SKU: PR.164002390

UPC: 680160038091.

I became interested in the work of Plato through my friend and collaborator, the writer and philosopher Paul Woodruff. Paul's new translation, with Alexander Nehamas, of the Symposium gave me insights into ancient Greek ways of thinking about Love, Beauty, and Wisdom -- and managed to keep the earthy, and often bawdy side of it all in full view. But their new translation of Plato's later dialogue Phaedrus went even further: the beauty of the speeches is breathtaking, and the discourse itself is enough to keep one awake at night. Basically the Great Speech of Socrates in the Phaedrus dialogue has to do with the place of Eros in the world, and with the conflict in the soul between fleshly pleasure and philosophic discovery. I will not attempt to encapsulate this brilliant discourse in a program note: suffice it to say that reading it gave rise to my two-sided work for clarinet, violin, and piano, Phaedrus. The first movement represents the Philosophic life, and is thus subtitled Apollo's Lyre (Invocation and Hymn). It begins with an unaccompanied melody for the clarinet, which (after a pair of harp-like flourishes for the piano, expands into an accompanied canon. The voices in the dialogue (clarinet and violin) follow each other by a prescribed number of beats, but the music is totally devoid of any meter at all. The piano, representing the lyre, accompanies this lyric love-feast with repeated strummed chords. The canon has three large sections, and ends with violin echoing the unaccompanied clarinet invocation as the sound of the lyre fades. The second movement, called Dionysus' Dream-Orgy (Ritual Dance) presents, after a brief introduction, another kind of unmetered music. Rather than long lyric flights of philosophic song, however, this time we hear a unison dance of unbridled energy and sensual transport. The piece soon forms itself into a loose arch form, with contrasting metered dance sections divided by the unison unmetered orgy tune. Midway through the movement, Apollo's melody returns from the first movement, but it is a temporary reminiscence. The orgiastic dance returns, reaches a climax, and ends with a stomping of feet. While Plato asserts that a proper balance between lust and reason is necessary in all men, he (naturally) gives the nod to Philosophy as the better choice in which to live. Not so in my music: the two sides are meant to coexist and to complement each other. No sides are taken. Phaedrus was commissioned of the Verdehr Trio by Michigan State University. It is dedicated to the Vedehr Trio with great affection and admiration.

SKU: CF.CPS257

ISBN 9781491161265. UPC: 680160919857.

The original intent for this piece was to evoke a fantasy atmosphere of huge mythical constructs, such as stone edifices, rising from a lunar surface softly illuminated by reflected light from another galactic source. It is meant to give an impression of a single vision, allowing the listener or player to imagine a personal interpretation of their own. The story behind this particular title comes from the late 19th century. Before the widespread use of electric streetlights, many large American and European cities erected large structures - some as tall as 165 feet - intended to brighten the cities at night at times when there was insufficient natural moonlight. Referred to at that time as Moonlight Towers, the only ones still in existence and in use today are found in Austin, Texas. These man-made wonders may not be as stunning as naturally-formed stone edifices, but they are nevertheless eye-catching. One of these structures in a large park is adorned with strands of lights every December to resemble a gigantic Christmas tree which can be seen for miles. In this composition, measure 81 through measure 97 depicts four of the remaining thirteen towers in four different settings in Austin. This piece is also intended to capture the wonder of these singular relics of history, with a fantasy atmosphere of their own.
The original intent for this piece was to evoke a fantasy atmosphere of huge mythical constructs, such as stone edifices, rising from a lunar surface softly illuminated by reflected light from another galactic source. It is meant to give an impression of a single vision, allowing the listener or player to imagine a personal interpretation of their own.  The story behind this particular title comes from the late 19th century. Before the widespread use of electric streetlights, many large American and European cities erected large structures - some as tall as 165 feet - intended to brighten the cities at night at times when there was insufficient natural moonlight. Referred to at that time as Moonlight Towers, the only ones still in existence and in use today are found in Austin, Texas. These man-made wonders may not be as stunning as naturally-formed stone edifices, but they are nevertheless eye-catching. One of these structures in a large park is adorned with strands of lights every December to resemble a gigantic Christmas tree which can be seen for miles. In this composition, measure 81 through measure 97 depicts four of the remaining thirteen towers in four different settings in Austin. This piece is also intended to capture the wonder of these singular relics of history, with a fantasy atmosphere of their own.

SKU: HL.870071

ISBN 9781705150207. UPC: 196288016946. 9.0x12.0x0.077 inches.

