SKU: CN.R10004

A slow introduction gives way to the chirpy theme which is developed, inverted, and accents displaced across the bar line to give a 3/2 feel against the written meter. Restlessness leads to a tranquillo presented by the flute and clarinet, weaving a flowing counterpoint around the melody until the original slow introduction returns. A triumphant recapitulation of the main theme brings this wonderful piece to an end.

Originally composed for Brass Band in 1934 Comedy Overture is, despite its name, a serious piece of writing. The term Overture does not imply that there is anything else to follow; it is used in the 19th century sense of Concert Overture (like Mendelssohn's Fingal's Cave - in other words, a miniature Tone Poem). The 1930's was a period of Ireland's mature writing - yielding the Piano Concerto (1930), the Legend for piano and orchestra (1933), and the choral work These Things Shall Be (1936-1937). We are fortunate therefore to have both Comedy Overture and A Downland Suite (1932) written for band medium at this time. As with Maritime Overture (written in 1944 for military band) Ireland approaches his material symphonically. The opening three notes state immediately the two seminal intervals of a semitone and a third. These are brooding and dark in Bb minor. It is these intervals which make up much of the thematic content of Comedy, sometimes appearing in inverted form, and sometimes in major forms as well. The concept that some musical intervals are consonant , some dissonant, and some perfect is perhaps useful in understanding the nature of the tension and resolution of this work. The third is inherently unstable, and by bar 4, the interval is expanded to a fourth - with an ascending sem-quaver triplet - and then expanded to a fifth. The instability of the third pushes it towards a perfect resolution in the fourth or the fifth. The slow introduction is built entirely around these intervals in Bb minor and leads through an oboe cadenza, to an Allegro moderato brillante in Bb major. Once again, the semi-tone (inverted) and a third (major) comprise the main, chirpy, theme-inspired by a London bus-conductor's cry of Piccadilly. (Much of the material in Comedy was re-conceived by Ireland for orchestra and published two years later under the title A London Overture.) The expansion of the interval of a third through a fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh now takes place quickly before our very ears at the outset of this quicker section. Immediately the theme is developed, inverted, and accents displaced across the bar line to give a 3/2 feel against the written meter. But this restlessness leads to a tranquillo built around an arpeggio figure and presented by flute and clarinet. Ireland weaves his flowing counterpoint around this melody until the original slow introduction returns leading to a stretto effect as the rising bass motifs become more urgent, requesting a resolution of the tension of that original semitone and minor third. Yet resolution is withheld at this point as the music becomes almost becalmed in a further, unrelated tranquillo section marked pianissimo. It is almost as if another side of Ireland's nature is briefly allowed to shine through the stern counterpoint and disciplined structure. This leads to virtually a full recapitulation of the chirpy brilliante, with small additional touches of counterpoint, followed by the first tranquillo section-this time in the tonic of Bb major. But the instability of the third re-asserts itself, this time demanding a resolution. And a triumphant resolution it receives, for it finally becomes fully fledged and reiterates the octave in a closing vivace. The opening tension has at last resolved itself into the most perfect interval of all.

SKU: BT.GOB-000508-010

The Odyssee tells the story of Odysseus, the undaunted hero.
In times long ago the blind poet Homer wrote this famous epic.
The Odyssey follows the Iliad, the story of the bloody war between the Greek and the Trojans. This battle endsafter ten years thanks to the Odysseys famous trick. the Trojan Horse.
The Odyssey is not a war epic, but a story about perseverance, loyalty, adventure, and the survival instinct of its ingenious hero.
In The Odyssey, Homer describes howOdysseus, the king of Ithaca, had to endure another ten years of affliction after the ten years of war in Troy before he could finally return to his home land.
During those years, his wife, Penelope, had to try and keep her many admirers away.These men not only wanted het hand but also the kingship. To prove her husbands worth, she played a trick: As soon as I have finished weaving this shroud for my father-in-law, Laertes, I will choose one of you to become my husband, she promisedthem.
But during the night, she secretly loosened what she had woven during the day, prolonging the time until Odysseus would finally return. After twenty long years, when he finally stood at the door, she wondered: Is this really my husband? Ishe an imposter? Cunningly, she asked him to move the bed, because only she and her husband know that the bed was immovable and was build around an old three trunk! Odysseus was deeply moved: this really was his wife, his Penelope!
Nearly threethousands years later, the loyalty and strength of this character, and all the dangerous adventures that Odysseus survived thanks to courage and intelligence, still moves us today.

