SKU: PR.416415760

UPC: 680160636532. 9 x 12 inches.

The 1712 Overture stands out in P.D.Q. Bach's oeuvre for two reasons, among others: it is by far the most programmatic instrumental piece among those by the minimeister of Wein-am-Rhein so far unearthed, and 2) its discovery has led to a revelation about the composer's father, Johann Sebastian Bach, that has exploded like a bombshell on the usually serene musicological landscape. The overture is based on an anecdote told to P.D.Q. Bach by a cousin, Peter Ulrich. Since P.U. Bach lived in Dudeldorf, only a few miles down the road from Wein-am-Rhein, he was P.D.Q.'s closest relative, and he was, in fact, one of the few members of the family who was on speaking terms with P.D.Q. The story, related to P.D.Q. (fortunately for us posterity types) in a letter, may be summarized thus: The town of Dudeldorf was founded by two brothers, Rudi and Dieter Dudel, early in the 18th century. Rudi remained mayor of the newborn burg for the rest of his long life, but Dieter had a dream of starting a musicians' colony, an entire city devoted to music, which dream, he finally decided, could be realized only in the New World. In 1712, he and several other bagpipers sailed to Boston, never to return to Germany. (Henceforth, Rudi became known as der deutscher Dudel and Dieter as the Yankee Dudel). Unfortunately, the head of the Boston Musicians' Guild had gotten wind of Dudel's plans, and Wilhelm Wiesel (pron. VEE-zle), known none too affectionately around town as Wiesel the Weasel, was not about to share what few gigs there were in colonial America with more foreigners and outside agitators. He and his cronies were on hand to meet Dudel's boat when it pulled into Boston Harbor; they intended to prevent the newcomers' disembarkation, but Dudel and his companions managed to escape to the other side of the bay in a dinghy, landing with just enough time to rent a carriage and horses before hearing the sound of The Weasel and his men, who had had to come around the long way. The Germans headed West, with the Bostonians in furious pursuit. soon the city had been left far behind, and by midnight so had the pursuers; Dieter Dudel decided that it was safe for him and his men to stop and sleep until daybreak. When they awoke, they found that they were in a beautiful landscape of low, forested mountains and pleasant fields, warmed by the brilliant morning sun and serenaded by an entrancing variety of birds. Here, Dudel thought, her is where I will build my colony. The immigrants continued down the road at a leisurely pace until they came upon a little church, all by itself in the countryside, from which there suddenly emanated the sounds of a pipe organ. At this point, the temptation to quote from P.U. Bach's letter to P.D.Q. cannot be resisted: They went inside and, after listening to the glorious music for a while, introduced themselves to the organist. And who do you think it was? Are you ready for this -- it was your old man! Hey, no kidding -- you know, I'm sure, that your father was the guy to get when it came to testing new organs, and whoever had that one in Massachusetts built offered old Sebastian a tidy sum to go over there and check it out. The unexpected meeting with J.S. Bach and his sponsors was interrupted by the sound of horse hooves, as the dreaded Wiesel and his men thundered on to the scene. They had been riding all night, however, and they were no spring chickens to start with, and as soon as they reached the church they all dropped, exhausted, to the ground. The elated Germans rang the church bells and offered to buy everyone a beer at the nearest tavern. There they were taught, and joined in singing, what might be called the national anthem of the New World. The melody of this pre-revolutionary patriotic song is still remembered (P.D.Q. Bach quotes it, in the bass instruments, near the end of the overture), but is words are now all but forgotten: Freedom, of thee we sing, Freedom e'er is our goal; Death to the English King, Long live Rock and Ross. The striking paucity of biographical references to Johann Sebastian Bah during the year 1712 can now be explained: he was abroad for a significant part of that year, testing organs in the British Colonies. That this revelation has not been accepted as fact by the musicological establishment is no surprise, since it means that a lot of books would have to be rewritten. The members of that establishment haven't even accepted the existence of P.D.Q. Bach, one of whose major works the 1712 Overture certainly is. It is also a work that shows Tchaikowsky up as the shameless plagiarizer that some of us have always known he was. The discovery of this awesome opus was made possible by a Boston Pops Centennial Research Commission; the first modern performance took place at the opening concert of the 100th anniversary season of that orchestra, under the exciting but authentic direction of John Williams.

