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£207.00Das Liebesverbot - Richard Wagner
This young, comic opera, composed in 1835 on one of Wagner's own libretti, based on a play by Shakespeare, was unsuccessful at the Magdeburg theatre in 1836 and even the composer considered it a "sin of youth". After attempting in vain to have his first opera, "Le Fate", performed in Germany, Richard Wagner decided that his lack of success was due to the overwhelming competition of Italo-French music. He listened to Bellini, and became aware of the objective reasons for the great success of this music, comparing the warmth of life of Italian music to the frozen and meticulous German style. Hence he composed " Das Liebesverbot " with the sole aim of giving intense pleasure tothe public, without worrying about succumbing to the clichs of French and Italian music. That is why, when we listen to this music without knowing the name of the composer, we find ourselves in an embarrassing situation. We could easily attribute the work to some French composer, Meyerbeer, or Auber, for instance, but then the melodic ease and constructive linearity would bring Rossini to mind. By paying closer attention, however, we notice a boldness, an aggressiveness and a wealth of ideas that, together with clever orchestration, reveal the touch of the great German musician. " Das Liebesverbot " deserves to be performed more often, and we feel sure that the transcription for band will be an excellent vehicle of diffusion for this symphony.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£113.30Caleidoscopio - Lorenzo Pusceddu
The incommunicability between different cultures and worlds and the confusion that this generates lie at the heart of this work: the fanfare-like themes that characterise the introduction, together with the "Arabian" melodies of the Presto, represent these differences. The bare theme of the Andante, while offering a glimpse of hope, also describes the impossibility of a meeting and the pain this situation causes. The empty fifth and dissonance of the minor second are elements that feature throughout this work. In the Coda, moreover, all these ideas reappear "kaleidoscopically", amidst a convulsive and excitingly chaotic atmosphere.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£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
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£84.99Twinkling Flutes - Richard Comello
Composer Richard Comello observed that there is practically no music written for two flutes accompanied by concert band, so he composed this delightful piece convinced that this it will fill this little gap in the repertoire. Following a solemn baroque style introduction, joyful characteristic flute sounds develop with subtle band accompaniment. The two flute parts can be played by more players so enabling this piece to put your complete flute section in the spotlight.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£68.99
Barcelona '92 - Horst Schelcke
The Olympic Games from the summer of 1992, officially known as theGames of the XXV Olympiad of the modern era, were held in the sunnySpanish city of Barcelona. This was the first time the Olympic Gameshad been held in Spain, and to celebrate this Horst Schelke composedthis rousing concert march with a typically Spanish feel. Relive theexcitement of this great event with this superb march.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£89.99Atlanta '96 - Wim Laseroms
The 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta acted as the inspirationfor Wim Laseroms to compose this piece. It is in the form of aconcert march and its brilliant festive lyrical style reflects the bestof everything about this most prestigious sporting event. Why notcelebrate this year's Olympics in China by performing this spiritedand energetic march.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£89.99Enjoy the Music - Thomas Doss
'Enjoy the Music' is the motto of Austrian composer Thomas Doss. This motto is reflected in this lively concert work in which the composer shows music is melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, timbre and much more. The modern yet tuneful melodies of this piece make use of all the colours of the concert band and the results speak for themselves. This item will be a definite favourite with both performers and audience.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£84.99Mysterious Waltz - Thomas Doss
Mysterious Waltz: this title should draw your attention! This particular waltz is not based on any specific example, least of all the Viennese waltz. Two souls are latent in this work, one lovely and cheerful and one melancholic with a touch of irony. Which of these two characters will finally dominate the listener depends on the conductor, who will reveal this secret according to his personal disposition...
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£74.99
Happy Together
The pop group, The Turtles, were one of the best-known bands during the 1960s with nine top 30 hits. This was quite an accomplishment considering that this era was dominated by megastars such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Motown and other huge names. In 1966 The Turtles released the love song Happy Together which gave them their first number one hit single. Today this song, with its catchy chorus, is regarded as an evergreen and this arrangement will make a welcome addition to your light concert repertoire.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£84.99Sleigh Ride
This light-hearted, cheerful Christmas classic was written by the American composer Leroy Anderson. According to reports, he wrote this piece during a heat wave in July 1948. Mitchell Parish wrote the lyrics to the music in 1950. Since then many famous artists have recorded and performed this song, including the Carpenters, Ella Fitzgerald and Diana Ross. This Sleigh Ride arrangement by Stefan Schwalgin is close to the original and will be a great addition to any Christmas Concert.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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