SKU: BT.GOB-000983-030

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) wrote the lyrics of There is a land of pure delight and is known as the Father of English Hymnody.
Watts was for the English hymn as Ambrose was for the medieval Latin hymn and what Martin Luther was for the German chorale.
He wrote about 750 songs, and some of them survide the ravahes of time. (Joy To The World, When I survey the wondrous cross, I sing the Mighty Power of God)

There is a Land of Pure Delight is usually in English-speaking areas sung on Luther Orlando Emerson's melody ('Ascription').
Here is used a traditional English melody ('Mendip').

There is a land of pure delight
Wheresaints immortal Reign.
Infinite day excludes the night,
And pleasures banish pain.

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) schreef de tekst van ‘There is a land of pure delight’, en staat bekend als de 'Father of English Hymnody' (Vader van het gezang).
Watts was voor het Engelse gezang wat Ambrosius was voor de middeleeuwseLatijnse hymne in de getijden en wat Maarten Luther was voor het Duitse koraal. Hij schreef ongeveer 750 liederen, waarvan een aantal de tand des tijds overleefden. (Joy to the World, When I survey the wondrous cross, I singthe mighty Power of God)

'There is a Land of Pure Delight' wordt in Engelstalige gebieden meestal op een melodie van Luther Orlando Emerson gezongen ('Ascription').
In Nederland is het lied opgenomen in het 'Liedboekder Kerken' (gez. 290). Hier wordt gebruik gemaakt van een Engelse traditionele melodie ('Mendip').

There is a land of pure delight
Where saints immortal reign.
Infinite day excludes the night,
And pleasuresbanish pain.

SKU: BT.AMP-028-130

The piece reflects the composer's fascination with the origins of the universe and deep space in general. The title comes from a theory, formulated by Pythagoras, that the cosmos was ruled by the same laws he had discovered that govern the ratios of note frequencies of the musical scale. (‘Harmonia’ in Ancient Greek, which means scale or tuning rather than harmony - Greek music was monophonic). He also believed that these ratios corresponded to the distances of the six known planets from the sun and that the planets each produced a musical note which combined to weave a continuous heavenly melody (which, unfortunately, we humans cannot hear). In this work, these six notesform the basis of the sections MUSIC OF THE SPHERES and HARMONIA. The pieces opens with a horn solo called t = 0, a name given by some scientists to the moment of the Big Bang when time and space were created, and this is followed by a depiction of the BIG BANG itself, as the entire universe bursts out from a single point. A slower section follows called THE LONELY PLANET which is a meditation on the incredible and unlikely set of circumstances which led to the creation of the Earth as a planet that can support life, and the constant search for other civilisations elsewhere in the universe. ASTEROIDS AND SHOOTING STARS depicts both the benign and dangerous objects that are flying through space and which constantly threaten our planet, and the piece ends with THE UNKNOWN, leaving in question whether our continually expanding exploration of the universe will eventually lead to enlightenment or destruction.

Dit werk weerspiegelt de fascinatie van de componist voor het heelal. Het begint met een hoornsolo met de naam t = 0, waarmee sommige wetenschappers de oerknal aanduiden. Dan volgt een weergave van de oerknal zelf. Het volgendegedeelte, The Lonely Planet, is een meditatie over het ongelooflijke samenspel van omstandigheden dat leidde tot het ontstaan van de Aarde. Asteroids and Shooting Stars beschrijft objecten in de ruimte. Het werkeindigt met The Unknown, waarmee we in het ongewisse blijven over de gevolgen van onze verdere verkenning van het universum. In 2005 won Philip Sparke met Music of the Spheres de National Band Association/William D.Revelli Memorial Band Composition Contest.

Mit diesem großartigen Werk, das dem Auftraggeber der Yorkshire Building Society Band am Europäischen Brass Band Wettbewerb 2004 in Glasgow als Selbstwahlstück zu einem weiteren Titel verhalf, beweist Philip Sparke einmal mehr seine außergewöhnlichen kompositorischen Fähigkeiten. Dieses Werk über die Ursprünge des Universums führt uns vom Urknall, vorbei an einsamen Planeten, Asteroiden und Sternschnuppen schließlich ins Unbekannte - die ungewisse Zukunft. Ein Glanzstück und eine echte Herausforderung für jeden Spitzen-Brass Band!

