SKU: HL.4008609

ISBN 9798350112580. UPC: 196288183198.

Nico Samitz has been composing for chamber ensembles since his school days. For over ten years he has been writing works in a wide variety of genres for the “BlechReiz BrassQuintett” ensemble, in which he himself plays trumpet and piano. His field of expertise ranges from classical pieces to jazz and meditative music—and even to pop-oriented compositions. While honing his skills in ear-training and composition at the Mozarteum, Salzburg, Nico became acquainted with a wide repertoire of works as a trumpet player with the Munich Symphony Orchestra, The Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Bavarian State Opera, all of which have influenced his writing style. The driving force behind his creative work is a winning combination of passion, the fun of music-making and a desire to express, through the medium of music, feelings that are difficult to put into words. Like many of his works, Nico composedThe Joy of Freedom for the “BlechReiz BrassQuintet”. The catchy tune is reworked in a variety of styles throughout the entire work, giving it the quality of a true 'earworm'.

SKU: ST.2595

ISBN 9790220206993.

Standard: Intermediate.

SKU: ST.H488

ISBN 9790220224560.

Though much to be feared, dragons by definition are rarely encountered, living at the furthest corners of the known world, or further even than that. As Bilbo Baggins discovered, to go in search of one can be an epic journey; and though Christopher Maxim, composer of the popular Toccata Nuptiale for organ, does not reveal whether Smaug, or Fafner, or the dragon slain by Saint George, is the particular beast in view, Here be Dragons! has the dramatic atmosphere of an adventure to remote and mythical places. Darkly chromatic roulades for clarinet, perhaps the creature's fiery breath, set the scene for an exciting duet on a gripping theme that stalks through the music in a variety of menacing variations, including a dragonish fugue. In the energetic arpeggios and trills that embellish the tune there is much for players of around Grade 8 standard to relish, in a showpiece that will undoubtedly lend enchantment to any concert.

The world premiere can be enjoyed on YouTube.

SKU: ST.H486

ISBN 9790220224478.

CONTENTS
1. Baby
2. Brother
3. Grandmother
4. Grandfather
5. Mum
6. Dad

The composer has written extensively for film and television, and his gift for musical characterisation illuminates every bar of My Family and Other Animals. Here is a delightful human menagerie, a family circle with its typical variety of awkward and amiable relatives, beautifully portrayed in music of beguiling simplicity by Edmund Jolliffe. Technically, for beginners and early-grade players, there is an important lesson that musical expression is in essence the expression of personality, often from the most basic musical resources. Brother is a cool repeated phrase - a bit detached. Mum is a gentle lullaby, and Grandmother a soothing, dependable tune. Grandfather turns sweet too, but not before a spiky introduction. From his breezy melody Dad seems on his way elsewhere. Perhaps off to wash the car!

SKU: ST.H511

ISBN 9790220228452.