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£142.90Cantina Band - John Williams
Cantina Band (or Mad About Me) was written by John Williams in 1977 for the film Star Wars (later Star Wars IV: A New Hope). Even with quite a bit of the Star Wars music being quite well known, Cantina Band is literally in a style of its own. In the Star Wars-universe this style is called jizz, Williams' take on the more well-known genre jazz. Williams was tasked by Star Wars-creator George Lucas to make music that sounded like several creatures in a future century finding some 1930's Benny Goodman swing band music ... and how they might attempt to interpret it and ended up with Cantina Band #1 and #2. Both numbers are played in the legendary scene taking place in Chalmun's Spaceport Cantina where Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi gets in a fight causing even the band to stop playing.The band, which goes by the name Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes, comes from the planet Clak'dor VII and specializes in jizz and the nearby, slightly older style of jatz. Performers of this music often go by the name "jizz-wailers", and the Bith people from Clak'dor VII are especially well suited for jizz-wailing since they can hold every note as long as they want thanks to a unique respiratory system - something many perhaps would like to be able to do in the performance of this arrangement as well.The arrangement is relatively faithful to Williams' original version, but with a somewhat different ending. Although the woodwind section undoubtedly has the biggest technical challenges, an understanding of the musical style is the very key to making the arrangement sound good - and here all groups must work together. Playing lightly but quite articulated, and very precise, will be an absolute necessity to get the music drifting off all the way to Tatooine.In measure 113 there is a small improvised solo in either trombone or trumpet, but if you want the real authentic Cantina Band-sound this is of course done on a steel drum.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£171.00Passacaglia and Fugue in C-minor BWV 582 - Johann Sebastian Bach
The Passacaglia is a set of instrumental variations based on an ostinato bass. Bach's Passacaglia and Fugue in C-minor for organ represents the pinnacle of what had been achieved in this compositional form at that time. In Franco Cesarini's arrangement for large wind orchestra, the particularly careful interpretation of the original piece enables him to exploit all the sound colors at his disposal, and in this sumptuous guise Bach's work also takes on a grandiose dimension, albeit tinged with late-Romanticism. The exposition of the beautiful theme begins in the bass part, immediately creating a solemn and serious atmosphere which is accentuated by the intensely pathetic character of the first variations. Up to the tenth variation it remains confined to the bass, but in subsequent ones it also passes to the soprano and alto register. The integrity of the theme is also embellished with elegant arpeggios, in whose lower and higher extensions the theme can be distinguished. Towards the end it returns to the bass in an impressive thickening of the polyphonic texture that swiftly re-establishes the key of C-minor. The "Thema fugatum" which follows immediately does not constitute a Fugue in its own right, rather it is nothing but the twenty-first and most extensive variation of the Passacaglia. This time Bach uses only the first half of the theme, superimposing a rhythmic countersubject that considerably enlivens the entire development of the composition. The polyphonic discourse becomes increasingly dense, until the building tension peaks in a powerful "Neapolitan sixth" chord, followed by a sudden pause. This culminating moment then leads to the coda and final cadence on a bright C-major chord.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£224.99Lux Futura - Kevin Houben
Lux Futura (Light of the Future) was commissioned by the Royal Wind Orchestra Delft and is inspired by the letters 'D-E-L-F-T' using the letter notation system by Bla Bartk. In this 'Delft' cell, there is referral to the 'Trinitas', the bourdon bell of the Old Church in Delft, that only tolls during a funeral of a member of the Dutch Royal Family. The Delft melody switches to the 'Agneta March', which is a reference to the history of the Royal Wind Orchestra Delft. Further on the love theme, played by the bass instruments represents the love of the inhabitants for their city throughout space and time. In the middle movement, the beauty of the city is depicted by the coranglais (English horn) solo, as an ode to the lovely city of Delft. When performed, one can choose to use sound city samples recorded in Delft to create a truly magnificent spectacle. The three samples can be downloaded from websites www.halleonardeurope.com or www.kevinhouben.be.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£204.99
Credentium - Jan Van der Roost
