for Brass Band-The opening of this three-movement work features an initial appearance of the thematic material that returns in various guises later on in the work. The leitmotiv centres on a minor second.A range of thematic variations is heard in the lively and energetic Metamorphosis One. This movement is interrupted by an atmospheric meno mosso containing melodic passages that return to the opening theme. Metamorhosis Two is characterised by various changes in tempo and musical character. Seven different soloists transform the thematic material each in their own way. This eventually culminates in a passionate tutti passage.The source of inspiration for Metamorphosis Three isthe so-called BACH-motif a musical autograph consisting of the notes B flat A C and B. This distinctive motif arises from the leitmotiv (here a descending minor second) which continues to evolve through various transpositions and transformations. For the composer this spectacular last movement is an homage to one of the greatest and most influential composers in the history of music: Johann Sebastian Bach.

Staying Alive starring John Travolta was a hit film in 1983. The music for this great film was written by different composers and the soundtrack was recorded by various well-known artists such as the Bee Gees. Frank Stallone (the brother of actor and director Sylvester Stallone) was also involved. He wrote the title song Far from Over. This song with its solid beat became a great success and was a number one hit practically all over the world. This arrangement for brass band is guaranteed to be a hit.

Chain was composed between June and August 2000 as the test piece for the 2002 European Brass Band Championship. The composer’s idea was to compose a one-movement piece - a work that starts mysteriously and develops in various directions. As his basic material he chose a figure that is the abbreviation of the European Brass Band Championship: EBBC. This figure is developed in a chain of figures which gradually lead to the climax of the piece.

In search of 'La Valse'-Winning Performance EBBC Lille 2016 Raveling Unraveling In Search of ‘La Valse’ was written for the Cory Band as their own-choice test piece for the 2016 European Brass Band Championships in Lille. The piece found its genesis in Sparke’s The Unknown Journey (2014) for concert band and the use of Ravel’s La Valse as a structural undercurrent to the original piece is an act of reverence. Sparke’s aim was to produce a work that is organic rather than episodic in nature. The composer’s view is that little in music does this better than La Valse and for this reason he uses various sections of this masterpiece both manipulated and quoted verbatim (including much of itsstunningclosing passages) to provide the overall geography of his new work. As the music progresses more of the Ravel appears surfacing completely as the piece reaches its climax - a gesture of homage to the French master.

Sketches from Nowhere is the second composition that Thomas Doss has written for brass band. The title was inspired by various images the composer saw in his mind’s eye while working on this piece: pictures of foreign places; pictures of the creationof our world. The main motif that weaves its way from the beginning to the end of the work is meant to parallel humanity’s great evolution: from its humble beginnings as mere stardust to the present day.

St. Michael-The French composer Louis Bourgeois lived from c.1510 to 1560. Bourgeois was cantor in Geneva and commissioned by John Calvin he composed melodies for metrical (rhyming) versions of the psalms. After completing about a hundred one-part psalms he made some four-part arrangements which were denounced and even resulted in his imprisonment for a day. Later Bourgeois published a number of psalm collections and judging from his book Le droict chemin de musique he was also an excellent educator. The melodies Bourgeois composed are (contrary to Gregorian chants) particularly suitable for community singing. This applies to his hymn tune Saint Michael which is why this melody hasbeen used for various texts written for many occasions. John Blanken made this arrangement for a wedding ceremony: an occasion in which faith and trust play a large - if not the largest - role. Hence the title Hymn of Faith. The arrangement contains four verses of the hymn. After a majestic opening the hymn follows twice the second verse being embellished in the tenor register. After a short interlude verse three follows played by a quartet. The majestic opening is then repeated as a modulation into the fourth verse which concludes the work in a brilliant tutti.

Sbandiamo! is a joyous?and swinging?work, taking its title from the wind music event held annually in the medieval Italian city of Gubbio, Umbria in which various bands from all over Italy participate. The first performance of this piece was given at the Piazza Grande, Gubbio, under the baton of the composer himself, with a wind band of some 250 musicians. A stately introduction, with festive percussion, is followed by a catchy theme in alternating pop and march rhythms. The opening theme then returns as a marcia cantabile, and the work is brought to a grand and compelling conclusion.

Before his untimely death in 1988 Dutch composer Rogier van Otterloo became well-known for the film music he wrote to various successful Dutch movies. In this medley made by his youngest son Thijs van Otterloo the themes of Help de dokter verzuipt! (Help the Doctor Is Drowning! 1974) and Soldaat van Oranje (Soldier of Orange 1977) have been used as well as Esther (from Soldier of Orange). A fantastic trip into the field of world cinema music.

Before his untimely death in 1988 Dutch composer Rogier van Otterloo became well-known for the film music he wrote to various successful Dutch movies. In this medley made by his youngest son Thijs van Otterloo the themes of Help de dokter verzuipt! (Help the Doctor Is Drowning! 1974) and Soldaat van Oranje (Soldier of Orange 1977) have been used as well as Esther (from Soldier of Orange). A fantastic trip into the field of world cinema music.