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  • £37.95

    The Year of the Dragon (Prestige Concert Band - Score only) - Sparke, Philip

    The 2017 version of The Year of the Dragon was commissioned by the Siena Wind Orchestra and given its world premiere on June 17th 2017 in Bunkyo Civic Hall, Tokyo, conducted by the composer.The original wind band arrangement of The Year of the Dragon was made in 1985, a year after the composer wrote the brass band version. At that time he was still learning the intricacies of writing for wind band (and still is!) and in the 32 years which have elapsed since then, his approach to scoring for the medium has developed and, hopefully, improved.Here are the main differences between the two versions:In the 1980's, the wind band movement was much less international than it is now. British wind bands were still to some extent based on the military band tradition of the time, which tended to use rather smaller instrumentation than the then-dominant American university model. The new version embraces a much more international instrumentation, including low woodwinds and string bass, as well as an expanded percussion section.In the original version there was a touch of naivety in the way the composer wrote for the woodwinds; much of their articulation was transferred too literally from the brass version, resulting in some unidiomatic writing, which he has tried to improve in the new version.In addition to the above, Philip's own compositional style has matured and developed in the intervening 32 years. There are some passages in the original which he simply would not write today - not because they are 'wrong', but because his way of writing has changed. The new version is perhaps how he would have written it today, rather than simply dressing the original version in new clothes.The work is in three movements:Toccata opens with an arresting side drum figure and snatches of themes from various sections of the band, which try to develop until a broad and powerful theme from the middle of the band asserts itself. A central dance-like section soon gives way to the return of this theme, which subsides until faint echoes of the opening material fade to a close.Interlude takes the form of a sad and languid solo for alto saxophone. A chorale for the whole band introduces a brief spell of optimism but the saxophone solo returns to close the movement quietly.Finale is a real tour-de-force for the band with a stream of rapid semi-quavers running throughout the movement. The main theme is heroic and march-like but this is interspersed with lighter, more playful episodes. A distant fanfare to the sound of bells is introduced and this eventually returns to bring the work to a stirring close.

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days

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  • £199.95

    The Year of the Dragon (Prestige Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Sparke, Philip

    The 2017 version of The Year of the Dragon was commissioned by the Siena Wind Orchestra and given its world premiere on June 17th 2017 in Bunkyo Civic Hall, Tokyo, conducted by the composer.The original wind band arrangement of The Year of the Dragon was made in 1985, a year after the composer wrote the brass band version. At that time he was still learning the intricacies of writing for wind band (and still is!) and in the 32 years which have elapsed since then, his approach to scoring for the medium has developed and, hopefully, improved.Here are the main differences between the two versions:In the 1980's, the wind band movement was much less international than it is now. British wind bands were still to some extent based on the military band tradition of the time, which tended to use rather smaller instrumentation than the then-dominant American university model. The new version embraces a much more international instrumentation, including low woodwinds and string bass, as well as an expanded percussion section.In the original version there was a touch of naivety in the way the composer wrote for the woodwinds; much of their articulation was transferred too literally from the brass version, resulting in some unidiomatic writing, which he has tried to improve in the new version.In addition to the above, Philip's own compositional style has matured and developed in the intervening 32 years. There are some passages in the original which he simply would not write today - not because they are 'wrong', but because his way of writing has changed. The new version is perhaps how he would have written it today, rather than simply dressing the original version in new clothes.The work is in three movements:Toccata opens with an arresting side drum figure and snatches of themes from various sections of the band, which try to develop until a broad and powerful theme from the middle of the band asserts itself. A central dance-like section soon gives way to the return of this theme, which subsides until faint echoes of the opening material fade to a close.Interlude takes the form of a sad and languid solo for alto saxophone. A chorale for the whole band introduces a brief spell of optimism but the saxophone solo returns to close the movement quietly.Finale is a real tour-de-force for the band with a stream of rapid semi-quavers running throughout the movement. The main theme is heroic and march-like but this is interspersed with lighter, more playful episodes. A distant fanfare to the sound of bells is introduced and this eventually returns to bring the work to a stirring close.

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days

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  • £64.95

    Pioneers of the Medway (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Phillips, Richard

    The Salvation Army Band in my home town of Chatham, part of a conurbation of 5 towns in the South East of England known as the Medway Towns, celebrated their 135th anniversary in 2016 and this piece was composed as part of those celebrations. I suppose to some degree all composers and lyricists are pioneers, always striving to write something different and new. Well, there has been a number of 'creatives' who at one time or another have been members of the Chatham Corps and this piece includes songs from some of those. The opening motif is based on the 1st 3rd and 5th notes of the scale and after a short 'fanfare-like' introduction the tune of Blacklands (Ray Steadman-Allen) is heard in 4/4 time. This is followed by a song from Ray Jones, a former Bandmaster of the Corps entitled 'On resurrection day', a song for children's voices published in 1971 and for mixed voices in 2009. Rosemary Steadman-Allen's 'To know and do thy will' is at the heart of the link into 'Everywhere', a new setting of John Gowans' words by Andrew Maycock (both former members) which is proving to be very popular at the moment. Finally, an arrangement of this composer's setting of 'Praise the Lord' is used to bring this piece to its conclusion. It was first performed on October 1st 2016 by the Chatham band under the leadership of Bandmaster Ray Maycock.

