SKU: HL.370494

ISBN 9781705147009. UPC: 840126994025.

The First String Quartet in C major, Op. 37, was written in the autumn of 1917 and earned Szymanowski the first prize in a competition organized by the Ministry of Religious and in a competition organized by the Ministry of Religious and Educational Affairs in January 1922. The First String Quartet is notable for its clar and simple construction. The first movement is in the formof a sonata allegro; the Andantino semplice (in modo iuna canzone) in the middle is a cross between ternary and variation form. The final Scherzando alla burlesca also keeps to the form of a sonata allegro. The combinations and proportions of formal factors and the treatment of thematic material betray a fairly conventional adoption of classical models. Similarly, the expressive and structural use of melodic material shows a respect for traditional norms. Szymanowski created, in other works from the same period, his own individual type of melodic line, which was strongly expressive and achieved its effect chiefly by its tonal qualieties; nevertheless in this Quartet he returns to a fluid, cantilena-like, symmetrically shaped melodic line, which runs along in broad phrases of a concentrated, reflective character. Melody becomes the chief factor in the development of the form, both in thematic usage and in the application of a more polyphonic texture. Harmonic and tonal means are considerably simplified in the Quartet []. Most of the writing is linear, or horizontal, with individual treatment of each part, the parallel continuation of the four sound planes, almost a matter of principle. The functions of the particular instruments in realizing these planes are constantly changing,which accounts for the even greater variedy of tone-colour. The decision to forego experiment with forms and sonorities is reflectedin the overall approach to musical expression. The predominant atmosphere of restrained emotion, quiet lyricism and serenity is strongly suggestive of classical aestetic models. (Based on Zofia Helman Commentary on Szymanowski Complete Edition, Vol. B6) (II) The ''Second String Quartet'' represents an interesting attempt to revert to classical form coupled with the new harmonic and tonal vocabulary worked out previously in the ''Slopiewnie'', ''Stabat Mater'' and ''Mazurkas''. It was also the first time the composer had used folk elements in the framework of a major classical form. The ''Second String Quartet'' is in a special category among Szymanowski's works. Though it dates from the composer was still occupied with folk music, it nevertheless shows him returning to classical models, but at the same time using an aesthetic of subjective expression, which gives the work its own individual stamp. The ''Second String Quartet'' synthesis of the various directions in which Szymanowski was attempting to develop. The sonority and texture used in the first.

SKU: KJ.SO287F

Capture a moment of perfect serenity with this quiet, peaceful selection. The calm, lilting mood of Simplicity would make the perfect counterpart to an energetic piece in your next concert program.

SKU: OU.9780193359727

ISBN 9780193359727. 12 x 8 inches.

For SATB and piano/orchestra Walt Whitman's poetry abounds in references to music and song but nowhere more so than in 'That Music Always Round Me'. Skempton's captivating setting acknowledges the serenity and timelessness of these opening words and the pertinence of the complete text.

SKU: CL.012-4589-01

Perfectly combining both the reverent serenity and also the emotional qualities of O Holy Night, this exceptional Paul Clark arrangement will be the highlight of your holiday concert! Starting simply, this setting slowly builds to a strong full ensemble, and ends as quietly as it began. This beautiful rendition of a beloved holiday classic will bring back fond memories of Christmas past, as well as being a wonderful part of Christmas present for your audiences and performers. Superb!

SKU: AP.1-ADV7427

ISBN 9783892215813. UPC: 805095074277. English.

For Ravel, the year 1917 was marked by his mother's death and the death of many of his friends who lost their lives in World War I. Hence, the suite he finished that same year can be considered as an elegy. Due to its classical, sonatina-like character, this piece does not radiate an atmosphere of mourning, but rather a light, cool serenity. This arrangement for SATB saxophone quartet is faithful to the original orchestral version. Titles: I. Prélude * II. Forlane * III * Menuet * IV. Rigaudon.

SKU: FG.55011-320-6

ISBN 9790550113206.

Guitar sonata A Walk to the Mysterious Woods (2012-13) is so far the most extensive of the works Kai Nieminen has written for his own instrument, the guitar. The sonata features virtuosic and delicate timbre which is typical of Nieminen's musical idiom and which requires both technical and poetic skill of the performer. The music invokes a fairytale-like scene of nature with its references to Finnish mythology.

Kai Nieminen's guitar sonata is in four movements which follow each other attacca. The form of the work resembles the traditional sonata form: exposition (A Walk with Birdsong) - development (Along the Brook and Song(s) from the Arctic) - recapitulation (Return). The dark chords of the beginning, the pressing silence and the icy-sounding harmony created by the E flat bass line evoke an image of a winter forest. As if following birdsong, the music carries the listener through various landscapes and moods. Birdsong takes the listener to a brook, which then carries the traveller to the ancient Sami joik, a traditional form of chant, and allows him or her to bask in the serenity of natural beauty in a moment where the past and present meet.