trees. This sculpture is called "Reflections of ...?. Of what? Yes, of course, reflections of the times when the polder was a lake and the sun was reflecting in the wild waves.11.Willpower: Finally we discover a big statue in cast iron. It is not clear whether it is a man or a woman. Anyway the enormous bundles of muscles in the legs and the thighs are striking. This sculpture is called "Willpower". The idea of determination is musically suggested by a very long preamble to the promenade theme in one great stringendo, leading to the conclusion of the trip.12.The beautiful country: Here we have the most beautiful picture. The magnificent Beemster Polder in bloom. We see a nice windmill with decorated wings. We hear the main theme, now on the tonic.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£176.50Masquerade - Philip Sparke
MASQUERADE was commissioned by Stadtmusik Willisau from Switzerland (Reto Gdel, conductor) to celebrate their 175th anniversary in 2003 and first performed by them in November that year. 1. OvertureThe first movement opens with a fanfare-like figure, featuring the brass, before the main them is introduced over staccato chords. After a short, syncopated interlude a legato theme is introduced in the tenor register and material is developed until the music slows temporarily. The opening theme returns and the 'tenor' tune is taken up by the whole band until the opening fanfare returns to close the movement. 2. ElegyThe slow movement opens intensely with a bare two-part theme, whichleads to a passionate chorale-style melody. A second theme is introduced and leads to a climax, a return of the chorale theme and a pianissimo repeat which again leads to a full-band climax. The two-part theme returns quietly to create a peaceful close. 3 InterludeA short movement which changes the mood to introduce:- 4 FinaleThree violent chords preface a lively syncopated opening theme. The trumpets introduce a second idea, which is treated fugally, and this in turn leads to the main melodic idea of the movement, over staccato chords. A contrasting subject is then introduced in the middle of the band, followed by echoes of the first movement fanfare. The opening theme returns and material is revisited until the opening fanfare returns in full to end the work triumphantly.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£144.99Ross Roy - Jacob de Haan
Jacob de Haan was commissioned to compose this concert piece by the "St. Peters Wind Symphony" from Brisbane, Australia. "Ross Roy" is the monumental late 19th century villa where St. Peters Lutheran College was founded in 1945. The villa has always remained the school symbol. In this composition, Jacob de Haan sees the "Ross Roy" as a metaphor for the years spent at school (a monument in time), where one's personality is formed. So, the opening theme the artist calls the Ross Roy theme initially has monumental characteristics.The rhythmic motion, which strides along in the lower register and percussion at the beginning of the next section is typical of "Tempo di Marcia". Thismovement, accompanied by repetitions of sound, is a metaphor for the structure and discipline in school. This is the introduction to a march theme, symbolic of "passing through" the classes up to the final examinations.Then, the Ross Roy theme is dealt with again, now in a playful, humorous variation. As if the composer is saying there should also be time for a smile in school. The same theme can be heard in major key and a slower tempo in the following section, expressing pride and self-confidence. This is also the introduction to the expressive middle section that represents love, friendship and understanding.We then return to the march theme in a slightly altered construction. The oriental sounds, constituting the modulation to the final theme, are symbols of the diversity of cultures in the school. The characteristic final theme first sounds solemn, but turns into a festive apotheosis. It is no coincidence that the final cadence is reminiscent of the close to a traditional overture, for the school years can be considered the "overture" to the rest of one's life. The premiere of "Ross Roy" was conducted by Jacob de Haan in Brisbane, on August 22, 1997.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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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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£134.99
Recalls - Ben Haemhouts