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £12.95

    Pioneers of the Medway (Concert Band - Score Only) - Phillips, Richard

    The Salvation Army Band in my home town of Chatham, part of a conurbation of 5 towns in the South East of England known as the Medway Towns, celebrated their 135th anniversary in 2016 and this piece was composed as part of those celebrations. I suppose to some degree all composers and lyricists are pioneers, always striving to write something different and new. Well, there has been a number of 'creatives' who at one time or another have been members of the Chatham Corps and this piece includes songs from some of those. The opening motif is based on the 1st 3rd and 5th notes of the scale and after a short 'fanfare-like' introduction the tune of Blacklands (Ray Steadman-Allen) is heard in 4/4 time. This is followed by a song from Ray Jones, a former Bandmaster of the Corps entitled 'On resurrection day', a song for children's voices published in 1971 and for mixed voices in 2009. Rosemary Steadman-Allen's 'To know and do thy will' is at the heart of the link into 'Everywhere', a new setting of John Gowans' words by Andrew Maycock (both former members) which is proving to be very popular at the moment. Finally, an arrangement of this composer's setting of 'Praise the Lord' is used to bring this piece to its conclusion. It was first performed on October 1st 2016 by the Chatham band under the leadership of Bandmaster Ray Maycock.

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £72.99

    Drums of the Saamis (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Hazo, Samuel R.

    Drums of the Saamis was commissioned by the Medicine Hat Concert Band Society of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. The piece chronicles the merger of the First Nation (first natives) and modern Albertan cultures. The opening tribal drums followed by the haunting melody simulating the traditional wooden flute comprise two themes that are the foundation for the entire piece. Both elements are developed, varied and enhanced throughout as the listener senses the increasing influence of modern day Alberta through the use of modern sounding chords and rhythms. By the end, the marriage of the old and the new is complete. This powerful work closes as it began; a restatement of themes representing the musical and historical foundation of the region.Duration: 5:00

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
  • £149.99

    Out of the Darkness, into the Light (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Sparke, Philip

    Out of the Darkness, Into the Light is about optimism. All of us experience disappointments in our lives, such failed relationships or the loss of loved ones, but the indomitably of the human spirit allows us to overcome such set backs and get through the darker moments. For some, faith and religion may be the answer, but this piece is more about the internal strength that we can all call upon.Opening in sombre mood, the first phase of the work symbolises the doubts we all have about ourselves and our lives. The opening phrase on solo clarinet appears throughout the piece and could be seen as the central idea of the work, the human spirit itself. The faster, central section is about the struggle to overcome the pain we experience and at bar 88 the moment of catharsis occurs. This signals a change of mood and from then on, the clarinet motif is transformed into a feeling of joy and optimism. We have entered the light.Duration: 8:30

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days

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  • £244.99

    Journey to the Centre of the Earth Wind Band Set (Score & Parts)

    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 the beginning 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. Rising fragments 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 represent the 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, at about 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 this singular 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 blowing up 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 a cave 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. 22:00

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days

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  • £71.28

    Sands of the Sahara

    "Sands of the Sahara" paints a breathtaking and dramatic picture of the desolation, intrigue, culture, and storied history of the north Africa landscape. At the start, special percussion effects mimic the sounds of the wind, while a mysterious, faraway flute melody calls to mind an oasis in the desert. Abruptly, a bold theme is introduced by the full band, and leads to the driving rhythms and exotic themes that further propel and sustain the rest of the piece. Concluding, the introduction is briefly restated, and the piece ends in a stunning tour-de-force of color and intensity. Perfect for concert or contest, "Sands of the Sahara" will showcase your entire band with excitement and enthusiasm.

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days

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  • £49.50

    Spirit of the Winds

    Spirit of the Winds, a concert/festival work for the developing band, was inspired by the beautiful Temecula Valley of California. Each year, the sky over the valley is filled with hot air balloons creating a visual sight that is not soon forgotten. Of course, balloons are unable to "steer" and must fly with the gentle breezes of the air current. As a result, those subject to the "spirit of the winds" can find themselves over festival grounds or floating above the beautiful Temecula Valley vineyards. Beginning with a bold, yet mysterious statement, the introduction gives way to a soaring melody as our flight begins. Cascading figures in the woodwinds create the effect of wind currents followed by a beautiful secondary melodic statement. The original theme returns leading to a very energetic conclusion. Accessible to a wide range of concert bands, Spirit of the Winds provides multiple teaching opportunities and will be enjoyed by both performer and audience.

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days

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  • £144.99

    Three Bites of the Apple Wind Band Set (Score & Parts)

    One of the best known nicknames for a city that is perhaps New York: "The Big Apple". Already in the thirties of the last century, this name is often used in New York jazz scene. With "The Big Apple" Manhattan was intended. It was the place to be. Around 1920 Harlem was the center of a thriving black culture. This period is known as the "Harlem Renaissance". In the famous Cotton Club were many concerts of greats like Duke Ellington. Broadway attracts millions of tourists. Many of them visit here one of the many musicals sometimes for years on the boards are placed. Broadway splashes sparkles and swings. Peter Martin shows us three bites tests of this imaginary apple. Enjoy! 07:30

    Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days

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