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£154.99The Power of the Megatsunami - Carl Wittrock
The word 'tsunami' is of Japanese origin. When you look it up in a dictionary, you will find that it means 'a great sea wave produced by submarine earth movement or volcanic eruption'. A megatsunami is the superlative of this awesome expression of power that nature can create, and has catastrophic consequences. When Carl Wittrock completed this composition not many such big earth movements had occurred, but since then we have become all too familiar with the disastrous consequences which a tsunami may have. On the 26th of December 2004 a heavy seaquake took place near the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Tidal waves 10 meters in height ravaged the coastal regions ofmany countries for miles around. The tsunami took the lives of thousands of people and destroyed many villages and towns. There are more areas which run the risk of being struck by a tsunami, such as the island of La Palma, one of the Canary Islands. This island is based on oceanic crust at a fracture zone and as such is one of nature's time bombs. The consequences of a natural calamity like a megatsunami are immense. In the case of La Palma, the tidal wave will move in the direction of South America, where it may reach 50 km inland, destroying everything on its way. In his composition Wittrock describes an ordinary day which will have an unexpected ending. Right from the beginning there seems to be something in the air, the music creating an oppressive atmosphere of impending disaster. Themes are interrupted, broken off suddenly, followed by silence, suggesting the calm before the storm. Suddenly a short climax (glissandi in the trombone part) indicates the seaquake, and the megatsunami is a fact. Hereafter follows a turbulent passage symbolising the huge rolling waves. After nature's force has spent itself, resignation sets in and the composition ends with a majestic ode to nature.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£244.99Variations on a Pentatonic Theme - Rob Goorhuis
Rob Goorhuis wrote his Variations on a Pentatonic Theme (1987) for the Royal Wind band of Thorn, conductor Jan Cober. The work consists of five character variations on a pentatonic (five-tone) theme. The basic elements of the theme are the descending minor third and the descending major second, which in the course of the composition build up to a broad melody, unfolding itself in the final variation. The first variation resembles minimal music in its repetitive rhythmic motives. The second variation is explosive in character: rapid broken chords provide a background for soft solo motifs. The third variation is a quiet intermezzo on a slow chorale theme, creatingtwo contrasting moods. The fourth variation is a light-hearted scherzo. The final variation is a brilliant finale with all the necessary ingredients, or, in the composer's words, "the works" Testpiece WMC 2005 Concert Division.
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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£69.99Cowboy Suite - Alan Laken
In the tripartite 'Cowboy Suite' Alan Laken takes us to the Wild West, the domain of cowboys, indians, trappers and other fortune hunters. Around 1890 the west coast of America was reached, which in effect meant the end of the Wild West. Its stories, however, survived and have been a source of inspiration for many books, films, and, of course, music. Some characters, such as Jesse James, Billy the Kid, and Buffalo Bill are forever linked to these tales. In the 'Cowboy Suite' we first hear the 'Hoedown'. At the end of an exhausting workday the labourers used to lay down their tools, among others the 'hoes' and spontaneously began to play music on the instruments which they then possessed (guitars, fiddles, and banjos) and to dance. After being jolted on the 'Wagon Trail' we reach the third part, the 'Cowboy Roundup'. In this last part it becomes clear that as a cattle driver it is imperative to stay firmly seated in the saddle. As the cattle are rounded up, i.e. driven together, spectacular things happen.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£54.99Who's next? - David Well
Who begins? Who follows? In 'Who's next?' the orchestra is divided up into two parts a number of times. The division seems random, but on close scrutiny it becomes clear at the end that sides are clearly taken, also in playing the melody, first one section and then .... who'll be next? 'Who's next?' is solid Rock, no nonsense, going straight ahead.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£109.99Frida's Whiskers - David Well
David Well composed 'Frida's Whiskers' in commemoration of his own cat, who met an untimely end. Frida (whose real name was 'Godefrida van Coopersburg thoe Nieuwenhuys') was a lively creature, who led a playful and uncomplicated life. She used to sleep in her basket for hours, but when she woke up she upset the entire house and its furnishing. Curtains were inspected from top to bottom and flower pots fell from window-sills just like that! Outside, in the open air she was in her element. She used to frolic, bouncing into the air. After such playful moods she would return to her basket tired but satisfied where, being the cleanly cat that shewas, she subjected her entire body, whiskers included, to a thorough wash.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£94.99L'Entracte - Jan Bosveld
L'Entracte is a lively piece composed by Jos Bosveld, filled with cheerful sounds that are reminiscent of a circus band. Wake your audience up with L'Entreacte, since no one will be able to sit still for a moment with this music!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£60.99Sumba Samba - Ron Gilmore
The Samba is a Latin American dance, which is mostly associated with parties, as a result of the fast tempo in which it is usually played. 'Sumba Samba' forms an exception to this rule. In order to get this samba to swing it is important to stick to the tempo prescribed. 'Sumba Samba' starts with a motif which will play an important role throughout the piece. This motif can be heard in the first notes of the 'refrain' and, as said before, has been used in the introduction, as well as in the transition after the middle part (letter G). Furthermore, it plays an important role in the middle part itself (letter E), in which the samba has momentarily disappeared and acompletely different atmosphere has been created. At letter H we pick up where we left off with the samba and swing to the end of this composition.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£144.99Voyage with the VOC - William Vean
The United East India Company, or Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) was one of the first international trading companies in the Netherlands. Voyage With The VOC follows the route of a ship (first movement) on a visit to the Rajah of Yogakarta (second movement) to load up the ship before returning home (third movement). The fourth movement describes the hard life of a sailor before the fifth movement sees the ship safely to harbour once again.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£144.99Dance Party - Ron Gilmore
In three contrasting movements Ron Gilmore takes you to the dancefloor. Part 1 (Warming up) ensures that the muscles loose. In part 2 (Chilling out) it's time to unwind with a beautiful trumpet solo. In the last part (Back to the dancefloor), this composition is completed on aswinging. Guaranteed success for both orchestra and audience with this spectacular Dance Party!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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