Flying the Breeze opens with three repeated B's (representing the initials of the Breeze Brass Band from Japan who commissioned this work). A short introduction leads to a robust theme from the baritones and euphoniums which is taken up by cornets and trombones. A restless bridge passage leads to a syncopated tune from the solo cornet and then to a third theme from a solo trombone. A graceful second subject leads back to a recall of the introductory material before a full-scale recapitulation. An intense allargando leads to a full-band version of the second subject under a running cornet passage which leads to a short coda.

The Netherlands have been an important trading nation for a long time – partly as a result of their geographical situation. One of the first multinationals in The Netherlands was the ‘Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie’ (VOC). The aim of the VOC was to send ships to Asia in order to buy pepper and spices and to take over the Portuguese monopoly in this field. The Company was successful. An era of great prosperity resulted in which the art of painting (Rembrandt van Rijn) as well as science (Constantijn Huygens) flourished alongside a thriving economy. 1. The Sails are set : There is a lot of hustle and bustle on the quay. The crew are preparing fordeparture. Goodbyes are said and once the sails have been hoisted the ship sets out to sea.2. A Visit to the Rajah of Yogyakarta: After a voyage of many months the place of destination is reached. A visit to the Radja the king of the area around Yokyakarta follows. The dishes and beverages and the native culture in general are very pleasant after having been on a diet of ship’s biscuit and water for such a long time.3. The Holds have been loaded: The holds have been loaded to the brim and the voyage home can be begin!4. Death sails along: Life at sea is rough. not seldom did a sailor die of a tropical disease or scurvy. After a memorial service the Captain would speak the words ‘One two three in God’s name ...’ and the body wrapped in canvas would be committed to the sea.5. A joyful homecoming: After many months of hardship coming home is perhaps the best part of the entire voyage. The quay is filled with people eager to give the crew a warm welcome.

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.

Excuse me may I play along? Could you step aside please? ‘Step Aside’ is a pleasant competition both between two tempi and among the different parts. After a short slow introduction it is the drummer who without asking the questions above sets the high pace. As soon as this rapid movement has been established ‘part 1’ takes the lead but the other parts obviously don’t want to miss a thing and follow in rapid succession. At the end of the composition the various parts ‘compete’ in order to be able to play solo for a while but soon others join in again asking ‘Excuse me may I play along?’

In ‘Land of Legends’ German composer Andreas Ludwig (what’s in a name) Schulte takes you along to the fictional world of legends myths and fairy tales. The introduction to the first part (The Castle) describes the majestic contours of the scene of action. Its instrumentation (horns) immediately makes you imagine being in Medieval spheres. The addition of trenchant copper instruments even gives the part a heroic tinge. After entering through the gate a lot of hustle and bustle appears to be going on in the courtyard. Pages squires and soldiers are busy attending to their arms. Beer is being brewed flax is being spun cattle are being tended and some craftsmen fromneighbouring villages are busily at work. In the upper chamber of the round tower lives an old man (The Old Wizard). He hardly ever comes out and nobody knows exactly what he is doing. It is said that he is engaged in wizardry and magic. It is all very mysterious. There are also festivities some of them sober others exuberant. The wedding in the third part is celebrated in a grand manner. With a flourish of trumpets the bride makes her entrance at the hand of her father. Afterwards at the party there is dancing to the music played by minstrels and of course a plentiful banquet follows.

for Flugel Horn Solo and Brass Band-Moon Song Sun Dance was commissioned by Flugel Horn virtuoso Claude Romailler and premiered by him at the Swiss National Solo and Quartet Championships in April 2012. As the title implies the work is in two contrasting movements which can be performed separately or together.Moon Song opens with a flowing modal theme which the soloist embellishes before the band takes centre stage. A central section brightens the mood with a new melody over the lightest of accompaniments; this is once again developed by the soloist until the original theme reappears played by the band. This introduces a cadenza for the soloist which either closes the movement or canbe extended to link directly to the second movement.Sun Dance is a vivace 6/8 scherzo which opens with a flourish from the band. The soloist then introduces the main theme which in turn is taken up by the band. A short bridge passage heralds a change of key and a new melody from the soloist. A brief central interlude then introduces a change of meter and recalls the main melody of Moon Song before a recapitulation leads to a florid coda which brings the work to a close.