Odyssee by Jan Bosveld is not just an adventure story, butrather a characteristic piece in which memories of Homers story can be heard.
The composition opens with a firm, stirring theme describing our hero, Odysseus, in detail: This man is not to be taken lightly.
The further development of thisshort introduction completes this character sketch: trustworthy, perseverant, and a genius.
After that we can picture Odysseus on the lonely beach of Ogygia. Do the trumpets depict his memories of the war of Troy? Does he think of his wife, as werecognise the weaving loom of Penelope in the murmuring eighth?
In the solemn, plaintive part that follows, we can imagine Penelope feeling lonely, sitting in the womens room with her servants.One of the girls plays the harp, but that does notclear the sombre atmosphere. Then we can imagine seeing the sorceress Circe, who changed Odysseus men into swine. After she gives a simple magic sign something follows that reminds us of the sound of pigs grunting. Then the Odysseus theme resounds:the hero comes to savi his comrades. Assisted by Hermes, he forces Circe to lift the spell.
The piece ends the same way as it began, with an animated theme: Odysseus is still the same, undefeated and not to be taken lighty!

Het muzikale relaas van de Griekse schrijver Homerus over de held Odyssee in een karakterstuk vol herinneringen.
Een stevig opgewekt thema symboliseert de grootsheid van Odyssee en zijn karaktertrekken - betrouwbaar, volhardenden vernuftig. De tegenslagen welke hij tegenkomt en in het tweede tragische gedeelte dreigen te escaleren, nemen in het derde snelle gedeelte bij zijn verschijning toch weer een positieve wending.
Nijmegenaar Jan Bosveld bewijstin dit originele werk dat hij op de hoogte is van de onmogelijkheden, maar vooral de ongekende mogelijkheden van muzikanten uit de lagere afdelingen.

SKU: IS.WE7090EM

ISBN 9790365070909.

Nico Schoeters took his first percussion lessons with Eric Buyle in the Academy for Music and Word in Boom, near Antwerp, after getting the hang of it through private lessons by Jozef Vervliet. Afterwards he continued his music studies at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, where he was taught by Leo Ouderits, Carlo Willems and Koen Wilmaers. In 1998 he graduated there with great distinction as Master in percussion. After cooperating on various projects in Belgium and abroad as a freelance percussionist, Nico took up a position as a percussionist in the National Orchestra of Belgium. However, despite of all his achievements as a percussionist, Nico Schoeters didn’t take his first musical steps by playing percussion, but by playing the piano. His love for the piano remained a common thread in his musical career. For example, he played numerous gigs as a pianist with his jazz quartet ‘Just Friends, consisting of a number of top musicians who are his friends. In addition he started composing piano works in 2012. Cosmopolydian is my first composition for symphonic windband. It's a solo piece for flute and vibraphone which is dedicated to Inge Smedts, principal piccolo at the Royal Wind Band of the Belgian Guides. It is written in the context of a musical project ‘Cocktail Maison'. This project includes a concert on May 25th, 2017 in De Singel in Antwerp where this work will be premiered, a CD recording and a concert tour. All the pieces for this project are new compositions by Piet Swerts, Jef Neve, Klaas Coulembier, Etienne Houben, Bart Watté, Jan Huylebroeck, Francois Glorieux and myself. All the compositions are inspired by a cocktail. My choice is the Cosmopolitan, but the non-alcoholic version, the mocktail actually. The title Cosmopolydian is a nod to the lydian scale which I used as a base for the majority of the piece. The idea behind the music is an image of children enjoying themselves, worry-free, during the holidays. Tired but satisfied, they go to sleep and have wonderful dreams. The next day they wake up to start a beautiful new day.The work is constructed in a typical ABA form. A quick first part: ‘sparkling allegro', which of course should sound very light and playful. A slow middle part warm adagio, in which the beautiful dreams become audible. The last part is a re-exposition of the first part in which eventually all the themes merge into the final.