Recalls obviously refers to memories. This piece of music is in fact a series of flashbacks, however, it does not highlight the actual memories of specific thoughts, people or events.The composition evolves around the late Frans Steurs, who for manyyears was the inspirational artist behind the brass band that is currently commissioning this work. The main theme of the work is based on the name STEURS". E = mi, U = do, R = re and S = "si" which is Dutch for the note "ti". This idea forms themusical theme for the entire composition and different variations are used throughout. The structure of the work is based on the concept of a story which father Steurs is telling his two daughters, who play the flute and the clarinet. Each part ofthe work has a story-like character:1. Introduction: following a short ominous intro, the main theme is presented for the first time.2. The Story: father Steurs has both his daughters on his knee and he tells them stories from the old days. Trumpetsand trombones play variations of the theme. The story gets very exciting (accelerande, poco a poco agitato) until the tale takes a dramatic turn when the father tells an exciting story at the time of the Second World War. He tells of being hunteddown by the occupying army and these adventurous episodes are related to us musically in part3. Danger, with its skilful references to "vor dem Sturm" from "Eine Alpensinfonie" by Richard Strauss.4. called Fugitives, is about how he fled in the nightfrom the enemy and this is reflected in the bass tones of a new theme. The aggression of the war is illustrated from bar 117 onwards, by a harsh brass section. The main theme is repeated once again and this time up-tempo. The second theme is broughtonce again from bar 149 onwards.5. Dialogues, depicts the conversations between the two daughters and their father. Father speaks (bar 155); the daughters answer (bar 164 - flute, bar 166 - clarinet); bar 178: father answers with the tune of the maintheme to the two daughters. The discussions gradually intensify but ultimately end in peace in the last part called Conclusion.The piece of music "Recalls" is a free interpretation by the composer who consulted the letters between the two daughtersof Steurs and their father and in this respect it is not really music for a programme."
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£154.99
Symphonic Variations - Jacob de Haan
This composition is based on a passacaglia theme, in which artistic perfection, symphonic drama and oriental melody lines play a role. The passacaglia is originally a dance made up of a series of variations above a bass line constantly present as an ostinato. It is not in this sense that the "Symphonic Variations" are in the passacaglia form but in the sense of the open form of the variations. Jacob de Haan, himself originally an organist, took his inspiration for this piece from the famous passacaglia for organ in C-minor by J.S. Bach. Following the introduction of the passacaglia theme (in the bass) the entry by the trumpets and trombones forms the majestic start to amusical adventure, in which this theme (often fragmentary) returns in variations. Then there follow two faster movements with dramatic contrasts and virtuose passages. Particularly striking here is the use of two characteristic intervals from the beginning of the theme namely the minor second and the augmented fourth. An apause in the composition comes in the slow bridge where a syncopated bourdon (perfect fifth) is constantly repeated. The tension grows in dynamics and harmony, and the oriental-flavour becomes obvious in the melody. We arrive at a faster movement via an accelerando, in which a perpetuum mobile based on the passacaglia theme is central. Finally the whole flows into a martial theme, in which the ostinato accompaniment n the descant derives from the passacaglia theme.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£186.20Wald Sinfonie - Kees Vlak
It was during his stay at Freiburg, Germany, where he was attending a Music Festival, that Kees Vlak found his inspiration for this romantic work. At this festival he was awarded a prize for one of his compostitions, which was played by several bands from different countries. The composer was staying in the small village of Horben, hidden among pine woods on a mountain at the border of the Black Forest. From the balcony of his room he had a splendid view on the Schawinsland Valley, scarcely hidden by the tops of the huge pines. Each morning a blackbird singin in a huge pine next to his window woke him up. This bird song opens the composition.Whenever possible the composer and his wife went for a walk in the Black Rorest. The rediscovery of this wonderful area is expressed by the steadily increasing number of tone colours, used in the orchestration. Each village still boasts its own folk music and dances. More than one hundred bands were playing all around; the Black Forest seemed to be the scene of one huge festival. The image of the Black Forest is also linked to that of hunting scenes, so the next theme is being introduced by hunting horn themes. The second theme paints the lake "Titisee". At first the lake is very calm, but a stiff breeze sets both water and music alike in motion. The small town of Titisee is very popular with tourists and is famous for its woodcutting, its clockworks and musical boxes. It is a popular folk tune, played by a musical box that makes the link with the next theme. The joy and cheerfulness of the dancing village people is expressed by a movement which works out the initial theme.On leaving the little town, one can hear once more the hunting music from the wood as well as the song of the birds. The new theme is againg closely linke d to the hunt and played by the typical German helicon-like euphoniums.this theme interacts with the wecond theme and the word ends with a grnd finale meant as a musical hommage tot this wonderful area.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£109.99
