SKU: PR.11641867S

UPC: 680160683208.

Contextures: Riots -Decade '60 was commissioned by Zubin Mehta and the Southern California Symphony Association after the successful premiere of the Concerto for Four Percussion Soloists and Orchestra. It was written during the spring and summer months of 1967. Riots stemming from resentment against the racial situation in the United States and the war in Vietnam were occurring throughout the country and inevitably invaded the composer's creative subconscious. Contextures, as the title implies, was intended to exploit various and varying textures. As the work progressed the correspondence between the fabric of music and the fabric of society became apparent and the allegory grew in significance. So I found myself translating social aspects into musical techniques. Social stratification became a polymetric situation where disparate groups function together. The conflict between the forces of expansion and the forces of containment is expressed through and opposition of tonal fluidity vs. rigidity. This is epitomized in the fourth movement, where the brass is divided into two groups - a muted group, encircled by the unmuted one, which does its utmost to keep the first group within a restricted pitch area. The playful jazzy bits (one between the first and second movements and one at the end of the piece) are simply saying that somehow in this age of turmoil and anxiety ways of having fun are found even though that fun may seem inappropriate. The piece is in five movements, with an interlude between the first and second movements. It is scored for a large orchestra, supplemented by six groups of percussion, including newly created roto-toms (small tunable drums) and some original devices, such as muted gongs and muted vibraphone. There is also an offstage jazz quartet: bass, drums, soprano saxophone and trumpet. The first movement begins with a solo by the first clarinetist which is interrupted by intermittent heckling from his colleagues leading to a configuration of large disparate elements. The interlude of solo violin and snare-drum follows without pause. The second movement, Prestissimo, is a display piece of virtuosity for the entire orchestra. The third movement marks a period of repose and reflection and calls for some expressive solos, particularly by the horn and alto saxophone. The fourth movement opens with a rather lengthy oboe solo, which is threatened by large blocks of sound from the orchestra, against an underlying current of agitated energy in the piano and percussion. This leads to a section in which large orchestral forces oppose one another, ultimately bringing the work to a climax, if not to a denouement. Various thematic elements are strewn all over the orchestra, resulting in the formation of a general haze of sound. A transition leads to the fifth movement without pause. The musical haze is pierced gently by the offstage jazz group as if they were attempting to ignore and even dispel the gloom, but a legato bell sound enters and hovers over both the jazz group and the orchestra, the latter making statements of disquieting finality. Two films were conceived to accompany portions of Contextures. The first done by Herbert Kosowar, was a chemography film (painting directly into the film using dyes and various implements) with fast clips of riot photographs. The second was a film collage made by photographically abstracting details from paintings of Reginald Pollack. The purpose was to invoke a non-specific response - as in music - but at the same time to define the subject matter of the piece. The films were constructed to correspond with certain developments in the piece and in no way affect the independence and musical flow of the piece, having been made after the piece was completed. Contextures: Riots - Decade '60 is dedicated to Mehta, the Southern California Symphony Association and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. The news of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King came the afternoon of the premiere, April 4, 1968. That evening's performances, and also the succeeding ones, were dedicated to him and a special dedication to Dr. King has been inserted into he score. All the music that follows the jazz group - beginning with the legato bell sound playing the first 2 notes to We shall overcome constitutes a new ending to commemorate Dr. King's death.

SKU: AP.44846

UPC: 038081518480. English. Traditional.

Nothing says Noel better than a 16th century courtly dance. Also known as Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabelle, this piece was originally performed for the French nobility. The variations in this new setting by Vince Gassi will lift your spirits as they pass from a joyous opening, through a brief moment of reflection, and on to a jubilant ending. This little bit of effervescence is a great addition to any part of your Christmas program. (2:45).

SKU: AP.44846S

UPC: 038081518497. English. Traditional.

Nothing says Noel better than a 16th century courtly dance. Also known as Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabelle, this piece was originally performed for the French nobility. The variations in this new setting by Vince Gassi will lift your spirits as they pass from a joyous opening, through a brief moment of reflection, and on to a jubilant ending. This little bit of effervescence is a great addition to any part of your Christmas program. (2:45).

SKU: AP.48093

UPC: 038081558714. English.

