Results
-
£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
-
£105.80No War - Marco Somadossi
The theme of this composition is immediately evident from the title, which almost requires no further explanation. It will never be possible to represent or reproduce the full implications of a tragedy such as war, all too often forgotten, concealed, exploited or written off as being an evil that is "necessary" for the development of civilisation. War changes the course of human history: man kills man, fathers bury their sons, children take up arms, and mankind is devastated by evil, choosing death over life. The atrocities, repeatedly perpetrated and evident to all observers, are an offence to human dignity. Yet they are tolerated and, at times, even re-interpreted as inevitable remedies for "obstacles" to the global economy, in order- it would seem- to build "a better world". And all this goes on despite the fact that the terrible scars left by past wars are still evident and should serve as a warning to ensure that such tragedies do not return to devastate our world. "No War" is thus a heart-felt protest against any form of culture that justifies war as a means of gaining wealth and power, satisfying the economic needs of the richest countries at the expense of the poorest nations. In so doing the one truly fundamental value is annihilated, that of human life.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£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
-
£137.99Convergents - Franco Cesarini
With Convergents Franco Cesarini has succeeded in composing a piece suitable for both concerts or contests which whilst not being too difficult still has the feel of a major work. This extremely rhythmical piece is built upon three themes which, after being introduced in turn, finally converge into the triumphal finale of the work. This scintillating workwill be a definite enrichment to the repertoire of your concert band.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£118.99
La Cittadella - Kees Vlak
In La Cittadella Kees Vlak reflects the stark contrastsin the Italian mountain village Assisi. On the onehand there is the bustle of the hundreds ofthousands visitors who have come to admire thebeautiful San Francesco Basilica. On the otherhand within the city walls there is La Cittadella, acomplex of buildings where severely handicappedpeople are taken care of by sisters. The dissonantmain theme in the solo trumpet depicts the isolationof these people. Still, the loving care of the sistersprovides some light in the darkness. This beautifulpiece will bring a sense of spiritual love to any concert.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£84.99A Taste of Honey - Bobby Scott
Ever heard of Tijuana Taxi, Spanish Flea or A Taste of Honey? Even if these names do not ring a bell, everyone has certainly hummed along when hearing these pieces on the radio. These titles were made famous in the 1960s by the trumpeter Herb Alpert and his band Tijuana Brass and are still extremely popular today. This arrangement is full of surprises with exciting fragments, sparkling and catchy passages and colourful instrumentations. A part for electric guitar intensifies the swinging feeling of the piece, but is not obligatory. This arrangement will definitely get the audience in a party mood.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£137.99Memories of Henry Mancini - Henry Mancini
Henry Mancini (1924-1994) is part of the essential history of soundtrack composition. His forty year career was a crowning success rewarded by four Oscars and his melodies are still considered timeless. Enter into the hollywood magic with this fabulous arrangement!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£104.99Richard Rodgers Collection - Richard Rodgers
Richard Charles Rodgers was one of Americas best-known musicaltheatre composers. In his lifetime Rodgers wrote hundreds of songsand no less than forty Broadway musicals including The Sound of Music, Oklahoma, South Pacific and Carousel, many of which are still loved and regularly performed today. In this wonderful collection, Peter Kleine Schaars used the songs It Might As Well Be Spring from State Fair, My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music and The Lady Is a Tramp from Babes in Arms. Add a little Broadway sparkle to any concert with this catchy item.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£137.99Antonio Carlos Jobim Medley - Antonio Carlos Jobim
The Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim is considered to be thefounder of bossa nova - a supple, relaxed music style based on Brazilian samba rhythms. Jobim wrote many standards, which in the course of time have been performed by numerous famous artists, from Astrud Gilberto, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, to Sting and George Michael. His songs are still popular all over the world. Add a little Brazilian magic to your concert with this atmospheric medley which features six of Jobims well-known hits.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
-
£137.99American Beauties - Bart Howard
For this medley, Naohiro Iwai has gathered six of the finest Americanhits from the 1940's and 1950's, that despite their age are still in thehearts and minds of many people today - true American Beauties!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
View Music