Dublimania - Menno Bosgra
This new work is based on Irish folk music.In the first part, the main theme is presented as a ballad, starting with the piccolo (as replacement for the flute which is widely used in Ireland), moving on the wood section to end with the entire orchestra.It then changes to a kind of rock style theme: powerful, rhythmic accompaniment with effects in dampers, a pedal point and the use of the spoons which is typical of Irish music (Irish pub), high-range bongo drum (replacement for the Bodhran), etc.In this second part I introduced a second theme as a counterbalance, played by several groups, which has clearly a more legato character and therefore sounds more melodious.The climaxof the work starts in the low-range brass section with its marcato theme that is developed with a great deal of rhythmicity in the accompaniment, clusters, etc. into a percussion solo interspersed by the orchestra in five-eight time with frequent parallel movement in chords (folk music style).Towards the end, theme 2 recurs twice: first as heard earlier with an extra counter melody and accompaniment pattern, then in a canonical form, in which the theme is played by three groups. The conclusion is a repeat of the middle section in five-eight time.I have tried to use many of the colours of a wind orchestra by having the wood sections and brass section play alone and making extensive use of dampers. Percussion also has a prominent role throughout the work.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£117.80
The Wilderness - Rossano Galante
The wilderness is a dark, musical journey that captures the beauty and harshness of a cold, snow covered forest in the mountains. The main theme,stated by winds, captures the solitary feeling of the vastness of the landscape. This theme is interrupted by dissonant brass ostinatos. After the full orchestra reiterates the main theme, the work transitions to a lyrical, melancholy theme. This is the wilderness at night when it is dark and solitary. The piece continues with a fast, dramatic theme capturing a sense of danger that the inhabitants of the forest create. The piece concludes with the full ensemble recapitulating material from the main opening theme.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£214.80Dance Suite - Joseph Horovitz
This work follows a tradition established at the end of the seventeenth century: the creation of a musical structure by using a succession of dance movements, composed in such a way that a satisfying cumulative effect is produced. This method can be traced, starting from the works of Corelli, through the so-called Mannheim school to Mozart, and on to Brahms and beyond. Indeed, most classical symphonies owe their origin to this tradition.Each of the three movements of Dance Suite contains themes and motifs which are based on clearly identifiable dance patterns, more or less traditional and tonal in harmonic language.The first movement is a mixture af march- and gavotte elements, but these occur as variants of a single main theme. The tempo is brisk and the strongly accentuated four-beat measures creates a feeling of motoric drive. This is often counteracted by unexpected syncopation and surprising modulations. Horovitz dispenses with a second subject in favour of a very elaborate development, which makes the final quotation of the theme into a sort of recapitulation.In contrast, the second movement is a gentle, gracefully undulating dance, using two steady beats in every measure. Here there are two themes, the first more rhythmic, the second more lyrical. The second theme always uses the first as accompaniment, rather as a singer might use a guitar. Both themes undergo several modulations before returning to the home key. A Spanish flavour pervades the rhythmic and melodic elements of this movement.The finale is a fast rondo (in 6/8) whose main theme is best described as a tarantella. This alternates several times with a more solid, rustic theme (in 2/4). However, the main theme is recalled in varying guises, including a parody Latin-American version. The orchestration becomes mor elaborate and exciting as the movement proceeds, and the whole work ends with a coda recalling the main rond-theme with an enthusiastic flourish.Joseph Horovitz wrote about Dance Suite: "Most of the melodies and rhythms in the Dance Suite have been in my thoughts for many years, ever since my eraly career as conductor of ballet, and later as composer of some sixteen ballet scores. Some of these ideas were sketched on manuscript paper, others remained in my head and even in my dreams. The composition of this work gave me the chance to search among these half-subconscious sources and to offer my discoveries to the wind-orchestra repertoire."
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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