SKU: HL.132289

ISBN 9788392036524. UPC: 884088971236. 9.25x12.0x0.277 inches.

The historical version of the score is what Chopin agreed to have published, for various reasons, but it is contaminated by involvement of foreign editorial input. The performance full score 00132241 or its 2 piano reduction 00132132242 are practical editions that are considered more authoritative for performance. The National Edition of the Works of Fryderyk Chopin Published by PWM Exclusively Distributed by Hal Leonard Corporation Co-Editors Jan Ekier and Pawel Kaminski The objective of the National Edition is to present Chopin's complete output in its authentic form, based on the entire body of available sources. Sources were analyzed with up-to-date scientific and musicological methodology. The National Edition was based on sources originated from the composer, mainly autographs, copies of autographs and first editions with the composer's corrections, and pupils' copies with Chopin's annotations. In cases when original sources were lacking, the closest possible materials were used. Collecting the source materials was a laborious task which took years of effort. The characteristics of sources, the links and discrepancies between them as well as the reasons for particular editorial decisions are discussed in the Source Commentary in each volume. The Performance Commentary appended to each volume includes: the realization of ornaments, comments on pedal markings (the original markings sometimes are inadequate, due to the difference in sound between pianos used in Chopin`s times and modern pianos), suggestions as to the harmonic legato (a performance technique often used by Chopin and now forgotten). About the National Edition Full Introduction to the Polish National Edition of the Works of Fryderyk Chopin.

SKU: HL.132243

UPC: 884088970772.

Piano concertos combine two elements: pure playing and full poetic expression. Virtuosity and romance. Pianistic brilliance, educated in the works in the stile brillant, brought to perfection, but at the same time - a farewell. Both are forms of direct expression of the personality of the composer, which showed itself in them for the first time with so much strength and is manifested in a group of characteristics of forming Chopin's individual style. Piano Concerto in F minor In terms of size, substantially smaller than the E minor concerto and also a different kind of expression: more lyrical, drawn in delicate pastel colours. Especially famous is the second movement, the Larghetto, which Chopin wrote under the inspiration of his first love. Critical source-edition edited by Jan Ekier and Pawel Kaminski based on manuscripts, copies approved by Chopin himself, and first editions. Its purpose is to present the works of Chopin in authentic form.

SKU: AP.47466

ISBN 9781470654542. UPC: 038081544762. English.

Inspired by a painting of the same name, this engaging work by Todd Parrish features memorable rhythmic patterns of sixteenth notes, flat-key fingerings, and varied articulations. The original painting evokes the awesome, eternal nature of the sea that could occur on any given morning. Imagine crashing waves!

SKU: AP.29687

UPC: 038081321813. English.

A beautifully fluid ballad encouraging your young band's highest musical attributes. Distinctive dissonances will bring out a most musical performance reinforcing balance, blend, and tone color. An awe inspiring sound, Contemplation has a place on every program. (2:00).

SKU: LO.30-2655L

UPC: 000308126716.

This dramatic, personal response to Christ's sacrificial gift of life and love opens with graceful, unison choral writing and builds in texture and emotion throughout. Whether performed with keyboard alone or with the optional orchestration, an accompaniment filled with lush harmonies helps to convey the believer's awe and praise for the risen Savior. The orchestra includes a Conductor's Score and parts for 2 Flutes, Oboe, 2 Clarinets, Bassoon (sub Bass Clarinet), 3 Trumpets, 2 Horns (sub 2 Alto Saxes), 2 Trombones (sub 2 Tenor Saxes), Tuba, Percussion, Harp, Piano, 2 Violins, Viola, Cello, and Bass (string reduction included).