Christina Rossetti wrote the words to this famous Christmas carol in 1872 in response to a request from the magazine Scribner's Monthly for a Christmas poem. They were set to music by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) for inclusion in the first edition (1906) of The English Hymnal edited by his life-long friend Ralph Vaughan Williams. Philip Sparke has carefully arranged the beautiful melody into this delightful version for brass band. A must for any Christmas concert.

Shackleton s Cross was inspired by a painting created in 1957 by the English artist Edward Seago (1910 1974). The title refers to a cross which was erected to the memory of Sir Ernest Shackleton who led a number of explorations to the Antarctic. Shackleton died in 1922 whilst on a Polar expedition and the cross can be found on a promontory at the entrance to the bay at Grytviken Whaling Station in South Georgia. The painting is owned by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and was part of an exhibition at Buckingham Palace from October 2011 to April 2012. Originally scored for oboe trumpet and small orchestra Daniel Hall s sensitive arrangement fortrumpet or cornet and brass band follows the composer s alternative version for solo trumpet and organ created for Crispian Steele-Perkins (trumpet) and David Goode (organ).

A beautiful offertory-style addition to the brass band repertoire. This endearing traditional English melody originally collected and harmonised by Raph Vaughan Williams is now included in many of today’s hymn books. An uplifting piece for schools or church concerts this skilfully crafted arrangement also makes a delightful warm-up piece.

Everyone will instantly recognise this great patriotic hymn that is often thought of as the second English national anthem. This Brass Band arrangement by Philip Sparke is sure to be used over and over again at your band’s performances. Your audience will not be able to help themselves from joining in with this rousing song everytime you use it as the final item in any concert.

Langue: Italian/English(UK) / Date parution : 1905-06-19/ Accessoire / Brass Band