La fresque Music of the Spheres (“La musique des sphères”) souligne la fascination qu’éprouve le compositeur pour les origines de l’univers. L’orchestration est proche de la musique de film. Le climat musical est ample, sonore et contrasté.

Music of the Spheres evidenza il fascino che le origini dell’universo esercitano su Philip Sparke. Il titolo proviene da una teoria del matematico greco Pitagora, secondo la quale il cosmo è retto dalle stesse leggi che governano i rapporti di frequenza tra le note della scala musicale. Questa composizione inizia con un assolo di corno chiamato t = 0, nozione che definisce il momento del big-bang. The Lonely Planet (Il pianeta solitario) è una meditazione sulle circostanze che hanno portato alla creazione della terra. Asteroids and Shooting Stars (Asteroidi e Stelle cadenti) descrive i molteplici oggetti che si muovono nello spazio e che rappresentano unrischio per il nostro pianeta. Le battute finali portano verso l’ignoto (The Unknown) sollevando una domanda la cui risposta resta in sospeso: la nostra continua avanzata nell’esplorazione dell’Universo porter un giorno alla scoperta o alla distruzione?

SKU: BT.GOB-000731-130

The title is a popular saying in England. It means that's where the money is. Where there's muck, there's power is such a popular expression in the United Kingdom. The saying inspired Peter Martin to compose a highly attractive piece in four parts, consisting of contemporary dances that can also be performed separately. Let's dance!

De titel is een populair gezegde in Engeland. Het betekent vrij vertaald - waar het geld zit. 'Where there's muck there is power' is zo'n gevleugelde uitspraak uit het Verenigd Koninkrijk. Het gezegde inspireerde Peter Martin tothet schrijven van een bijzonder aardig 5-delig werk met moderne dansen welke ook gescheiden van elkaar gespeeld kunnen worden. Let's dance! 1. Easy does it - Steady Rock Een aanstekelijk stukje in rock-stijl. De rockmuziek bestaatvanaf begin 60-er jaren en sindsdien is de stijl populair gebleven maar er is geen genre waar zoveel bands de grond in- en uitgestampt worden. Maar het blijft leuk. 2. Best Foot Forward - mars positief De grootste doemdenkers wordenvrolijk bij het aanhoren van een vrolijke mars. De oorsprong van de mars is niet te achterhalen maar de stijl blijft populair en actueel. Best Foot Forward is een op Amerikaanse leest geschoeide mars. 3. Swing Bin - De swingstijldie eind 20-er jaren in de VS losbarstte was een uitvloeisel van de crisisjaren. Aangevoerd door Benny Goodman en de Dorsey Brothers (Tommy en Jimmy) werd deze vorm een rage die grote invloed bleef houden op de ontwikkeling vande jazzmuziek. Stilzitten is er niet bij want de muziek nodigt uit tot het losmaken van al die luie spieren en waar kan dat het beste? In de concertzaal maar het liefst op de dansvloer. 4. The Supreme Skedaddle - alla US March Eenuitsmijter vormt de Supreme Skedaddle, een mars in US-stijl. Het woord skedaddle is een interessant item voor etymologen maar de componist kent het woord uit zijn Noord-Engelse geboortegrond. Het betekent daar 'verspilling vaniets'. Maar de feestelijke mars is beslist geen verspilling van papier of energie.

SKU: BT.GOB-000401-030

The composition the Lonesome Knight was based on a fairytale. The piece was written by Saskia Apon for the National Brass Band Championships 2001.

Once upon a time there was a knight who went to fight and defeat the dragon that had beenkilling the people of his town.
There is a short but intense battle between the two and the knight is triumphant. However whilst persuing the dragon the knight has travelled far away from his home and now is lost. He roames around trying to findhis way home, but exhausted and weary he falls to the ground. He awakens startled by a Giant and a group of Goblins who are celebrating the death of the dragon.
The knight joins in the festivities but after a long evening is once more leftalone.
The sun rises the following morning and he sees a castle on the horizon. He enthousiastcally ventures towards the castle in the hope of meeting other people.
However he becomes greatly disillusioned when there is none to be found. Inhis desperation the knight climbs the tower ready to jump off.
Suddenly he hears a heavenly voice. Right before him is the most beautiful princess he has ever seen. She graciously thanks him for killing the dragon, a spark ingnites between themand they build a life together and.... live happily ever after!

