Par HESKETH KENNETH. In Danceries , by Kenneth Hesketh, the melodies themselves are a mixture of old and new. Where the old occurs it has been adapted in mood and composition and is often interspersed with completely new material. The contemporary harmonies and rhythms bring a breath of new into these themes and add drama to the suite. The first movement, Lull Me Beyond Thee , is gentle and lilting, almost a barcarole, this movement is very much a reverie. The original tune had the name Poor Robin's Maggot , a rather disconcerting title. Maggot, however, in seventeenth-century parlance meant whim or fancy. The second, Catching of Quails , is a colourful, buoyant scherzo on an original melody. The thematic material is shuttled around the band to contrast with full-blooded tuttis. The last few bars fade to almost nothing, before a final surprise! My Lady's Rest is a tender pavane, also on an original melody, with Moorish leanings. Beautiful solo passages, expressive contrapuntal writing and warm tuttis provide an opportunity to show off the most lyrical of playing. The final movement, Quodling's Delight is a clever combination of the 17th century melody, Goddesses , with an original contrasting melody, creating a rousing and exuberant finale to the work. / Niveau : Assez Facile / Répertoire / Brass Band

Meditation on 'O come, O come, Immanuel'. The Advent hymn we all know today as O Come, O Come, Immanuel was arranged in its modern form by Thomas Helmore and published in Hymnal Noted in 1856. Both the words and melody, however, predate this version by centuries. The words are based on a 9th century antiphon and the tune, Veni Immanuel, is taken from a 15th century processional of French Franciscan nuns, part of the setting for the funeral hymn Libera Me. This arrangement aims to expand on the power and mystery of the original tune and will be most effective if the solo cornet at the start and end of the piece can be placed away from the band, maybe at the back of the auditorium. / Niveau : 2.5 / Musique religieuse / Recueil / Brass Band

Meditation on 'Quem Pastores Laudavere'. Par TRADITIONAL. Carol of the Shepherds is based on the hymn tune 'Quem Pastores Laudavere' which dates back to the 14th century and is widely known throughout the Christian world. Although the melody has been set to a number of different texts in different countries it was originally a carol celebrating the Christmas story, in particular the visit of the Angel Gabriel to the shepherds. Carol of the Shepherds is based on the hymn tune 'Quem Pastores Laudavere' which dates back to the 14th century and is widely known throughout the Christian world. Although the melody has been set to a number of different texts in different countries it was originally a carol celebrating the Christmas story, in particular the visit of the Angel Gabriel to the shepherds. / Niveau : 3 / Musique pour célébration / Répertoire / Brass Band

Arr. Jan De Haan. Par TRADITIONAL. The German Christmas song Von Himmel hoch, O Englein kommt is one of the oldest known German carols, with the earliest versions, also known as Susani, going back to the 14th century. This exceptional arrangement by Jan de Haan works extremely well for brass band and will make an ideal work for any Christmas concert. / Niveau : 0.5 / Musique religieuse / Répertoire / Brass Band

Arr. Philip Sparke. Par HENRY VIII. The English king, Henry VIII (1491-1547), is mainly remembered for disposing of his wives on a regular basis and breaking with the Catholic Church when the Pope Clement VII refused to grant him a divorce so he could marry Anne Boleyn. He was, however, a gifted athlete, dancer and composer, writing many songs, poems and consort pieces (though not Greensleeves, as is often believed). Pastime with Good Company is undoubtedly the best-known of these, written in the first years of the 16th century while he was still a handsome prince, newly married to Catherine of Aragon and the envy of Europe. The lyrics tell of the joys of hunting, dancing and singing and would have been sungas part of the court entertainment. / Niveau : 3 / Répertoire / Brass Band

Arr. Otto M. Schwarz. Par PRAETORIUS MICHAEL. The many sided and productive Michael Praetorius (1571-1621) is knwon as a composer of dance music, sacred music and music for the advent and Christmas time. He worked as Kapelmeister to the court at Wolffenbuttel, but he was also asked to serve in other places, includin Dresden. Praetorius was valued for the new impulses he gave to music by means of his use of instrumental accompaniment. His main contribution is his theoretical work 'Syntagma Musicum', one of the most important musical refernce books, in connection with instruments and instrumentation in the early 17th Century. 'Es ist ein ros entsprungen' is a well known ancient melody which has inspired numerous composers andarrangers througout the Centuries. Otto M. Schwarz has made a choral arrangement. / Niveau : 2 / Musique religieuse / Répertoire / Brass Band

Arr. James Curnow. Par FRESCOBALDI GIROLAMO. Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583-1643) was an Italian organist and composer, who became one of the most distinguished organists of the 17th century, serving in the cathedrals of Rome, Florence and in the Netherlands. This Toccata is an arrangement from one of his 68 organ works. / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Brass Band

Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agreable. Whence is that Goodly Fragrance Flowing?' is the first line of an old French Christmas song that originated in the 17th century. In 1728 John Gay used this joyous and markedly festive melody that honours Jesus Christ and His miraculous birth in his Beggar's Opera. Philip Sparke has given this melody a new lease of life with his charming and imaginative arrangement for the Christmas season. / Niveau : 3 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Brass Band