Results
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£207.00Das Liebesverbot - Richard Wagner
This young, comic opera, composed in 1835 on one of Wagner's own libretti, based on a play by Shakespeare, was unsuccessful at the Magdeburg theatre in 1836 and even the composer considered it a "sin of youth". After attempting in vain to have his first opera, "Le Fate", performed in Germany, Richard Wagner decided that his lack of success was due to the overwhelming competition of Italo-French music. He listened to Bellini, and became aware of the objective reasons for the great success of this music, comparing the warmth of life of Italian music to the frozen and meticulous German style. Hence he composed " Das Liebesverbot " with the sole aim of giving intense pleasure tothe public, without worrying about succumbing to the clichs of French and Italian music. That is why, when we listen to this music without knowing the name of the composer, we find ourselves in an embarrassing situation. We could easily attribute the work to some French composer, Meyerbeer, or Auber, for instance, but then the melodic ease and constructive linearity would bring Rossini to mind. By paying closer attention, however, we notice a boldness, an aggressiveness and a wealth of ideas that, together with clever orchestration, reveal the touch of the great German musician. " Das Liebesverbot " deserves to be performed more often, and we feel sure that the transcription for band will be an excellent vehicle of diffusion for this symphony.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£113.30Caleidoscopio - Lorenzo Pusceddu
The incommunicability between different cultures and worlds and the confusion that this generates lie at the heart of this work: the fanfare-like themes that characterise the introduction, together with the "Arabian" melodies of the Presto, represent these differences. The bare theme of the Andante, while offering a glimpse of hope, also describes the impossibility of a meeting and the pain this situation causes. The empty fifth and dissonance of the minor second are elements that feature throughout this work. In the Coda, moreover, all these ideas reappear "kaleidoscopically", amidst a convulsive and excitingly chaotic atmosphere.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£113.30Moderate Dances - Angelo Sormani
This piece is a tribute to dance music, especially passionate, intense and meditative dance music. "Moderate Dances" is divided into three movements: a "Tango", a "Slow Waltz" and a "Bossa Nova". Each movement and each dance has its own particular characteristics but, when combined, these different rhythmic beats and times give the piece a feeling of completeness and uniformity. The Tango started to flourish in the suburbs of Buenos Aires in around 1880. There is still some doubt as to its origins, which may be Cuban (Habanera) but are probably African. It was most popular in Argentina and Brazil: here the male protagonist was originally the "gaucho" with his inseparable guitar, later to be replaced by the proud, elegant "compadre". By around 1910 the Tango had spread to Italy and France. New clubs opened, where the upper classes could watch and dance the Tango. Here the dance also underwent some rapid transformations. The exaggerated and extravagant gestures and body movements disappeared. Slow, gliding steps replaced the old rotational movements. The women's red ankle-boots and the partners "staring into each other's eyes" accentuated the erotic nature and sensuality of this dance. So much so that, in 1913, the German government banned soldiers from dancing the Tango. Those who broke the law were immediately discharged from the army. From a strictly musical perspective, the basic instruments were a flute, a harp (the diatonic harp typically played by the Indians of Paraguay) and a violin, or flute, guitar and violin or even clarinet, guitar and violin. These instruments were easy to transport, ideal for playing at parties, in the streets and in courtyards. The musicians played by ear, frequently improvising: there were no scores, no records, which is the main reason why it is impossible to trace the Tango back to its exact origins. However, the Tango's evolution (and growing popularity) was once again fostered by its fundamental ability to absorb "other" cultures, languages and sounds. And it was the arrival of the "bandoneon" (an accordion-like instrument that was invented in Germany and brought to Rio de la Plata by some immigrant), which replaced the flute, that marked the beginning of the Tango's huge success outside Argentina. A number of talented composers, above all the great Astor Piazzola (1921-1992), transformed the bandoneon from a simple accompanying instrument to a solo instrument that was to become the distinguishing feature of the 20th century Tango. The Slow Waltz originated from the Waltz, the typical dance of the Bavarian and Tyrolese peasants in the 1700s. It was composers like Johann Strauss, father and son, who carried the Waltz to its zenith in the 1800s, creating the sensual and melancholy yet joyful and charming dance we are all familiar with. When the Waltz first became popular in Germany, the