Results
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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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£154.99Achnaton - Jan Bosveld
The Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep IV, better known as Achnaton, was the second son and successor of Amenhotep III. He reigned the New Kingdom from 1353 until 1336 BC. Achnatons lack of interest in the economic well-being of Egypt ushered ina revolutionary period in Egyptian history. His harsh reign induced much suffering under the population. During this period when it was customary for a pharaoh to have many wives, he had taken his cousin Nefertete to reign as queen at hisside. An elegant and very beautiful woman, she used her influence to ease the turmoil caused by Achnaton. Combined with her grace, her presence at public functions led to a greater popularity among her subjects than the pharaoh enjoyedhimself. Being mostly preoccupied with religious questions, he declared that all the other gods did not exist. There was only one god, the Aten, and it was the sun itself. It was now necessary to change his name: 'Amenhotep' meaning 'the god Amun is satisfied', because he didnt want to be associated with Amun or any of the other deities. He renamed himself 'Achnaton' which means 'servant of the Aten' -- a much more appropriate title! In the sixth year of his reignAchnaton also moved the capital to a brand new city called Achet-Aton ('the Horizon of the Aten') which was where Tel el-Amarna stands today. He did this to further isolate himself from the 'old' religion, since the previous capital Thebes was thecentre of worship of Amun. This new religion created an up rise among the population and high priests. In spite of Nefertetes influence, the falling economy and religious conflict resulted in the decline of the Egyptian empire. Hoping toforget it ever happened, people later tried to eradicate all traces of Achnaton and his successors rule by smashing their statues, mutilating their mummies, and ruining their relief carvings. From that moment on he was remembered as the'heretic king'. This composition was partially funded by the 'Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds'.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£69.99Cowboy Suite - Alan Laken
In the tripartite 'Cowboy Suite' Alan Laken takes us to the Wild West, the domain of cowboys, indians, trappers and other fortune hunters. Around 1890 the west coast of America was reached, which in effect meant the end of the Wild West. Its stories, however, survived and have been a source of inspiration for many books, films, and, of course, music. Some characters, such as Jesse James, Billy the Kid, and Buffalo Bill are forever linked to these tales. In the 'Cowboy Suite' we first hear the 'Hoedown'. At the end of an exhausting workday the labourers used to lay down their tools, among others the 'hoes' and spontaneously began to play music on the instruments which they then possessed (guitars, fiddles, and banjos) and to dance. After being jolted on the 'Wagon Trail' we reach the third part, the 'Cowboy Roundup'. In this last part it becomes clear that as a cattle driver it is imperative to stay firmly seated in the saddle. As the cattle are rounded up, i.e. driven together, spectacular things happen.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£94.99L'Entracte - Jan Bosveld
L'Entracte is a lively piece composed by Jos Bosveld, filled with cheerful sounds that are reminiscent of a circus band. Wake your audience up with L'Entreacte, since no one will be able to sit still for a moment with this music!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£144.99Voyage with the VOC - William Vean
The United East India Company, or Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) was one of the first international trading companies in the Netherlands. Voyage With The VOC follows the route of a ship (first movement) on a visit to the Rajah of Yogakarta (second movement) to load up the ship before returning home (third movement). The fourth movement describes the hard life of a sailor before the fifth movement sees the ship safely to harbour once again.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£244.99Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Harrie Janssen