SKU: CF.CPS200F

ISBN 9781491153031. UPC: 680160910533.

Although some stories in Greek mythology reveal a different side to his character, Apollo was widely regarded to hold a cheerful personality and communicating joy through the music he played on his lyre. Apollo Arise is an energetic and spirited work for band ideal for opening a concert. The uplifting and exuberant melodic material lead the group on a sonic journey to capture the joy and light music can bring to both the audience and the performer.
Program NotesAmong the many stories in Greek mythology, Apollo holds a unique place as a complex Olympian god known for truth, prophecy, healing, poetry, plague, knowledge, light and music. Although some stories reveal a different side to his character, Apollo was widely regarded to hold a cheerful personality and communicated joy through the music he played on his lyre. Apollo Arise is an energetic and spirited work for band, ideal for opening a concert. The uplifting and exuberant melodic material lead the group on a sonic journey to capture the joy and light music can bring to both the audience and performer. From the dynamic opening fanfare to the soaring motifs and rhythms that follow, Apollo Arise provides a wonderful opportunity for the ensemble to reach for new musical heights in their performance!    Rehearsal Notes and SuggestionsThe opening twenty-four measures of the work are important for the rest of the work to unfold successfully. Encourage the ensemble to play with a unified articulation style, maintain a proper balance, and establish a consistent tempo through this section as several recurring rhythms must be performed consistently. Measure 38 features a trumpet solo, so be sure that the rest of the ensemble balances their line to support the solo instrument. In the section that begins at m. 67, there is an optional solo opportunity for trumpet and trombone. Both of these sections provide nice contrast against the full ensemble sections that are present in the work. The section at m. 81 includes a call-and-response section between woodwind, brass and percussion groups. Be sure that as groups enter, the tempo remains consistent and that the winds articulation style is unified and complimentary to the percussion. As the opening fanfare returns at m. 101, remind the ensemble to play with consistent style, balance and tempo as they did in the opening. As the ensemble begins the part of the journey with Apollo at m. 110, the music contains unique layers that must work together to be effective and set up the material that begins at m. 127. Encourage the group to play so they can hear all other lines, and allow their energy to grow into a focused musical celebration by the final note. Thank you in advance for your support of this music, and I wish you and your ensemble well as Apollo Arise welcomes the audience to your concert hall.

SKU: CL.012-4180-75

This monumental programmatic work from the pen of Rob Romeyn captures the myth and legend of Zeus, the mythical master of the gods and men. A sky god, he controls lightning, which he uses as a weapon, and thunder. It opens as Zeus becomes involved in the Trojan war, hurling lightning bolts at his opponents. The tension soon subsides as we are introduced to the eternally beautiful Hera, whom Zeus would eventually marry. The music then ensues as our story unfolds, as Zeus made his domain the mountaintops and clouds where he could survey all creation, and inflict pain and justice on all evildoers. Tension builds as Zeus battles Typhon in hand to hand combat, ending ultimately with Zeus throwing the enormous Mt. Etna at the monster, pinning him underneath. From here, the tension subsides, and a beautiful lyrical section builds to an ending of incredible power and grandeur as Zeus again reaffirms his stature as the ruler of Mt. Olympus. This exceptional work is a wonderful addition to any concert or festival performance!

SKU: BT.GOB-000519-140

The colors of the orchestra, including percussion, come in a special way to ring in the epic Choral Music. That the tuba-playing composer also a gifted organist is, you can imagine very well after listening to this wonderfull Choral Music.

