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.

This musical fantasy depicts the history of the Dutch fortified town of Elburg. The work begins with an atmospheric medieval picture of the Convent of St Agnes the nunnery that was built in the first half of the 15th century. We hear the sound of the convent bells together with an upward motif which will reappear later in the work. Next the rest of Elburg is featured including the fortress - from which the bells of the Sint-Nicolaaskerk (Saint Nicholas Church) are ringing. Then cheerful sounds can be heard at the Vischpoort (Fish Gate) where a dancing group is performing a 16th century French folk dance (a branle des chevaux). We also hear old wagons rumbling over the town’scobble stones. Trade made this Hanseatic town a lively place. The repetitive upward motif first heard in the introduction now develops into a more distinct feature reflecting the mercantile spirit of the town residents.Then follows the slow middle movement in which the clock has been turned back to the time when Elburg was still lying on the Zuiderzee (which was a bay of the North Sea) and was struggling with floods. After the second St. Marcellus Flood (1362) and the water flood of 1367 it was decided that the town would be relocated. We now hear the theme of branle des chevaux in a minor key followed by a death bell sounding in remembrance of the drowned citizens of the former town. Back in our own time a slow expressive theme in Baroque style mirrors Elburg’s tranquil places such as the Feithenhof (Feithen Court) and the Weduwenhofje (Widow Court). Then the bustle returns with motifs from the introduction followed by an attractive theme in which present-day Elburg is portrayed with its many tourists. Now suddenly there is an echo from the past depicting the dramatic floods and wars that once plagued the town. This leads to the grand closing theme: branle des chevaux is heard for a final time from the perspective of the historic town centre.

In the early days of the United States a main source of transportation was the many waterways rivers and the Great Lakes. From this focal point of commerce and social activity came many wonderful folk songs. Shore to Shore uses two of these sailing songs. Blow ye winds blow and Leave her no more.

This exciting medley of American spirituals is sure to please! Mike Hannickel's carefully crafted THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS helps young bands develop those all-important listening skills. They'll hear how each tune contrasts and complements the others when ?Go Tell It On The Mountain? ?Swing Low Sweet Chariot? and ?Who did Swallow Jo-Jo-Jonah? all come together in rousing counterpoint! THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS works wonderfully with the unpredictable instrumentation of so many youth bands while it's contrapuntal nature allows every section to shine. THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS allows each parent to say honestly to their child 'I HEARD you play your part!'

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

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.

Basée sur une fanfare remplie d?énergie à partir de laquelle se développe ensuite une ligne mélodique fluide cette pièce est inspirée par la campagne verte et boisée qui entoure la maison de James Curnow dans le Kentucky.

Avec Acclamation le compositeur américain James Curnow démontre son habileté à manier la forme 'thème et variations?. Acclamation développe la mélodie du cantique allemand O Gott nimm an die Gaben ('Seigneur reçois favorablement nos offrandes'). Cette pièce est dédiée à tous ceux qui consacrent leur temps et leur talent à la musique.

Captivated by the rolling hills majestic horse farms and beautiful horses of the Central Kentucky Bluegrass region James Curnow has named this exciting overture after one of the most scenic areas near his home. After a fanfare opening the Percussion section provides high energy for the main theme. A contrasting middle section showcases the expressive abilities of your ensemble. With a return of the main theme momentum builds steadily to the exciting conclusion.Exhilarating!