30 popular melodies at an easy level in solo books for all the instruments in the Essential Elements Band Method. Perfect motivational music for students to play and practice featuring songs by Billie Eilish, Queen, Shawn Mendes, Taylor Swift, Star Wars, The Avengers, and more! Titles include: Believer • Blinding Lights • Don't Stop Believin' • Dynamite • Hallelujah • The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme) • Let It Go • Señorita • Seven Nation Army • Sucker • This Is Me • We Are the Champions • Wildest Dreams • You Will Be Found • and more.

SKU: HL.14020975

UPC: 884088860066. 8.75x8.25 inches.

Chamber opera in a prologue and one act. A ghost story telling of the mysterious disappearance of three lighthouse keepers in the Hebrides. This is a mystery story in the form of a chamber opera. The prologue is set as a court of enquiry into the unexplained disappearance of the three keepers from a lighthouse. Questions are posed by a solo horn, which may sound from among the audience, and three officers give answer. Gradually, they move from straight testimony into fantastical imaginings of evil during a 'flashback' to the lighthouse; but then we snap back to the courtroom. In the main act the three singers become the vanished keepers. They have been together for months, long enough to be fully aware of each other's weaknesses; petty bickerings suggest a relationship which is stable, but liable to become highly unstable at any moment. They sing songs to reduce the tension, Blazes beginning with a rough ballad of street violence, accompanied by violin and banjo. Sandy's song, with cello and out-of-tune upright piano, is a thinly disguised description of sexual bliss, and Arthur's with brass and clarinet, is a tub-thumping hymn. But the songs serve only to resurrect in their minds ghosts from the past, and as the fog descends each of the keepers becomes convinced that he is being claimed by the Beast. They prepare to meet its dazzling eyes, which become the lights of the relief vessel, and the three men reappear as officers, met at the lighthouse only by an infestation of rats. They leave, and at the end the last hours of Blazes, Sandy and Arthur begin to play over again. Libretto only. Duration c. 1h 25mins.

SKU: CF.SC89L

William Grant Still’s catalog of works comprises over 200 pieces, including five symphonies, nine operas, four ballets and numerous works for chamber ensembles. He initially found employment as an oboist in pit orchestras in New York City, later as an arranger of popular music for various ensembles, including those by William C. Handy, James P. Johnson and Paul Whiteman. His career as a composer was launched with a performance in 1931 of his Symphony No. 1 “Afro-American” by the Rochester Philharmonic, conducted by Howard Hanson, who would remain a life-long champion of Still’s orchestral works. By the 1950s the symphony had been performed in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and various European capitals.This notoriety earned Still a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1934, after which he moved to Los Angeles. He is credited as the first African-American to conduct a major orchestra (the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra), the first to have an opera performed by a major company (Troubled Island by the New York City Opera in 1949), and one of the first composers to write for radio, films and television. So numerous were his awards and accolades, including three Guggenheim Fellowships and a variety of honorary doctorates, that he was designated as the “Dean of Afro-American Composers.”The “Black belt” refers to a region in the southern United States that was distinguished by the color of its fertile soil. It was an area whose rich economy was based on cotton and tobacco plantations that were controlled by rich white people and worked by poor black laborers. Still’s piece From the Black Belt from 1926 is presumably a musical representation of these laborers. He described its seven parts in the following ways: William Grant Still’s catalog of works comprises over 200 pieces, including five symphonies, nine operas, four ballets and numerous works for chamber ensembles. He initially found employment as an oboist in pit orchestras in New York City, later as an arranger of popular music for various ensembles, including those by William C. Handy, James P. Johnson and Paul Whiteman. His career as a composer was launched with a performance in 1931 of his Symphony No. 1 “Afro-American” by the Rochester Philharmonic, conducted by Howard Hanson, who would remain a life-long champion of Still’s orchestral works. By the 1950s the symphony had been performed in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and various European capitals.This notoriety earned Still a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1934, after which he moved to Los Angeles. He is credited as the first African-American to conduct a major orchestra (the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra), the first to have an opera performed by a major company (Troubled Island by the New York City Opera in 1949), and one of the first composers to write for radio, films and television. So numerous were his awards and accolades, including three Guggenheim Fellowships and a variety of honorary doctorates, that he was designated as the “Dean of Afro-American Composers.”The “Black belt” refers to a region in the southern United States that was distinguished by the color of its fertile soil. It was an area whose rich economy was based on cotton and tobacco plantations that were controlled by rich white people and worked by poor black laborers. Still’s piece From the Black Belt from 1926 is presumably a musical representation of these laborers. He described its seven parts in the following ways: Li’l Scamp If one were to base his judgment on the volume of sound, he would think this little fellow, who delights in playing childish pranks, a big scamp. But the aptness of the title is determined by the brevity of the piece rather than by the volume of sound. Honeysuckle A musical suggestion of the saccharine odor of the honeysuckle. Dance This title is self-explanatory. Brown GirlA tone picture of a lovely girl. Mah Bones Is Creakin’An old man, afflicted with rheumatism, complains loudly. BlueThe lament of a weary soul. Clap Yo’ Han’sThe participants in a game for children form a circle and clap their hands at intervals.

