During his short lifetime Max Reger (1873-1916) was a prolific composer with many of his best known works being composed for organ. The ten chorale preludes in this selection are from his set of Thirty Short Chorale Preludes Op.135a composed as short voluntaries for liturgical use rather than for recitals in these arrangements Philip Sparke has kept this in mind and each prelude can be performed with minimal instrumentation for those occasions where a small band is needed. They also make great pieces for band warm-ups or studies in intonation sound and balance.

Fantasy on Lobe den Herren (Praise to the Lord the Almighty)-Fantaisie sur le choral Lobe den Herren ('Louez le Seigneur')Le choral Lobe den Herren succ¬de au ch?ur d'ouverture de la Cantate BWV 137 de Jean-Sébastien Bach. La mélodie du choral trouve ses origines dans l'Allemagne du XVIIe si¬cle. Elle a été intégrée ± l'un des premiers et des plus importants recueils de chorals luthériens publié ± l'époque de Bach le recueil de cantiques du théologien Johann Freylinghausen. Avec Song of Adoration Roland Kernen signe un superbe arrangement pour Orchestre d'Harmonie de cette cél¬bre mélodie chorale.

Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten-Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten was composed by Georg Neumark in about 1641 and was subtitled ?Trostlied? literally meaning consolation song. Songbooks at the time showed the popularity of this song and it is still well-known today partly due to Johann Sebastian Bach?s use of the melody for one of his own chorals. In Jan de Haan?s arrangement the choral is heard twice once alternating with the original motif from the introduction and a second time without interruption reflecting the composer?s original intention - a song of consolation.

Par CURNOW JAMES. A wonderful teaching piece and the ideal young band festival work, BACH VARIANTS (six melodic variations on the Bach chorale AWAKE MY HEART AND SING) should be a staple of every young band library. Chorale style playing does so much for the young band's intonation, tone quality and phrasing. Including this one in your next festival program is certain to reap great rewards by honing your group's ability to make quality sound. Even bands which normally play music of higher grade levels will find a valuable experience in James Curnow's BACH VARIANTS. Be sure to add this one to your repertoire. / Niveau : 2 / Hymnes et chorals / Répertoire / Fanfare

Domus est une œuvre de commande pour la Fanfare Soli Deo Gloria de Westerhaar-Vriezeveensewijk aux Pays-Bas.À la demande de la formation dédicataire Jan Van der Roost a composé une pièce structurée dans le style d?un choral. Le résultat est particulièrement convaincant. Dès la première mesure la mélodie chorale est exposée par les saxophones puis s?impose dans une orchestration plus dense. Les lignes mélodiques se diversifient et dévoilent d?audacieuses tournures harmoniques. L?Allegro qui suit est effervescent. Les saxhorns en particulier développent des mélodies expressives et enjouées. Le pupitre des saxophones joue un passage écrit dans un style prochedu contrepoint. Il annonce le dénouement (maestoso) dans lequel la mélodie chorale est délicieusement complétée par le thème de l?Allegro.