Results
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£32.95Elgar Variations (Concert Band - Score only) - Ellerby, Martin
The year 2007 marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of the British composer Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) and as such I thought it an appropriate moment to write something in tribute to this event. There are quite a few enigmas about this piece and they are all intentional! First and foremost is that the variations are not constructed on any of Elgar's actual themes. Rather I have written a sequence of contrasting sections (all played without a break) on the essence and character of his musical style. I have also written this work with bands, the soloists within, conductors and, not least, their audience firmly in mind. The language is essentially tonal and the test musical rather than overtly technical. There are no tempo indications other than suggested metronome marks. I have deliberately kept things to a minimum as the true test here is to find the style and interpret that aspect over the whole structure. Whereas the faster sections are more or less self explanatory the slower parts require deliberate rubato and much feeling. This is for the conductors to discover and I encourage them to do so. Adjudicators should be fully aware that I sanction this aspect but it requires an insight and understanding to successfully execute so 'any old thing' will not suffice! The 'variation' commencing at rehearsal letter P is the emotional core of the piece and requires a passionate but not saccharine approach to pacing and sensuality. The cadenza type material is built into the process rather than being a separate sequence of entities. There are many allusions to the music of Elgar here without recourse to blatant pastiche - if it is thought of as a series of songs and dances this may help. The final comment is the dedication, after one of Elgar's own but subtly adjusted: to my friend pictured within - never to be revealed - now there's an enigma!- Martin EllerbyDuration: 14.00Recorded on Polyphonic QPRM155D Scenes from Childhood (Great British Music for Wind Band Vol.15), Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£134.99Gulliver's Travels (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Appermont, Bert
The book Gullivers Travels (1726) by author Jonathan Swift formed the provocation for writing this composition. Even though this composition isnt a literal representation of the original story, a number of elements were still retained. The ships doctor Gulliver finds himself in 4 (fictive) areas, each with their own inhabitants and customs. Each part of this suite also received the name of one of these areas:I. Lilliput The enterprising Lilliputians are represented by a playful, common theme in the first part.II. BrobdingnagIn the land of "Brobdingnag" Gulliver is carried off by gigantic giants, which you hear approaching with the sounds of the bassinstruments. The same theme is constantly repeated and quickened in order to increase the tension.III. LaputaLaputa is an island that floats in the air; its inhabitants are strange people with slanting heads. The dreamy, special atmosphere is especially well conveyed here.IV. The HouyhnhnmsFinally Gulliver finds himself in the land of the Houyhnhnms, where intelligent and noble horses rule over the primitive, undeveloped people (yahoos). The trumpets in the brilliant opening express the galloping horses; the gallant theme that follows (horns and trombones) symbolises the primitive yahoos. The whole composition ends with a big finale.I intentionally tried to limit the degree of difficulty of Gullivers Travels. Despite this I think that this work can appeal to many orchestras due to the colourful orchestration (cues are provided where needed), the simple and clear theme and the highly imaginative breeding ground of a beautiful story around which this composition is built." Duration: 8:00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£164.95Euphonium Concerto (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Ellerby, Martin
This Euphonium Concerto was written between late 1994 and early 1995 in response to a commission from Steven Mead to whom the work is dedicated. It is cast in four movements and lasts a little over 22 mins:I. Fantasy: After the briefest of introductions, the solo euphonium enters with the key melodic phrase of the movement in a fast 'Tempo I'. This idea is developed up to the point where a slower 'Tempo II' breaks the argument - here the mood is reflective but it is only to be a brief interruption as 'Tempo I' returns very quickly. The opening material is then subjected to further transformation with 'Tempo II' making occasional returns en route, the distances between the contrasting tempi becoming ever closer, and the movement closes in a rather soft though definite manner.II. Capriccio: This relatively short presto movement forms a bridge