De kleuren van het orkest, inclusief het slagwerk, komen op een bijzondere wijze tot klinken in het meeslepende Choral Music. Dat de tubaspelende componist ook een begenadigd organist is staat na het horen van Choral Music buitenkijf. Volledige opname: Introducing the Fanfare Band (Fanfarekorps Koninklijke Landmacht).

SKU: BT.AMP-340-010

9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dutch.

Philip Sparke entitled this descriptive work in honour of America’s natural wonders with lines from the hymn America the Beautiful: O Beautiful the Spacious Skies is as light as a spring sky, From Sea to Shining Sea describes calm,flowing and bubbling waters, while in the third movement, For Purple Majestic Mountains, the glowing hues of the mountains are set to music.

Philip Sparke ontleende de titels van de drie delen van dit progrmamatische werk over Amerikas natuurschoon aan regels uit het lied America the Beautiful: O beautiful for spacious skies is licht als een lentehemel, From sea to shining seaverklankt het stromende water in beken, rivieren en meren, terwijl in het derde deel, For purple mountain majesties, beelden worden opgeroepen van een indrukwekkende bergketen.

Philip Sparke betitelte sein deskriptives Werk zu Ehren von Amerikas Naturwundern mit Zeilen aus dem Lied America the Beautiful: O Beautiful for Spacious Skies ist leicht wie ein Frühlingshimmel, From Sea to Shining Sea beschreibtruhende, fließende und sprudelnde Gewässer, während im dritten Satz, For Purple Mountain Majesties, die Erhabenheit der purpurrot leuchtenden Berge vertont ist.

Écrite comme un triptyque, Of Skies, Rivers, Lakes and Mountains s’ouvre avec des figures en filigrane jouées par les bois pour recréer la lumière et la légèreté d’un ciel printanier. Plein de vivacité, le deuxième tableau évoque lesfrémissements de l’eau des ruisseaux, des rivières et des lacs. Le dernier mouvement, lent et majestueux, dépeint une impressionnante chaîne de montagnes.

Philip Sparke ha intitolato la sua opera descrittiva in onore delle meraviglie naturali dell’America rifacendosi a versi della canzone America the Beautiful. O Beautiful the Spacious Skies è leggera come il cielo di primavera. From Sea toShining Sea descrive le acque silenziose, i corsi d‘acqua zampillanti, mentre nel terzo movimento della sinfonia For Purple Majestic Mountains, viene tradotta in musica la maestosit delle montagne.

SKU: AP.35339S

UPC: 038081416212. English. Traditional French Carol.

Based on the Latin text Veni, Veni, Emmanuel, the lyrics for the popular carol O Come, O Come Emmanuel were written by John M. Neale in the mid 1800s. A wonderful setting to reinforce phrasing and musicality, Michael Story's stirring setting will warm the hearts of your students and audiences alike.

SKU: HL.44010949

UPC: 884088611842. 9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dutch.

In 1786 Mozart composed his wonderful opera Le Nozze di Figaro (KV 492). The Italian libretto, based on the play Le mariage de Figaro by Beaumarchais, was written by Lorenzo da Ponte—who also made the libretti of Mozart's opera's Don Giovanni and Cosi fan tutte. In the opera Le Nozze di Figaro, Count Almaviva tries to seduce the fiancee of Figaro, his valet. Eventually, through four acts full of complicated intrigue, he is outwitted. In his music, Mozart—at times in a humorous way—reflects the numerous social and erotic intrigues with both empathy and insight. The brilliant overture is just as vivacious and witty as the opera itself. Mozart delightfullyanticipates the passion and playful love that is to come. The skillful transcription for concert band by Tohru Takahashi certainly does justice to this appealing music.

De muziek van Mozarts Cosi fan tutte werd door tijdgenoten meteen bejubeld. Deze luisterrijke opera is vandaag de dag nog steeds geliefd en wordt wereldwijd veel uitgevoerd. Het is heel goed mogelijk dat de vrij korte ouverture vanCosi fan tutte is bedoeld als sfeerbeschrijving van een koffiehuis waarin heftig gedebatteerd wordt. De herhaalde en stijgende melodieen zouden lachen en discussieren kunnen suggereren. Deze suggestie wordt nog versterktdoor de dynamische contrasten in het stuk.