This composition was based on the world-famous novel by the French author Jules Verne. This novel describes the attempt to reach the centre of the earth. The descent of the crater of the volcano called Snaeffels, situated in Iceland, marks thebeginning of this voyage to the sublunary world. The German geologist, professor Lidenbrock, is accompanied on this trip by his nephew Axel and an Icelandic guide named Hans. The last mentioned will be helpful in many occasions. Dark colors & mist The composer tried in this single work to give a musical expression to various significant moments from this novel. In the introduction he sketches an image of the dismal ambience on the island by using dark colors. Risingfragments of mist reveal the flanks of the monumental mountain Scataris. The composer tries to catch this image in a majestic and broad chorale. Away from Iceland Subsequently the ostinato rhythmicity and virtuosity representthe hectic descent of the crater of the volcano. The party descends ever more and more and travels south, away from Iceland. On the way, they see all kinds of rock formations, fossils and minerals. At a depth of thirty hours walking distance, atabout 150 kilometers below the surface, they reach a sub terrestrial sea which is called the Lidenbrock sea. Genuine eruption of sounds Strange electric manifestations and unpredictable weather conditions accompany thissingular phenomenon. An orchestral tutti-episode expresses this impression musically. On a make-shift raft, the party continues its voyage, heading to the south coast of this huge sea. Once ashore, an enormous rock obstructs the passage. The blowingup of this obstacle unleashes a genuine eruption of sounds in the orchestration. Spat out by the volcano But the explosion has an unforeseen side effect. The sea - travelers and raft included - is sucked upwards into a dark hole.Again, our heroes are accompanied on their involuntary voyage, while left to fend for themselves, by an ever increasing ostinato rhythmicity. Before an irruption can destroy the raft, the threesome manages to escape and climb up through acave towards the daylight. They seem to be spat out by the Stromboli volcano on the island of Sicily, far from home. The composition ends with triumphant sounds that represent the scientific triumph of these adventurers.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£117.80Freedom Defended - Rossano Galante
Inspired by the non-violent civil rights protest of February 1, 1960 against a segregated lunch counter in Greensboro, NC, Freedom Defended strives to encapsulate the story of this now historic event. Commissioned by the band directors of the North Carolina Central District and East Central District Bandmasters Associations, this four movement piece honors each of the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University students known as the "Greensboro Four", Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair Jr., and David Richmond. Their actions directly led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which mandated desegregation in public spaces. Movement 1 (Da Sogno) - The opening thematic material is dream-like and idyllic as the "Greensboro Four" enter the Woolworth Store at 132 South Elm Street and peacefully sit at the lunch counter and order coffee. Movement 2 (Con Fuoco) - The piece takes a dark turn when they are refused service and are told "We don't serve Negros here". The music is somewhat dissonant and rhythmic but a heroic theme captures the tenacity and courage of these brave young men. Movement 3 (Molto Cantabile) - A plaintiff theme portrays the hopelessness the four freshmen faced as they continued to be refused service until they leave when the store closed that night. Movement 4 (Con Spirito) - Undeterred, the "Greensboro Four" returned the next day, this time joined by more than twenty other black students. While they were again refused service, the sitins began to attract media attention and each day more and more students, both black and white, joined the cause. By February 4th, over 300 students staged sit-ins not only at the Woolworth Store but also the lunch counter at Greensboro's S. H. Kress & Co. The music is rejoicing and uplifting, similar to the opening statement, but now fully orchestrated and more fully developed. Coda - a quiet theme based on the motives from the opening thematic material brings the work to a reflective close as we remember these four men who, in the face of adversity, stood up for equality for all men and women.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£47.50Turbo Rock - Michael Sweeney
Explorer Level (correlates with Book 1, p. 11) Let your beginners crank up the energy level on their very first concert with this driving rock original. Featuring tutti rhythms and nothing faster than a quarter note (exceptpercussion), every section gets a chance to rock out on this winner. Dur: 1:30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£57.50Dueling Xylos
Take your two best percussionists, stage them up front and let them dazzle your audience with this clever feature for two xylophone players (or 1 xylophone and 1 marimba). Using the classic Dueling Banjos, Richard Saucedo has written a great novelty with easy band parts as accompaniment.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£64.99The Bright Lights On Broadway
Featuring some of the best-known showstoppers ever to hit the bright lights, here is a well paced and skillfully written number sure to please just about any audience. Includes: Comedy Tonight, Everything's Coming Up Roses, and There's No Business Like Show Business.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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