Saskia Apon studied harp at Rotterdam School of music. With this instrument she rounded of her studies by passing with credit, however it was her love of composition thatremained her focus.
Self-taught, she began composing at the age of nine. Since then she has written pieces for The Dutch Brass Quintet, The Dutch Brass Ensemble, The Rotterdam Trombone Quartet and the brass band quintet Brass Ability.
Atpresent she is the in-house arranger for The Rotterdam Philarmonic Brass Ensemble.
Besides the customary attention for the real splashworks she endeavours to add value to the melodic function of the brass wind instruments in her music. Hercompositions and arrangements can be found on many diverse Cds.The composition the Lonesome Knight was based on a fairytale. The piece was written by Saskia Apon for the National Brass Band Championships 2001.

Once upon a time there was aknight who went to fight and defeat the dragon that had been killing the people of his town.
There is a short but intense battle between the two and the knight is triumphant. However whilst persuing the dragon the knight has travelled far awayfrom his home and now is lost. He roames around trying to find his way home, but exhausted and weary he falls to the ground. He awakens startled by a Giant and a group of Goblins who are celebrating the death of the dragon.
The knight joins inthe festivities but after a long evening is once more left alone.
The sun rises the following morning and he sees a castle on the horizon. He enthousiastcally ventures towards the castle in the hope of meeting other people.
However he becomesgreatly disillusioned when there is none to be found. In his desperation the knight climbs the tower ready to jump off.
Suddenly he hears a heavenly voice. Right before him is the most beautiful princess he has ever seen. She graciously thankshim for killing the dragon, a spark ingnites between them and they build a life together and.... live happily ever after!

Saskia Apon studied harp at Rotterdam School of music. With this instrument she rounded of her studies by passing withcredit, however it was her love of composition that remained her focus.
Self-taught, she began composing at the age of nine. Since then she has written pieces for The Dutch Brass Quintet, The Dutch Brass Ensemble, The Rotterdam Trombone Quartetand the brass band quintet Brass Ability.
At present she is the in-house arranger for The Rotterdam Philarmonic Brass Ensemble.
Besides the customary attention for the real splashworks she endeavours to add value to the melodic functionof the brass wind instruments in her music. Her compositions and arrangements can be found on many diverse Cds.

Gobelin Music Publications.

SKU: BT.GOB-000695-030

In ‘Land of Legends’ German composer Andreas Ludwig (what’s in a name) Schulte takes you along to the fictional world of legends, myths and fairy tales.
The introduction to the first part (The Castle) describes the majestic contours of the scene of action. Its instrumentation (horns) immediately makes you imagine being in Medieval spheres.
The addition of trenchant copper instruments even gives the part a heroic tinge. After entering through the gate, a lot of hustle and bustle appears to be going on in the courtyard. Pages, squires and soldiers are busy attending to their arms. Beer is being brewed, flax is being spun, cattle are being tended and some craftsmen fromneighbouring villages are busily at work.
In the upper chamber of the round tower lives an old man (The Old Wizard). He hardly ever comes out, and nobody knows exactly what he is doing. It is said that he is engaged in wizardry and magic. It is all very mysterious.
There are also festivities, some of them sober, others exuberant.
The wedding in the third part is celebrated in a grand manner. With a flourish of trumpets, the bride makes her entrance at the hand of her father. Afterwards, at the party there is dancing to the music played by minstrels and of course a plentiful banquet follows.

In ‘Land of Legends’ worden we door de Duitse componist Andreas Ludwig (what’s in a name) Schulte meegenomen in de fictieve wereld van legendes, sagen en sprookjes.
De inleiding van het eerste deel (The Castle) beschrijft de majestueuzecontouren van de plaats van handeling. De instrumentatie (hoorns) zorgt er mede voor dat we ons direct in Middeleeuwse sferen wanen.
De toevoeging van het scherp koper geeft zelfs een heldhaftige tintje.Wanneer we doorde poort naar binnen gaan blijkt dat het op binnenplaats een en al bedrijvigheid is.
De pages, schildknapen en soldaten houden zich bezig met het in tact houden van de wapenuitrusting. Er wordt bier gebrouwen, vlas gesponnen,het vee wordt verzorgd en enkele ambachtslieden uit de omliggende dorpen zijn druk in de weer.
In de bovenste kamer van de ronde toren verblijft een oude wijze man (The old Wizzard). Hij laat zich bijna nooit zien, niemandweet wat hij precies doet. Er wordt gezegd dat hij zich bezig houdt met tovenarij/magie. Het is een groot mysterie, in nevelen gehuld.
Gefeest werd er ook. De ene keer sober de andere keer uitbundig.
De bruiloft in het derdedeel heeft allure. Onder luid trompetgeschal wordt de bruid aan de hand van haar vader binnengebracht. Tijdens het feest wordt er gedanst onder begeleiding van de troubadours en natuurlijk volgt een bourgondische maaltijd.