Cosi fan tutte ist eine der spaten Opern Mozarts und sicherlich auch eine seiner besten. Cosi fan tutte bedeutet so viel wie so sind sie alle und bezieht sich auf die Unzuverlassigkeit des weiblichen Geschlechts in Liebesdingen. Dies war ein ziemlich heikles Thema zu Mozarts Zeiten und es ist daher kaum verwunderlich, dass die Oper als unmoralisch galt, dennoch von Beginn an sehr beliebt war. Wil van der Beek setzte die eher kurze, dynamisch kontrastive Ouverture fur Blasorchester um.

SKU: HL.44010948

UPC: 884088611835. 9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dutch.

In 1786 Mozart composed his wonderful opera Le Nozze di Figaro (KV 492). The Italian libretto, based on the play Le mariage de Figaro by Beaumarchais, was written by Lorenzo da Ponte?who also made the libretti of Mozart's opera's Don Giovanni and Cosi fan tutte. In the opera Le Nozze di Figaro, Count Almaviva tries to seduce the fiancee of Figaro, his valet. Eventually, through four acts full of complicated intrigue, he is outwitted. In his music, Mozart?at times in a humorous way?reflects the numerous social and erotic intrigues with both empathy and insight. The brilliant overture is just as vivacious and witty as the opera itself. Mozart delightfullyanticipates the passion and playful love that is to come. The skillful transcription for concert band by Tohru Takahashi certainly does justice to this appealing music.

De muziek van Mozarts Cosi fan tutte werd door tijdgenoten meteen bejubeld. Deze luisterrijke opera is vandaag de dag nog steeds geliefd en wordt wereldwijd veel uitgevoerd. Het is heel goed mogelijk dat de vrij korte ouverture vanCosi fan tutte is bedoeld als sfeerbeschrijving van een koffiehuis waarin heftig gedebatteerd wordt. De herhaalde en stijgende melodieen zouden lachen en discussieren kunnen suggereren. Deze suggestie wordt nog versterktdoor de dynamische contrasten in het stuk.

Cosi fan tutte ist eine der spaten Opern Mozarts und sicherlich auch eine seiner besten. Cosi fan tutte bedeutet so viel wie so sind sie alle und bezieht sich auf die Unzuverlassigkeit des weiblichen Geschlechts in Liebesdingen. Dies war ein ziemlich heikles Thema zu Mozarts Zeiten und es ist daher kaum verwunderlich, dass die Oper als unmoralisch galt, dennoch von Beginn an sehr beliebt war. Wil van der Beek setzte die eher kurze, dynamisch kontrastive Ouverture fur Blasorchester um.

SKU: CL.026-4912-00

The famous Dutch hymn We Gather Together is scored for small bands with limited instrumentation, but will sound great with bands of all sizes! Dedicated to the Frontline Responders and Essential Workers who keep us safe, this is the perfect welcome back piece for both the band and your returning audience. With Build-A-Band scoring, you get to create unique sounds using the strengths of your instrumentation, and by following the suggested flexible interplay between sections. This beautiful arrangement includes optional vocal parts for performers and/or audience. Piano, bass, guitar and percussion can strengthen your sound as well. Flexible works wonders, and it’s perfect for distance learning situations!

SKU: CL.RWS-2121-01

This festive holiday medley of traditional carols is arranged into 6/8 time throughout. Using holiday favorites such as In Dolce Jubilo, The Sussex Carol, I Saw Three Ships, Three Kings Of Orient, Still, Still, Still, Jesu Bambino, and Here We Come a-Wassailing, Gary Fagan gives us a wonderful musical addition to the holiday repertoire as well as a valuable teaching tool. The use of recognizable melodies engages prior knowledge to teach and reinforce the concept of compound meter. Highly recommended!