A spectacular dive via an extended chromatic scale immediately submerges us in a charged and somewhat archaic-feeling atmosphere. Trumpets, horns and trombones resound in rhythmic patterns, buttressed by restless motifs in the percussion. A second theme, in the woodwinds, begins much calmer but is quickly pushed aside by that same brass offensive. This introduction is the musical expression of the sometimes tumultuous early history of the town of Peer in Belgium. It closes with a D scale played over two octaves and repeated three times, symbolizing the church steeples that dominate the townscape. Peer has the credentials of a town, and people should know about it.There followsa rhythmic, turbulent passage: in the course of history, Peer has not been spared the ravages of war, arson, occupation, epidemic and other evils. In contrast, a slow, pastoral, lyrical part expresses the periods of peace and prosperity the town has known, as well as the serene geographic setting that still characterizes the place. Various instruments in groups are developed in solo style while the accompaniment displays vast, painterly images of sound. Now and then an exotic intonation is heard: a variety of peoples and cultures have left their mark on the town.This episode of tranquility and peacefulness comes to a sudden end when, via a surprising, almost chaotic transitional passage, we are in effect transported back to our own time. A hopeful, festive march expresses the confidence in the future that the Royal Concert Band of Peer exudes. This confidence is wholly justified: under the direction of conductor Willy Fransen, the 95 members of the concert band have experienced an extended period of good fortune, and the 75 musicians of the youth band - and the 45 little musicians of the mini-band - are involved in thriving operations.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£84.99Saltus Hungaricus - László Zempléni
The second half of the 18th century, for the people of East Central Europe, was the time of the awakening of national consciousness. The leading force in the Hungarian enlightenment, the lesser nobility, also regarded as important the national character of the country's culture. A valuable kind of national music was the Hungarian dance music that flourished in the 18th century. The greater part of the repertoire naturally perpetuates the 'Hungarian-style' pieces from the previous centuries (appearing in foreign collections too described as hungaricus, ungaresca, saltus hungaricus or Ungarischer Tanz), but beside these we can encounter contemporary European dances and entertaining instrumental pieces in almost every style. The majority of the sources are collections compiled by non-professional musicians and intendedfor private music-making. In this work the composer uses melodies from the 18th-century Linus dance collection, in trioform, with harmonies and bass appropriate to that period. The musical fabric is rich in counterparts, the sound is mademore colourful with many kinds of percussion instruments. The register and rhythmic simplicity of the parts make thepieces easily playable even by music school pupils.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£57.50City Rain - Judith Lang Zaimont
In her tone poem City Rain, Judith Zaimont captures the spirit and vitality of a summer shower as it falls on a busy city street. This piece draws a lively picture of a passing storm and is unified by the jazz-like rhythmic motive based on the pattern of the title words city rain. Zaimont paints the image of rain through the rhythmic motive and the use of body percussion and alternative instruments (such as tapping patterns on music stands). As the music unfolds, each section of the band is spotlighted at different times. The instruments also join together to produce layers of sound that create interesting and complex jazz chords. BandQuest, an exciting series of new music and accompanying curricula for band, is a program published by the American Composers Forum. The series was started as a response to feedback from music educators that there is a pressing need for new, fresh band music. The heart of this program is new works written by a diverse group of leading American composers who have created challenging pieces that are a true departure from standard middle school repertoire. Every BandQuest project includes a residency component in which the composer works collaboratively with a middle school as they create their new piece. Many BandQuest pieces are accompanied by an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to assist students as they learn the music and to integrate each piece with non-music studies. Visit www.bandquest.org to learn more about this innovative series, and email [email protected] to request a free downloadable audio catalog.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£57.50Mosaic - Stephen Paulus