Full of energy and life, Streaks of Thunder, an original piece by Bob Phillips, includes moments of sheer exuberance as well as reflection. The series of memorable melodies and driving rhythms streak through all sections in an almost call and response between upper and lower strings. Excitement abounds in this piece, making it a great opener or closer! (4:15) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

SKU: LO.30-3714L

UPC: 000308154320.

CD with Printable Parts for 65/2101L From the collaborative efforts of Lloyd Larson, Mary McDonald, Jay Rouse, and Larry Shackley, Everlasting Light showcases the profound significance of the light of Christ come to earth. An insightful narration by Rose Aspinall incorporates scripture and personal reflection to tie together the compelling combination of powerful original music and beloved carols. Mary McDonald’s celebratory opener, Everlasting Light, acts as the cornerstone of the work. Larry Shackley’s Longing for the Light beautifully portrays a yearning for restoration; Jay Rouse offers a stirring original song with words inspired by Mary’s Songs of Praise found in Luke 1:44-56; and Lloyd Larson’s Shepherds and Angels adds rhythmic and joyful energy. The work concludes with a robust medley of carols that points back to the opening song: He is the Light, Everlasting Light; born a Savior, born this night. He is the One, the Everlasting Son; Child of heaven, He is the Light!.

SKU: LO.30-3713L

UPC: 000308154313.

Set of Parts for 65/2101L From the collaborative efforts of Lloyd Larson, Mary McDonald, Jay Rouse, and Larry Shackley, Everlasting Light showcases the profound significance of the light of Christ come to earth. An insightful narration by Rose Aspinall incorporates scripture and personal reflection to tie together the compelling combination of powerful original music and beloved carols. Mary McDonald’s celebratory opener, Everlasting Light, acts as the cornerstone of the work. Larry Shackley’s Longing for the Light beautifully portrays a yearning for restoration; Jay Rouse offers a stirring original song with words inspired by Mary’s Songs of Praise found in Luke 1:44-56; and Lloyd Larson’s Shepherds and Angels adds rhythmic and joyful energy. The work concludes with a robust medley of carols that points back to the opening song: He is the Light, Everlasting Light; born a Savior, born this night. He is the One, the Everlasting Son; Child of heaven, He is the Light!.

SKU: LO.30-3423MD

UPC: 000308146554.

With a classic Gloria Gaither lyric and music from Greg Nelson, this message song vividly paints the picture of what it means to walk in the steps of Christ. This gorgeous setting is powerfully moving and allows your choir a unique opportunity to lead the congregation into a thoughtful place of reflection.

SKU: AP.49048

ISBN 9781470645588. UPC: 038081564081. English.

This title features Alfred Music's String Orchestra FLEX options. That means that every part in this set is now transposed into every other part, so you can play this title with any combination of like- or mixed-string ensemble. After purchasing this set, decide what additional parts you need to meet the unique needs of your ensemble, then download and print them for free at alfred.com/supplemental---free of charge.

The most common anaconda snake is the Green Anaconda, and it is the most massive snake in the world! Anaconda by Chris Bernotas reflects that powerful snake in musical form. The rhythms drive forward with an intense melody characterizing the strength of the enormous creature. The pizzicato section is reflective of the anaconda as it stealthily makes its way through a swamp or river---be on guard! Correlated to Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, Book 1, Level 5. (2:15).

SKU: AP.29720

UPC: 038081329802. English.

A programmatic piece based on the changing character of that vast inland sea, Lake Michigan, this original composition will remind the listener of the folk-based tunes of Holst. Written for a school located near the beaches, the music reflects the serene mornings, days of large waves and the spectacularly brilliant sunsets. The majestic finish reflects the wonder of a sky full of fire as the sun sets. (3:45).

SKU: HL.14028555

ISBN 9788759854938. 11.75x16.5x0.403 inches. English-Danish.

The Full Score of Saariaho's Verblendungen for Orchestra and Tape. The piece is dedicated to Esa-Pekka Salonen, who conducted the premiere performance in Helsinki, Finland with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra in April 1984. With both orchestra and tape working in opposite directions of the tonal spectrum, this is a fantastic and expressive work that balances the contrast the two elements. Despite these tonal differences, the tape and orchestra join together in an inseparable sound world and form a breathtaking orchestral piece that moves through jagged, grainy sounds to smoother, more reflective moods.