between the first movement and the work's slow movement. The majority of the band parts are bright and muted with the percussion players enhancing the texture with contributions from xylophone, glockenspiel and vibraphone. Again the initial solo euphonium phrase provides the basis for almost all the movement's material. This is extremely virtuosic for the soloist and band alike and makes great play of the rhythmic possibilities of combining simple and compound music either in close proximity or together.III. Rhapsody (for Luis): A Lento movement, sitting between two different but essentially rapid ones, this provides the work's emotional core exploiting the soloist's cantabile qualities in an almost seamless fashion. Again, as will all the work's movements, the initial idea paves the way for subsequent development, eventually culminating in a passionate climax; thereafter it winds down with an affectionate backward glance towards the close of the the slow movement of the Euphonium Concerto of Joseph Horovitz, whose mark had been made indelibly on the euphonium repertoire. This movement is dedicated to Luis Maldonado who set the full score of the brass version before his untimely death.IV. Diversions: The work's variation finale is cast in 3/4 throughout though the barline is often a guideline and was seen by the composer as a challenge of metrical restraint! There is an obvious jazz feel to this movement (both rhythmically and harmonically) with a swaggering ritornello theme first announced by the solo euphonium. Thereafter follows a series of interludes and 'adjusted' returns of the main theme. A lyrical idea is allowed to enter but the underlying momentum is ever present. The band also contributes to the interludes and eventually the tempo increases towards a 'wild' and absolute conclusion.Duration: 22.30Recorded on QPRM143D Dreamscapes, Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£32.95
Euphonium Concerto (Concert Band - Score only) - Ellerby, Martin
This Euphonium Concerto was written between late 1994 and early 1995 in response to a commission from Steven Mead to whom the work is dedicated. It is cast in four movements and lasts a little over 22 mins:I. Fantasy: After the briefest of introductions, the solo euphonium enters with the key melodic phrase of the movement in a fast 'Tempo I'. This idea is developed up to the point where a slower 'Tempo II' breaks the argument - here the mood is reflective but it is only to be a brief interruption as 'Tempo I' returns very quickly. The opening material is then subjected to further transformation with 'Tempo II' making occasional returns en route, the distances between the contrasting tempi becoming ever closer, and the movement closes in a rather soft though definite manner.II. Capriccio: This relatively short presto movement forms a bridge between the first movement and the work's slow movement. The majority of the band parts are bright and muted with the percussion players enhancing the texture with contributions from xylophone, glockenspiel and vibraphone. Again the initial solo euphonium phrase provides the basis for almost all the movement's material. This is extremely virtuosic for the soloist and band alike and makes great play of the rhythmic possibilities of combining simple and compound music either in close proximity or together.III. Rhapsody (for Luis): A Lento movement, sitting between two different but essentially rapid ones, this provides the work's emotional core exploiting the soloist's cantabile qualities in an almost seamless fashion. Again, as will all the work's movements, the initial idea paves the way for subsequent development, eventually culminating in a passionate climax; thereafter it winds down with an affectionate backward glance towards the close of the the slow movement of the Euphonium Concerto of Joseph Horovitz, whose mark had been made indelibly on the euphonium repertoire. This movement is dedicated to Luis Maldonado who set the full score of the brass version before his untimely death.IV. Diversions: The work's variation finale is cast in 3/4 throughout though the barline is often a guideline and was seen by the composer as a challenge of metrical restraint! There is an obvious jazz feel to this movement (both rhythmically and harmonically) with a swaggering ritornello theme first announced by the solo euphonium. Thereafter follows a series of interludes and 'adjusted' returns of the main theme. A lyrical idea is allowed to enter but the underlying momentum is ever present. The band also contributes to the interludes and eventually the tempo increases towards a 'wild' and absolute conclusion.Duration: 22.30Recorded on QPRM143D Dreamscapes, Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£264.99Poeme Montagnard (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Van der Roost, Jan
