Results
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£53.50Four Pictures - Árpád Balázs
The teachers under whom rpd Balzs (b.1937) studied composition - Ferenc Farkas, Aram Khachaturian and Goffredo Petrassi - each independently formed the opinion that with his lyrical gift rpd Balzs's true creative field would be that of choral music and wind ensembles. Their early predictions are borne out by the roughly two hundred and fifty works for choir and almost twenty for wind orchestra that the composer has since produced. It is interesting that in the suite entitled Ngy kp (Four pictures) the stylistic features of these two related musical fields are united. In it the wind instruments sing! It was not by chance that the expansive second movement was given the title Cantilena, while the slightly livelier but just as lyrical third movement was entitled Arietta. The opening movement of the work is a stridently jolly, energetic Indul (March), but not one of the rigidly military kind: the 6/8 rhythm contributes to its light-hearted character. This music is avowedly akin to the ballet music of Prokofiev. This choice series of four character pieces is crowned by Jtk (Play) in which conveying the effect of the mixture of lines moving in parallel and then colliding with each other may be more technically demanding, but is well worth the effort! (Hungaroton HCD 31353)
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£113.30Via Della Terra - Marco Somadossi
Composing music also involves being able to imagine the sound of something that has no sound of its own. "Via della Terra" is a soundtrack without a film, a story without a narrator; "Via della Terra" is a street in a town, but not just any street, because if a street could tell its story, "Via della Terra" would not know where to start or where and indeed if it should finish. Like all "Vie della Terra", this street in this piece is full of sounds, none of which, however, have ever belonged to it for more than a fleeting moment, just long enough to be reflected here and there and then up and away from the earth, to be lost in the air. The steps of Mozart as a child as he whistled a piece of music, never again to be remembered or written; the philosophical thoughts, or mere everyday cares, uttered to a friend by Rosmini (whispered? or declaimed?); the excited or humorous comments of people who saw Depero's futuristic works for the first time; the voices of marketstall owners, rendered louder and more acute by the noisy crowd of women sorting through the stalls of rustling and colourful silk (so many desires; silent pauses between one item of gossip and the next); the absolute and devastating roar of cannons that violated every corner of the town, injuring bodies and mutilating the memories of its inhabitants... followed by a seeming eternity, as the citizens held their breath, waiting... "Via della Terra" is the old imperial road along which the town of Rovereto was built and has developed. "Via della Terra" is music for an imaginary, impossible and simultaneous representation of all its stories. The composer has always lived in this town, which he dearly loves, and on innumerable occasions he has imagined the voices, smells, people and the lives that have been such a part of it. With his composition, "Via della Terra", Marco Somadossi won second prize (no first prize was awarded) at the XXI Corciano International Competition for original band music in the grade 4 category.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£141.60Story Book - Daniele Carnevali
The piece, commissioned in 2001 by the Banda Civica di Soncino, is one of several works that have been specifically written for this prestigious wind orchestra by a number of well-known North European composers. "Story Book" is inspired by a group of tales that are a mixture of history and legend- the former based on historical facts, the latter on traditional beliefs- all connected with life in Soncino (a farming and industrial community in the Cremona plain). The tales are all involves events in the castle (which is still in very good condition) and life at court during the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance period. As the piece develops, it recounts the legend of strange presences in the castle tower (Phantom of the red tower), the bloody battle against invaders (The battle), the foggy landscape and strange female figures seen floating over marshland where there was once a lake (Enchanted lake), and finally the ceremony in the castle's Piazza d'Armi to celebrate victory over the invaders.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£154.95
Two Poems of Robert Frost - David Campo
Robert Frost (1874 - 1963) was one of the most popular, widely read and honored American poets of the 20th century; the two of his poems arguably most popular in the mainstream are "Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening" and "The Road Not Taken." On the surface, these two poems appear quite different; "Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening" is contemplative, set in the quietude of a winter night's snow, while "The Road Not Taken" is decisive, kinetic and brightly lit by a morning sun. These similarities and differences resonated deeply with the composer, and the opportunity to set recurring themes and melodies in such contrasting musical environments was the impetus and inspiration for this two movement work. Both movements conjure the remarkably different atmospheres of the respective poems but are interconnected thematically, giving the work cohesion and depth. Both are strikingly colorful and evocative. While the poems are not set literally, there are recurring allusions to the words present in the rhythm, particularly in the phrase "and miles to go before I sleep," as this line seems to especially reflect the physical and spiritual duality of both poems.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£104.50Shock Wave - Gary D. Ziek
Shock Wave is a high-energy piece, driven by a constant sense of propulsion and rippling waves of motion. The initial shock wave is provided by percussion, leading into a tension-filled section with multiple layers of sound scattered throughout. Each new entrance or wave is accompanied by solo percussion which builds to a frenzied, swirling state. Layer upon layer of musical pressure builds until the final resolution with the percussion getting the last word, providing one final "aftershock" for a decisive finish.
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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£62.95
December Sky - Erik Morales
'On a crisp, cold night in December, she gazes upward and stands in awe of the heavens. She realizes that the earth is only a tiny part of something greater.' This scenario provides the backdrop for this composition, which wasinspired by the night sky as viewed by my six-year-old from our home in Louisiana. It begins with the theme in the clarinets. The rest of the ensemle gradually reveals itself, as if one discovers a star not previously noticed inthe sky. The music reaches its climax at measure 34, where we are humbled by the sheer multitude of stars in the sky and realize our place in the universe. The piece ends with twinkling stars portrayed in the flute, oboe,clarinet,and bells.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£64.99Toy Trumpet (Trumpet Solo and Section Feature) - Raymond Scott
Composer Raymond Scott is known for compositions that were adapted for the classic Looney Tunes cartoons. One of his signature tunes, The Toy Trumpet, was famously sung by Shirley Temple in the 1938 film Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, and versions by The Boston Pops and Al Hirt are classics. Perfect for a holiday concert or any pops event, this lighthearted arrangement featuring trumpet solo and section is sure to be enjoyed by all.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£57.50A Precixe Prelude And an Excellent March - Thomas Duffy
Playing one wrong note can ruin the performance of a piece, right? Well, composer Thomas Duffy actually wants the performers to make mistakes in this clever composition! The precise imprecision comes to life as students are asked to intentionally play wrong notes in various parts of the march. After performing this work, you and your students will never look at perfection the same way again! Free interdisciplinary curriculum for the piece is available for download at www.BandQuest.org. 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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£57.50Old Churches - Michael Colgrass
Gregorian chant is one of the earliest forms of notated music, using free flowing rhythms and simple melody. In Old Churches, composer Michael Colgrass uses these elements to create an aura of voices echoing in the monastery. Using easy graphic notation, students have a fun and creative way to explore sound production along with the compositional process. (Includes score and parts.) Learn more at 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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