Mosaic is an aural representation of the varied qualities each of us possess and contribute to the whole of our American society. As a kaleidoscope of various musical elements coming together, this work evokes a visual of mosaics - tiny tiles individually glued together to create a broader image. Composer Stephen Paulus integrates layers of sound with varying meters that feature every instrument in the band. Learn more on YouTube! BandQuest, an exciting series of new music and accompanying curricula for band, is a program published by the American Composers Forum. The series was started as a response to feedback from music educators that there is a pressing need for new, fresh band music. The heart of this program is new works written by a diverse group of leading American composers who have created challenging pieces that are a true departure from standard middle school repertoire. Every BandQuest project includes a residency component in which the composer works collaboratively with a middle school as they create their new piece. Many BandQuest pieces are accompanied by an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to assist students as they learn the music and to integrate each piece with non-music studies. Visit www.bandquest.org to learn more about this innovative series, and email [email protected] to request a free downloadable audio catalog.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£179.99Outback - Thomas Doss
This work was commissioned by the "-sterreichische Blasmusikjugend" (Austrian Brass Band Association - Young Musicians).The Aboriginal indigenous people of Australia are among the oldest surviving human cultures. The arrival of the Europeans markedtheir decline and endangered their existence. The many secrets the Aborigines hold served as inspiration for this work. Aboriginal SpiritOver many centuries, the Aboriginal people have cultivated a unique ability to live in harmony with theworld around them. Maintaining the delicate balance between their trinity - nature, man, and creation - is an important factor for bliss and happiness.Primeval Sound and Dreamtime The tens of thousands-year-old stories from the era calledDreamtime - the Aborigines' creation myth - play an important role in not only their beliefs, but their everyday lives and laws as well. Ancestral worship and various other rituals and ceremonies are still held in high regard to this veryday.Running HunterThe Aborigines are extremely skilful hunters and are able to run for extended periods of time when chasing their prey. Hunting weapons, such as the boomerang, exemplify their abilities.Uluru (Red Rock)Uluru, also knownas Ayers Rock, is a natural sandstone "inselberg" rising 348m above Australia's plains, and is one of the country's most recognisable icons. Uluru is also a sacred place for the local Aborigines. Its history stretches back to Dreamtime, although itdid not exist in its current state at that time.Encounter with the White MenUnfortunately, the "White Men" did not realize the significance and importance of the Aborigines and their culture until the end of the 20th century. Before then, theywere unaware that the Aborigines were quite possibly one of the oldest known cultures on earth, with a seamless history stretching back to creation itself; Dreamtime. BushfireFire has been present on the Australian continent for millions ofyears. Many of the indigenous flora and fauna have needed to adapt to fire, and evolution has led to unique solutions for survival. Over time, a complex symbiotic relationship has grown between life and the continually returning bushfire.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£209.99Diamond Concerto - Philip Sparke
Diamond Concerto was commissioned by Musikverein Mrschied from Germany - Dr. Eric Grandjean, conductor - for a special concert featuring Steven Mead as guest soloist. Together they gave the world premiere on 28th April 2012 in the town theatre of Idar-Oberstein.The commission is a highlight in the 30-year friendship between composer and soloist, which has included many mutual CD projects and concerts and, now, a concerto. Sparke had Steven Mead's special euphonium sound in his head throughout the composition process and made free use of the variety of styles which the world-renowned virtuoso has made his own during his highly successful solo career.The village ofMrschied lies to the west of Frankfurt am Main in the area known as the German Road of Precious Stones, which is famous for its thriving gem industry. Because of this it was decided to give the commission a local connection by choosing the title, Diamond Concerto. Each of the three movements is named after a famous diamond:1 EARTH STARis rather stern in mood, opening with a free fantasy for the soloist over a static chord from the band. This leads to an Allegro Moderato in minor mode where small motives are gradually repeated and developed by both band and soloist.2 OCEAN DREAMuses a varied quote from the composer's Music for Battle Creek, including a melting slow melody that was originally written with Steven Mead in mind.3 BLUE HEARTwas written, at Steven Mead's suggestion, in bebop style and takes the form of a jazz waltz. The quasi-improvisatory central section features a call-and-response passage for the soloist and upper woodwinds.Soloist: Difficulty 6Diamond Concerto is available for euphonium and piano (AMP 374-401) as well as for euphonium and brass band (AMP 354-030).
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£118.99Condacum - Jan Van der Roost
Condacum' was composed on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Arts Council in the Belgian district of Kontich, the home town of the composer Jan Van der Roost. It is an interesting composition in which the history of this Belgian community is depicted in sound. The opening reminds one of the advance of the Roman army, whilst the dynamic development is full of vitaliy!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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