members of respectable society were shocked at the closeness of the dancing partners, who had always previously danced apart. The main difference between the Waltz and Slow Waltz is that the latter has a slower, more expressive rhythm: the men wear tails and the women wear ball gowns decorated with beads and feathers and couples dance in graceful rotational movements. "Bossa Nova" is the title of the last movement in the piece. Jobim, the great Brazilian musician, described this musical genre as a combination of modern Jazz and Samba. Bossa Nova means "new wave". This was the name of the artistic and musical movement that evolved in Brazil in the late Fifties and was extremely popular throughout the Sixties. The songs are usually about love or social matters, drawing inspiration from the slums of Rio De Janeiro and the lives of their inhabitants. Bossa Nova, with its original compositions and the artistic talent of its musicians, also became hugely popular in the United States and Europe, and top Jazz musicians (Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Getz, Bob Cooper, Charlie Bird, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Dizzy Gillespie) started to include Bossa in their repertoires.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£82.50Slavic Folk Dances - Robert E. Foster
This exciting new work is based on traditional Slavic melodies, and it captures the spirit and energy of the folk culture of this region. The work represents the spirited, robust people, who have frequently been oppressed; yet their defiance, patriotism, and nationalist culture can not be suppressed. This is a high energy work that contains widely contrasting musical sections reminiscent of the colorful folk dances of this region.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£137.00Symphony #3 Slavyanskaya - Boris Kozhevnikov
This is a remarkable find! With the opening of the Iron Curtain, an incredible wealth of previously unknown symphonic band material has been discovered, and this amazing work stands out as a masterpiece. 14 minutes long, this four-movement symphony for winds is reminiscent of Prokofiev and Ewald, and is as powerful as the orchestral symphonies of Kalinnikov! Top-level symphonic bands will want to consider this important work for their repertoire!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£82.50El Gato Salvaje (Paso Doble) - Robert E. Foster
This new original paso doble was commissioned by the Richmond Hill Middle School Band, Richmond Hill, Georgia. It provides an opportunity for young bands to perform this popular traditional classic Spanish march style. (Paso Doble literally means two-step.) This is the music of the bull fight, and of the civic celebrations in the Spanish community, and is one of the classic types of marches that bands and their audiences have enjoyed for many generations. While this work is in the style of the great professional bands of Spain, it is readily playable by young bands.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£71.50The Ash Grove Fantasy - Barry E. Kopetz
This setting of The Ash Grove is a musical fantasy based on an old traditional Welsh folksong, which is also known as Llwyn Onn. This version of the song tells of a sailors love for Gwen of Llwyn" and has been around for several hundred years. The melodious nature of this beautiful folksong, popular with generations of listeners, continues to be a favorite subject of composers and arrangers in all mediums. Featured in the 1980 British Broadcasting Companys acclaimed mini-series, "Pride and Prejudice," this excellent setting features melodic, lyrical playing that will enhance every bands musicianship and expression.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£82.50Jingle Bells Swing - Mark Lortz
This is the lively, fun, and swinging arrangement of this classic holiday standard that you have been waiting for! Expertly scored, this sure-to-be concert favorite is set in the style of Gene Krupa! Every section gets a chance to show off the melody as well as hip, swinging figures. Colorful jazz harmonies and a swinging drum feature round out this must-have addition. Optional drum set part.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£82.50Jiingle Bells Swing - Mark Lortz
This is the lively, fun, and swinging arrangement of this classic holiday standard that you have been waiting for! Expertly scored, this sure-to-be concert favorite is set in the style of Gene Krupa! Rescored to enable ensembles with smaller instrumentation to sound full, every section gets a chance to show off the melody as well as hip, swinging figures. Colorful jazz harmonies and a swinging drum feature round out this must-have addition. Optional drum set part.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£82.50In Morning Light - Clifton Jones
This new mid-tempo ballad is impeccably scored and harmonically lush, making it a unique and worthwhile addition to any concert program this year. Clifton Jones has a wonderful voice, and it is on full display in this hauntingly beautiful work. Stretch their musicianship and move audiences this year with In Morning Light.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days