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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£169.99Olympica (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Van der Roost, Jan
This "Grand Overture" was commissioned by the "Nagano Community Band" - Japan- on occasion of its jubilee in 1992 and is dedicated to the band's conductor, Ikuo Inagaki. The work is based upon three main themes, each symbolising a certain theme. The first part is characterized by its bright themes played mainly by the brass, accompanied by the woodwinds and festive percussion. This part symbolizes the jubilee which is the origin of the composition. This is followed by a bouncing allegro, in which each register of the band displays brilliant techniques. Especially the woodwinds come to the fore! This movement depicts the industriousness and enthusiasm shown by the members of the "Nagano Community Band" in the carrying out of their hobby. A third, main theme, is choral-like in character and is displayed both in the (soft) brass as well as in the warm medium register of the reeds. Here, nature's beauty in and around the city of Nagano is musically celebrated. Following a "chamber-music episode" (featuring the flute, oboe, clarinet, alto-saxophone and horn) the initial allegro re-occurs, weaving its way towards a grandiose finale, in which the two previous themes are once again apparent. Due to its very colourful scoring and the enormous diversity of musical thoughts and ideas, this composition is a fascinating and memorable piece, worthy a jubilee overture!Duration: 10:15
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£84.99
Durkle Bandrydge Suite Wind Band Set (Score & Parts) - Fraser, Bruce
Durkle Bandrydge is the name of the composers imaginary world, but it could very well be anyones invisible dream world with a different name. In this very versatile suite by Bruce Fraser, 8 characters are featured, each with its own peculiarities, making Durkle Bandrydge such a colourful place. Do these characters differ that much from us? That is for you to find out! In the last part, all characters come together in a special way.Durkle Bandrydge exists at the end of your street. It is invisible to humans, but Durkle Bandrygators can watch us with great interest. The music will introduce you to some of the characters who live in this unusual place. The parts: Somnanbulyss, who is a giant troll guarding the entrance to Durkle Bandryde. At least, he is supposed to, but he tends to sleep most of the time. His music is therefore very slow moving and sleepy. Long Gwysteen is a tall, mysterious, and somehow sophisticated character, who walls around with a shell on his back. His music glides along rather gracefully. Squelfitch is a rather unpleasant and smelly character who lives in a bog, which is why his music sounds rather slimy and a bit like trying to walk through quicksand. Perfydlia is a meddling old woman, who gossips about everybody and squeals with sudden delight at the small exciting bits of tittletattle about others in the village. In the music you can hear her sudden little squeals of delight. Maryann Lovely is a beautiful young lady, graceful, gorgeous, absolutely devine, and her music is obviously just the same. Thistledoo Nicely is a lively character who spends and spends and spends with her credit card, buying the latest fashion and never worries about having to pay the bills. Her music reflects her excitement when shopping and het 'happy go lucky' approach to life. Marsyn Edginton is the Lord of the manor, the richest man in town, the 'big cheese', the man with all the power and, of course, the biggest house. He is very grand and his music like he could be a king. Jimmy McScotsmyn is a red haired scotsman wearing tartan cap. He misses his home country terribly and eats lots of shortbread, oatcakes, scotch eggs, porridge and drinks an enormous amount of Scotch Wisky, which helps him to have fond memories of the kind of music he would like to dance to when he was a younger man. His favourite dance is a Jig and this is the music he remembers. Grand March of the Durkle Bandrydgators. We hope that you have enjoyed meeting these characters from Drukle Bandrydge and would invite you to listen to all the villagers now march along in a grand parade - it is a pity that you can not see them, what is a wonderful sight. If you listen carefully, you will hear the melodies which belong to the characters as they march past. Oh what a grand spectacle! 10:00
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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£211.80Karneval i Paris - Johan S. Svendsen
Johan Svendsen (1840-1911) composed "Carnival in Paris" in 1872, inspired by the energy and vibrancy of the Parisian carnival celebrations. The piece showcases a variety of moods and orchestral colours, ranging from jubilant and playful sections to more lyrical and elegant passages. It is a lively and colourful work that reflects Svendsen's skill in orchestration and his ability to capture vivid, festive atmospheres in music. In "Carnival in Paris", his Nordic musical roots meet the cosmopolitan influences he encountered while living and working in major European cities. The work has become one of Svendsen's most popular and is frequently performed in concert halls and festivals. About My Transcriptions for Wind Bands Ever since I started playing the clarinet at 8 or 9 years old in the school band "Blveisene" in my hometown of Gjvik, playing transcriptions of orchestral music has been a natural part of the repertoire. In regional bands, Norway's National Youth Band, and during my 10 years in a Military band, I played many such transcriptions. These transcriptions often included handwritten parts, masterfully crafted by colleagues in a time when music notation software didn't exist. Similarly, the scores were often incomplete, typically featuring just a solo clarinet part and condensed score in Bb. The transcriptions also contained parts for instruments like the Eb cornet and multiple tenor horns, but no saxophones, which made them less suitable for modern wind bands. The rise of many skilled Concert Bands and the increasing demands for scores and accessibility made me realize that someone needed to preserve this tradition. The reason I've transcribed these works is to ensure that you can play or conduct a repertoire that I believe has a rightful place in Norwegian Wind Band tradition. These transcriptions are my contribution to preserving some of the unique works in Norwegian music literature. Creating a transcription is a complex task, and I believe the