Beethoven’s York’scher Marsch is one of a collection of three tattoos (WoO 18-20) and has had a chequered history to say the least. There are several autograph copies for different instrumentations dedicated to different archdukes who were commanders of various regiments of the army including the Prussian regiment called Marsch des Yorkschen Corps which is how its current title arose. Philip Sparke’s arrangement enables a march by this major classical composer to be enjoyed by concert bands.

Gregorian chant is one of the earliest forms of notated music using free flowing rhythms and simple melody. In Old Churches composer Michael Colgrass uses these elements to create an aura of voices echoing in themonastery. Using easy graphic notation students have a fun and creative way to explore sound production along with the compositional process. (Includes score and parts.) (5:20)CD-ROM Now Available!Designed toenhance the musical experience the CD-ROM for Michael Colgrass' Old Churches includes video clips of the St. John's Abbey monks singing photos of various sacred spaces such as Ayer's Rock in Australia as well as ahistory of standard Western notation. In addition this CD-ROM enables students to explore graphic notation and composition with built-in notation software Finale Notepad®. Guaranteed to engage your students and provide addedinsight into this unique work.04002010/$14.99 (CD-ROM)04002702/$60.00 (Band set with CD-ROM)

Fantasy on Themes by Beethoven-A powerful work for the symphonic band Ode to the Spirit of Man is based on thematic material taken from the fourth movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and developed into a fantasy of kaleidoscopic nature. Theopening is a joyful expression of the spirit of freedom and is based on the composer's own themes derived from Beethoven's music. Throughout the work various themes from the symphony are interwoven including Alla Marcia Scherzo Andante maestoso and finally the uplifting Ode to Joy. Dur: 5:15

A Scottish Hymn is a chorale arrangement of a hymn composed by Charles Hutcheson a Scottish merchant and amateur composer who lived from 1792 to 1860. This hymn was given the title ?Stracathro ? a typical Scottish name after a town in the district Angus. The melody is used with various hymn texts in the Scottish church.

Voyage au Centre de la Terre-This composition was based on the world-famous novel by the French author Jules Verne. This novel describes the attempt to reach the centre of the earth. The descent of the crater of the volcano called Snaeffels situated in Iceland marks thebeginning of this voyage to the sublunary world. The German geologist professor Lidenbrock is accompanied on this trip by his nephew Axel and an Icelandic guide named Hans. The last mentioned will be helpful in many occasions. Dark colors & mist The composer tried in this single work to give a musical expression to various significant moments from this novel. In the introduction he sketches an image of the dismal ambience on the island by using dark colors. Risingfragments of mist reveal the flanks of the monumental mountain Scataris. The composer tries to catch this image in a majestic and broad chorale. Away from Iceland Subsequently the ostinato rhythmicity and virtuosity representthe hectic descent of the crater of the volcano. The party descends ever more and more and travels south away from Iceland. On the way they see all kinds of rock formations fossils and minerals. At a depth of thirty hours walking distance atabout 150 kilometers below the surface they reach a sub terrestrial sea which is called the Lidenbrock sea. Genuine eruption of sounds Strange electric manifestations and unpredictable weather conditions accompany thissingular phenomenon. An orchestral tutti-episode expresses this impression musically. On a make-shift raft the party continues its voyage heading to the south coast of this huge sea. Once ashore an enormous rock obstructs the passage. The blowingup of this obstacle unleashes a genuine eruption of sounds in the orchestration. Spat out by the volcano But the explosion has an unforeseen side effect. The sea - travelers and raft included - is sucked upwards into a dark hole.Again our heroes are accompanied on their involuntary voyage while left to fend for themselves by an ever increasing ostinato rhythmicity. Before an irruption can destroy the raft the threesome manages to escape and climb up through acave towards the daylight. They seem to be spat out by the Stromboli volcano on the island of Sicily far from home. The composition ends with triumphant sounds that represent the scientific triumph of these adventurers.

The Curse of the Mermaid tells the story of a greedy and wealthy fisherman wanting to make money in any way possible. When his business starts to fail he puts the blame on the mermaids. One day the fisherman kills a mermaid who casts a spell on him shortly before she disappears into the water.The composition is in the form of a symphonic poem starting slow and then mysteriously opening up revealing a fantastic colourful world of sounds and motion. There are various moments during the piece where the composer includes broad and beautiful melodic material as well as surprising effects and great rhythmical interest. This is a challenging but great piecefor concerts or contests!

In 'Ding Dong it's Christmas' Scottish composer Bruce Fraser makes a sport of misleading his audience time and again. The title already indicates that this piece has been based on the well-known Carol 'Ding Dong Merrily on High' even if the melody makes a somewhat halting start. When it gathers pace however also due to the percussion section suddenly various other carols may be recognized. Peace and quiet reign in the middle part during which we can enjoy Bach's charming 'O Jesulein süss'. 'Ding Dong it's Christmas' ends in the same way it began even if more and more Carols put in an appearance. Merry Christmas!

from The Pink Panther Strikes Again-Ever the master at composing the perfect theme for any given situation Henry Mancini created this gem that clearly brings to mind the bumbling antics of Peter Sellers as he portrays the hapless inspector from the various Pink Panther films. Sure to be an enjoyable and entertaining novelty number.

from The Pink Panther Strikes Again-Ever the master at composing the perfect theme for any given situation Henry Mancini created this gem that clearly brings to mind the bumbling antics of Peter Sellers as he portrays the hapless inspector from the various Pink Panther films. Sure tobe an enjoyable and entertaining novelty number.

Written as a commission for the Palmetto Consortium of South Carolina this expansive work explores the delight wonderment and excitement of a young boy's hopes and dreams. Several stylistic elements combine to depict variousemotions and imaginings. In the words of the composer ?a boy's dreams are fantastical and mysterious show great curiosity and yet most importantly they are innocent and credulous.? A terrific and fresh work forwinds! Dur: 6:45