SKU: CN.R10011

Cast your self into a storm at sea with this fantastic piece from John Ireland. Turbulent rhythmic motives launch the work to blend into a more lyrical melody contrasting the opening. Don't be fooled though; the first rhythmic motive provides the underlay, a reminder that the calm surface of the sea is only masking the swirling water underneath!

A Maritime Overture was written in 1944 and published in 1946. This edition was published in 1988. The score was prepared from the composer's full draft by Norman Richardson, and uses the same material as Tritons - a Symphonic Prelude for orchestra dating from the early 1900s. The development of the material however is different in each piece. The work is conceived in F major - but it is 24 bars before Ireland establishes this tonality. Fortissimo chords of B-flat major open the work, and the Overture hovers between G minor and B-flat as a restless rhythmic motif is introduced. As soon as F major is finally established it is contradicted as the music fragments, but the key is allowed a further 4 bars to consolidate before more lyrical interplay leads to a second idea, introduced by flutes and oboes in C major. Marked 'espressivo e ben cantando' this is a complete contrast to the opening, although the first rhythmic motif provides the underlay - a reminder after the opening storms that the calm surface of the sea is only masking the swirling water underneath. A Maritime Overture has a freer approach to form than say the first movement of a symphony might allow, enabling Ireland to introduce a totally new central section marked 'poco meno mosso' in F minor. A bold cornet (not trumpet) heralds this new idea, in a passage marked 'with freedom' and perhaps for the only time there is a true tranquility in the sextuplet accompaniment. Thus the restlessness is suspended, but not for long, as the opening storm returns and a recapitulation allows the F major theme and the second theme - this time in the sub-dominant (B-flat) - to reassert themselves.

SKU: CL.012-3538-75

An interesting and entertaining concert piece for intermediate level bands that is a splendid choice for any concert or festival performance. The opening chime notes introduce a beautiful and memorable chorale section that reflects the immense power of the oceans. A pulsating 6/8 allegro section follows which represents the underwater ballet of aquatic life as all the varied species travel and intermingle under the surface. Interesting harmonies and appealing melodic themes add to the appeal of this well written composition.

About Heritage of the March

Full-sized concert band editions of the greatest marches of all time. Each has been faithfully re-scored to accommodate modern instrumentation and incorporate performance practices of classic march style

SKU: SS.50600020

Composer's Note: Great Scott! was commissioned by Mary Ann Craig, Director of Bands at Montclair State University for the MSU Wind Ensemble, and is dedicated to Mr. Jeffrey Scott. A work in one movement, Great Scott! may be heard as a stream of consciousness in the mind of the soloist. The work opens with the soloist quietly reflecting. The remnants of a dance tune are heard in the lower brass, as if from a radio, and the soloist unselfconsciously incorporates this material into his musings. He is joined by the ensemble, which reiterates and makes emphatic the soloist's reflections. A variation of the dance tune, now integrated with the soloist's ideas, is heard in the saxophones, soon joined by the French horn, gradually leading to a quieter section that again incorporates and expands the gathering musical materials. This leads to the central, lyric section of the piece - where the soloist returns to his initial musings, now amplified by the ensemble. This time, the dance music is not heard separately - in essence, it has been re-constructed by the soloist with contributions from the ensemble. A fanfare-like section follows, featuring brass and timpani. After a brief pause, the opening material is heard a final time, now with an active, rapid surface, as the piece rushes to a close.