score of "Carnival in Paris" is one of the most intricate I've undertaken. The first part of the process involves entering the entire orchestral score into music notation software. This is time-consuming and requires meticulous work. The next step is to check several editions to see if there are any discrepancies. Mistakes are often found in orchestral material, which can lead to further errors in the transcription. After that, I listen to many different recordings while following along with the score, paying attention to how different conductors emphasize balance and timbre. Gradually, I begin to note down passages I believe will work well for wind bands. One particular challenge in this piece is that the woodwinds and strings operate in the same register. In the original, the tonal difference between the strings and winds helps to clarify the individual musical lines. In the transcription, I've tried to address this by separating the lines, for example through octave adjustments, and highlighting them without compromising other aspects. I've also used some mallet percussion to broaden the tonal palette. There are countless decisions to be made to create a product that will hopefully allow future generations of wind band musicians to play this repertoire. - Stig Nordhagen -
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£118.99Princess Mononoke, Medley - Joe Hisaishi
Series: New Sounds in Brass (NSB); Duration: approx.8'50"; Composed by Joe Hisaishi; Arranged by Takashi Hoshide. Arranger Takashi Hoshide says, "I have selected beautiful melodies from the soundtrack of 'Princess Mononoke' (1997, directed by Hayao Miyazaki) and arranged them into a medley. What can be said about these songs as a whole is that they combine a grand continental scale with the delicacy that reflects Japanese emotions. Since there are no upbeat songs in this selection, I had to work hard on the arrangement, but this allowed for creating contrasts and transitions between each scene in the performance. 'Ashitaka Sekki (English title: The Legend of Ashitaka)' - 'Sekki' means a story that is not recorded but passed down orally. In this anime, this can be considered a sub-main theme. The song starts with a feeling that the story is about to begin and, once the theme kicks in, aim for a grand performance to convey its scale. 'Encounter' - This is the music that plays during the scene where the protagonist Ashitaka meets San. Interestingly, the motif of the main theme 'Princess Mononoke' is used in this melody. Here, let's pursue the shifts in the timbre of individual phrases, creating a beautiful and aesthetic soundscape. 'Princess Mononoke' - This is the main title of the anime. The melody line is carried by horns and trumpets."
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£139.99Cyrano - Otto M. Schwarz
What are the true qualities of a person? Outward beauty or inner values? Or perhaps a balance of the two?This question has probably been posed by everyone at some time or another, and the answer is as challenging as it is subjective. This is also the theme of this work.The poet and soldier Cyrano de Bergerac is known for his big nose and his great intellect. The 17th century novelist harbours feelings for the beautiful Roxane but is sure that this love will never be reciprocated. Roxane herself falls in love with the cadet Christian de Neuvillette, who is certainly handsome but could be described as stupid. Cyrano de Bergerac writes love poems on behalf of Christian to win Roxane's heart. And then there is the Count Guiche, who is married but also wants to make her is mistress.Christian and Roxane eventually marry and the furious Count Guiche sends Christian and Cyrano, who serve together in the Captains of Gascony regiment, to the front and, some months later, on a suicide mission.Shortly before the battle, Roxane confesses to her husband that she no longer loves him so much for his beauty as for his inner values. Christian is dismayed and begs Cyrano to tell Roxane the truth, but he can't bring himself to do so.Christian de Neuvillette dies in battle and Cyrano de Bergerac remains silent about the true provenance of the letters.Only much later does the truth come to light: scarred by the war, Cyrano visits Roxane in the convent where she has been living since Christian's death and confesses his love for her. He ultimately dies in Roxane's arms.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£138.00The Saints And the Royal - Eric Swiggers
The Saints and the Royal was composed on behalf of Royal brass band St. Willibrord Heeswijk on the occasion of its 200th anniversary in 2023.When the marching band was founded in 1823, it was given the name "Harmonie Sint Cecilia," referring to Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music. Around 1904, the name was changed to 'Kerkelijke fanfare Willibrord', strongly emphasizing the connection with the church in Heeswijk, of which Saint Willibrord is the patron saint. In 1973, at its 150th anniversary, the band received the predicate 'royal'. From that time on one speaks of the Royal brass band Saint Willibrord.The composition musically depicts both Saints Saint Cecilia and Saint Willibrord and the jubilee royal brass band. Although one of the oldest musical societies in the Netherlands, this fanfare is alive and kicking and will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2023. The composition therefore opens festively and energetically. The alto saxophone plays a recitative, the Gregorian "Cantantibus organis Caecilia virgo in corde suo soli domino decantabat" from the vespers of the feast day of Saint Caecilia, the patron saint of music. This is taken over by the full wood and soft brass group. After a brief, playful interlude, this chant is played by the full orchestra, like an organ, larded with circumambulations.St. Willibord was born in England but made the crossing to the Netherlands in 690 to preach the gospel as a missionary. This was far from harmless and he faced frequent uprisings. After his death he was buried in Echternach in Luxembourg. In this place he is commemorated to this day with the annual "Spring Procession" or "Dance Procession". This procession of Echternach went as follows until 1947: 3 steps forward, 2 steps backward. Hence we hear this procession back in a 5/8 measure: 3 + 2.After this procession, the Gregorian vesper of Sint Caecilia sounds one more time, leading the composition to a reprise of the opening: The jubilee Royal Fanfare Sint Willibord Heeswijk.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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