SKU: BT.GOB-000958-130

Scottish Dances is based on three Scottish traditionals: Cock of the North, The Bonnie Bank's O'Loch Lomond and Marie's Wedding.

I. Cock of the North's name is used for multiple things or events. For example for a locomotive to a famous, it seems, delicious liqueur, and rallies to snowboard competitions. Furthermore is Cock O' the North a nickname of a famous Duke. (The 4th Duke of Gordon).
In this composition Cock of the North (a Jig) is a traditional Scottish bagpipe tune, regularly played on tattoos by Pipe Bands. Not infrequently the drummers sing the text.

Auntie Mary, had a canary,
Up the leg of her trousers
While she was sleeping Iwas peeping
Up the leg of her trousers.

II. The Bonnie Bank's O'Loch Lomond is about a sad story that took place during an revolt against the British. In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie had to retreat. Two of his men were captured. One was convicted and executed, while the other was released. The spirit of the executed soldier would arrive in Scotland via the 'low road' (underworld) before his companion, who had still a long way to go.

You'll take the high road
And I'll take the low road
And I'll be in Scotland afore ye
But me and my true love will never meet again
On the Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond

III. In a Scottish wedding, after the official ceremonies, there is often danced. This is called a ceilidh. For this we use traditional Scottish music such as Marie's Wedding '.
Mid dance we go back to the church, where a lovely song in honor of the couple sounds.
Marie's Wedding has been recorded by Van Morrison (among many others).

Step we gaely, on we go, heel for heel and toe for toe
Arm and arm and on we go, all for Marie's wedding

Scottish Dances is gebaseerd op drie Schotse traditionals: Cock of the North, The Bonnie Bank's O'Loch Lomond en Marie's Wedding.

I. De naam Cock of the North wordt voor meerdere dingen of evenementen gebruikt. Van een beroemdelocomotief tot een, naar het schijnt, een heerlijke likeur, en van rally's tot snowboard wedstrijden. Bovendien was 'Cock O' the North' een bijnaam van een bekende hertog. (the 4th Duke of Gordon)
Het in deze compositiegebruikte Cock of the North (een Jig) is een traditioneel Schotse bagpipe tune (doedelzak liedje) wat regelmatig gespeeld wordt op taptoes door Pipebands. Niet zelden zingen de slagwerkers de tekst mee.

Auntie Mary, had acanary,
Up the leg of her trousers
While she was sleeping I was peeping
Up the leg of her trousers.

II. 'The Bonnie Bank's O'Loch Lomond', gaat over een triest verhaal dat zich afspeelde tijdens een opstand tegende Engelsen. In 1745 moest Bonnie Prince Charlie zich terugtrekken. Twee van zijn mannen werden gevangen genomen. Eén van hen werd veroordeeld en geexecuteerd, terwijl de ander vrijgelaten werd. De geest van de geexecuteerde soldaatzou via de 'low road' (onderwereld) eerder in Schotland aankomen dan zijn kameraad, die nog een lange ruige weg te gaan had.

You'll take the high road
And I'll take the low road
And I'll be in Scotland aforeye
But me and my true love will never meet again
On the Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond

III. Bij een Schotse bruiloft wordt na de officiele plechtigheden vaak gedanst. Dit noemt men een ceilidh. Hiervoor gebruiktmen traditionele Schotse muziek zoals bijv. 'Marie's Wedding'.
Halverwege de dans gaan we nog even terug naar de kerk, waar een lieflijk lied ter ere van het bruidspaar klinkt.
Marie's Wedding is o.a. door Van Morrison opgenomen.