Jan Van der Roost received the commission for this work from the Orchestre d'Harmonie du Val d'Aoste and dedicated the composition to Lino Blanchod, the conductor of the orchestra. The first performance was on 26th January 1997 by the orchestra itself and under the direction of the composer. This extensive symphonic poem depicts the atmosphere and history of the autonomous French speaking region Val d'Aoste in northern Italy, and is meant as a musical homage to the historical figure Catherine de Challant. The opening of this piece describes the rugged nature of this region dominated by Mont Blanc, the roof of Europe. A brief, combative passage conjures up the numerous wars fought here through the ages, later expanding into a surprising 'Renaissance Dance' with an original and fitting recorder quartet. A broad, lyrical theme portrays the love that has always played an important role here. After recapturing several of the earlier themes, the piece closes with the renaissance dance, this time played by the brass. A spectacular finale brings this symphonic poem to a close.Duration: 18:30
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£137.99Oregon (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - De Haan, Jacob
This fantasy tells the story of Oregon, one of America's north-western states. Traveling by train on the Northern Pacific Railroad, the listener is taken through the fascinating Oregon landscape. Indians, cowboys, golddiggers and hooded wagons will file past on this adventurous journey. The piece has some similarities with a soundtrack of a movie. Various melodies, which could be the main themes of a movie, pass the review.The piece begins in a slow movement, introducing the first theme in minor. Then we hear in the following fast movement the trombones imitate the train, whistling the steam-flute. We hear the characteristic minor theme again, but now in different variants (also in major). The rythmic structure of "western" stile and rock succeed each other. This is leading to the slow movement, where the signals of horns and trumpets introduce a wonderful vocal melody. After this characteristic melody, the fast movement appears shortly again, the trombones whistling the steam-flute again (now in major). We hear also some musical elements, that plays a part in the following Presto. Barchanges, jazzy chords, interesting rhytmic patterns (with bongo) and an original theme are the characteristics of this Presto. After this, the horns announce the last section of the piece. Interesting is the fact that we hear in this Allegro section a variant of the vocal melody in the slow movement. Also the Presto theme returns shortly, followed by the Allargando, which is a grand characteristic end of a soundtrack. The movie of our travelling fantasy has come to an end.Duration: 9:00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£75.24Atlantis: The Lost Continent
The mysterious lost civilization of Atlantis has captured the imagination for generations, and this powerful programmatic work from the pen of Rob Romeyn brings that mystical world to life in music. Beautiful melodies, stark musical contrasts and bold drama all describe this stunning programmatic piece depicting the island nation that existed over 11,000 years ago in the midst of the Atlantic Ocean. The music begins calmly, depicting a beautiful sunrise over the city. It develops as the fateful day ensues, reaching a stunning climax as Atlantis, its people and its humanity were swallowed by the sea. A variety of tonal colors, textures, and contrasting styles will make this wonderful piece a mainstay for concert and festival use. Solid scoring and cued solos will make this work for many performance situations. This is truly an outstanding contemporary work. Don't miss this one!!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£64.95
PURCELL VARIANTS (Advanced Concert Band) - Meechan, Peter
Purcell Variants is based on Purcell's Queen Mary's Funeral Music, which consists of four canzonas, two elegies and an anthem. The first movement begins by sounding some of Purcell's original music in the trombones and horns, underpinned by a timpani roll with the woodwind articulating the beginnings and endings of the phrases. This leads into a cadenza for trumpet and alto saxophone before the movement heads in different directions, leading us to its mysterious end, where the original music is sounded this time in the 'stabs' of the clarinets and alto saxophone. Originally composed for the funeral of Queen Mary in 1695, Purcell's original funeral music was used later that same year for Purcell's own funeral - he died aged only 34. The second movement is an elegy, inspired by this story. After an introduction (a disjointed last post), the main melody of the movement is introduced by the solo euphonium, with other solo roles for flute, oboe and alto saxophone. This is then taken over by the trumpets who lead us into the middle section of the movement. This is a quasi funeral march, inspired by the image of Purcell's coffin being taken to its final resting point. The main melody returns in the flute, oboe and alto saxophone, this time more elaborated. The movement ends with a snare drum fading away - perhaps a metaphor. The Finale is a fast and furious movement combining thematic material from the two previous movements with new rhythmical ideas. This takes us through to the final passage - the triumphant return of Purcell's original theme. Duration: 13.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£164.95Roman Trilogy (Prestige Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Ellerby, Martin