The atmosphere of the brilliant and successful Walt Disney film Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man???s Chest was partly defined by the exciting dramatic and powerful soundtrack by Hans Zimmer. With this excellent arrangement of his memorable themes the adventure comes to life all over again! Take your band on a high seas adventure with this swashbuckling medley.

As he did before in the often played and commonly appreciated ‘Lord Tullamore’ in which he poetically depicted the landscape and the cultural elements of a small Irish village in his composition ‘The Road to the West’ Carl Wittrock has sketched pioneer existence in America in a cinematic manner.In ‘The Road to the West’ the composer has tried to capture images of pioneer life during the period dating from 1850 to 1890 the days of the so-called Wild West.In those days the Wild West used to be the territory west of civilization the domain of cowboys trappers and other fortune hunters. In short ample ingredients for a captivating story.In the firstscene a lonely adventurer struggles against nature and the elements. After an exciting adventure he passes through ‘the Plains’ where majestic views alternated by colossal mountain ranges display an almost unimaginable beauty.After weeks of isolation civilization is reached again. ‘The Saloon’ is the perfect meeting place – here news is exchanged and hilarious scenes regularly take place.

Par BRUBECK DAVE. The classic jazz number Take Five was first recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet and released on its 1959 album Time Out. Composed by Paul Desmond, the group's saxophonist, it became famous for its distinctive, catchy melody and use of quintuple time, from which the piece got its name. This brass band arrangement, by Steve Sykes, captures the jaunty slant of the original. Brass Band Grade 4: Advanced Youth and 3rd Section. Duration: 4 minutes./ Répertoire / Brass Band

Steve Sykes has taken the main themes from George Gershwin’s classic 1924 Rhapsody in Blue for piano and concert jazz orchestra to form a tuneful selection for brass band. Brass Band Grade 4: Advanced Youth and 3rd Section Duration: 8 minutes

Les auteurs-compositeurs Bob Crewe et Bob Gaudio ont formé un tandem couronné de succès. Dans les années 60 et 70 ils signent de nombreux tubes pour Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons dont l?immense standard de l?année 1967 Can?t Take My Eyes Off You. Par la suite une pléiade d?artistes célèbres reprend cette chanson charmante au rythme enlevé. Ainsi The Lettermen Andy Williams Diana Ross & The Supremes Gloria Gaynor The Boystown Gang ou The Pet Shop Boys entre autres (liste non exhaustive) ont inscrit ce classique de la musique pop à leur répertoire. Lorenzo Bocci signe cet arrangement entraînant pour Brass Band.

This work was commissioned in memory of Peter J. Swanson a trumpet and cornet player who tragically died at the tender age of fourteen. Peter’s favorite gospel song Just a Closer Walk with Thee has been used as the basis for this piece of contrasts which takes the listener through many styles and moods. The spiritual character of the original song resounds gloriously in When Time Will Be No More.

The composition Kefas was written for the brass band 'Apollo' from Grou (The Netherlands) by order of the Unisono Foundation the organisation for wind music in The Netherlands.The assignment was given on account of earning the Champions Title during the Dutch Brass Band Championships in the year 2001 (4th division). The theme of the composition links the tradition of the village Grou not to celebrate Sint Nicolaas but Sint Pieter.By this typical Dutch festivity (in December) the holy Nicolaas gives presents to the children. It is a popular custom where young and old participate. Grou is the only place where this is not done by Sint Nicolaas but by Sint Pieter.Apart from that on the 22th of Februari a lot of festivities that take place resemble those of the Sinterklaas celebration. In the composition two Sint Pieter songs are processed set through bible scenes wherein in among others the visit of Christ to the house of Peter's Mother-in-law and the calling of Peter are depicted. The title refers to the pronouncement of Christ where he named Peter the rock on which he shall build his church. The Hebrew word for rock is Kephas. Kefas was premiered in 2003.

Les auteurs-compositeurs Bob Crewe et Bob Gaudio ont formé un tandem couronné de succès. Dans les années 60 et 70 ils signent de nombreux tubes pour Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons dont l?immense standard de l?année 1967 Can?t Take My Eyes Off You. Par la suite une pléiade d?artistes célèbres reprend cette chanson charmante au rythme enlevé. Ainsi The Lettermen Andy Williams Diana Ross & The Supremes Gloria Gaynor The Boystown Gang ou The Pet Shop Boys entre autres (liste non exhaustive) ont inscrit ce classique de la musique pop à leur répertoire.