This work falls into three movements, all concerned with the subject of the Italian capital city of Rome, rather like previous tributes to other European citites in Paris Sketches, Venetian Spells and The Cries of London. The emphasis is on atmosphere and drama, be they respectful or joyful! It is acknowledged that Ottorino Respighi has influenced this work though his own eternal Rome tributes are not challenged here, rather saluted and celebrated.The three movements are: 1. Collosea di Romaan evergrowing march mood, builds in intensity and density as we approach the mighty Colosseum, the amphitehatre of Classical Rome, where deadly spectacles were once played out. We should not forget that countless thousands died here whilst even more laughed in the name of entertainment: their memory is reflected in the coda. In its unique way this icon of Rome is one of the most tragic historical places.2. Capella Sistinathe Sistine Chapel of the Vatican City is observed in a series of chorales and interludes. The visitor can look 360o around and be presented with a series of Biblical representations and commentaries. The music attempts to reflect these contrasting panels whilst ultimately bowing to the glory of this magnificent artistic creation. The coda is enigmatic, inconclusive - a single viewing cannot reveal all the mysteries and beauties within. 3. Fonatani di Trevitime for laughter and fun! The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome's finest and visually overboard locations! This is indicated as a Burletta: 'a la dolce vita' which means 'the sweet life'. This burletta (meaning 'little joke') makes use of tarantella and saltarello rhythms and features a pair of tambourines which are associated with these forms. La Dolce Vita was also a film by the renowned Italian director Federico Fellini featuring a memorable scene in the Trevi with a wet Enita Ekberg: something modern day visitors are discouraged from emulating!Duration: 11:15Recorded on Polyphonic QPRM161D ROMAN TRILOGY (TheRoyal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra).
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£37.95
Roman Trilogy (Prestige Concert Band - Score only) - Ellerby, Martin
This work falls into three movements, all concerned with the subject of the Italian capital city of Rome, rather like previous tributes to other European citites in Paris Sketches, Venetian Spells and The Cries of London. The emphasis is on atmosphere and drama, be they respectful or joyful! It is acknowledged that Ottorino Respighi has influenced this work though his own eternal Rome tributes are not challenged here, rather saluted and celebrated.The three movements are: 1. Collosea di Romaan evergrowing march mood, builds in intensity and density as we approach the mighty Colosseum, the amphitehatre of Classical Rome, where deadly spectacles were once played out. We should not forget that countless thousands died here whilst even more laughed in the name of entertainment: their memory is reflected in the coda. In its unique way this icon of Rome is one of the most tragic historical places.2. Capella Sistinathe Sistine Chapel of the Vatican City is observed in a series of chorales and interludes. The visitor can look 360o around and be presented with a series of Biblical representations and commentaries. The music attempts to reflect these contrasting panels whilst ultimately bowing to the glory of this magnificent artistic creation. The coda is enigmatic, inconclusive - a single viewing cannot reveal all the mysteries and beauties within. 3. Fonatani di Trevitime for laughter and fun! The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome's finest and visually overboard locations! This is indicated as a Burletta: 'a la dolce vita' which means 'the sweet life'. This burletta (meaning 'little joke') makes use of tarantella and saltarello rhythms and features a pair of tambourines which are associated with these forms. La Dolce Vita was also a film by the renowned Italian director Federico Fellini featuring a memorable scene in the Trevi with a wet Enita Ekberg: something modern day visitors are discouraged from emulating!Duration: 11:15Recorded on Polyphonic QPRM161D ROMAN TRILOGY (TheRoyal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra)
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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