SKU: FJ.B1822

UPC: 241444423110. English.

This new work for young band draws inspiration from a park in the Great Lakes Region where an annual display of dancing lights brightens the winter skies. Active percussion, staccato rhythms, and careful scoring ensure that this work is a fun, yet achievable piece that would be appropriate for winter celebrations or any concert throughout the year.

About FJH Young Band

Appropriate for middle school and smaller high school groups. Second clarinets usually stay below the break. Parts are written with more independence, and instrumentation increases slightly. There is still adequate doubling in the lower voices. Grades 2 - 2.5

SKU: CF.CPS254

ISBN 9781491159811. UPC: 680160918409.

PROGRAM NOTES As We Search: Legend of the Brown Mountain Lights is inspired by the many ghost stories that have come from the mysterious occurrence of lights on Brown Mountain (Burke County, North Carolina). These mysterious phenomena appear during evenings in autumn. Many have seen the lights, but the exact cause remains a mystery. The origin of the lights has inspired numerous legends. As We Search: Legend of the Brown Mountain Lights focuses on one legend from the nineteenth century. After a local woman went missing, though murder was suspected, villagers engaged in a search of the mountain. Having never been found, it is said the search continues, and ghostly echoes of the search lights can still be seen on Brown Mountain to this day. NOTES TO CONDUCTOR The duration of the composition is five minutes at the marked tempo. Careful attention should be given to articulations, dynamic changes and phrasing throughout the work. The entire work is based on the idea first stated by the bells in m. 12. Each time the idea is restated, stronger development occurs around it building to m. 74. Attention should be given to the dissonance that resolves in mm. 5-6, 9-10, 17-18, 21-22, 41-42, 45-46, 76-77 and 80-81. The climax of the piece is m. 81, representing the moment the villagers think they have found the lost woman. Measure 82 to the end continues a fading trend as if people are forgetting about the legend of the Brown Mountain Lights. Measure 110 carrying into m. 111 is meant to be unresolved. Even though the legend has faded over time, the lights still exist As We Search..
PROGRAM NOTESAs We Search: Legend of the “Brown Mountain Lights” is inspired by the many ghost stories that have come from the mysterious occurrence of lights on Brown Mountain (Burke County, North Carolina). These mysterious phenomena appear during evenings in autumn. Many have seen the lights, but the exact cause remains a mystery.The origin of the lights has inspired numerous legends. As We Search: Legend of the “Brown Mountain Lights” focuses on one legend from the nineteenth century. After a local woman went missing, though murder was suspected, villagers engaged in a search of the mountain. Having never been found, it is said the search continues, and ghostly echoes of the search lights can still be seen on Brown Mountain to this day. NOTES TO CONDUCTORThe duration of the composition is five minutes at the marked tempo.  Careful attention should be given to articulations, dynamic changes and phrasing throughout the work.The entire work is based on the idea first stated by the bells in m. 12. Each time the idea is restated, stronger development occurs around it building to m. 74. Attention should be given to the dissonance that resolves in mm. 5–6, 9–10, 17–18, 21–22, 41–42, 45–46, 76–77 and 80–81.The climax of the piece is m. 81, representing the moment the villagers think they have found the lost woman.Measure 82 to the end continues a fading trend as if people are forgetting about the legend of the Brown Mountain Lights.Measure 110 carrying into m. 111 is meant to be unresolved. Even though the legend has faded over time, the lights still exist “As We Search.” .

SKU: CF.BPS134

ISBN 9781491158265. UPC: 680160916863. 9 x 12 inches.

QuA(c) verdes son is the Spanish-language version of O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree). Although the Christmas carol is sung in many languages, the translated lyrics are rarely a close copy of the original German text. Instead, each version finds unique ways to explore the beauty and meaning of one of the holidayas most beloved symbols: the Christmas tree. In QuA(c) verdes son, the beautiful lights, fresh aroma, and especially the lovely color of the tree are celebrated. This arrangement of QuA(c) verdes son begins with simmering Latin percussion playing a groove based on a 3-2 son clave. Subdividing this in groups of eighth notes (123-123-1234-12-12-12) will help lock in the time. In the gA 1/4 iro part, the quarter notes should be scraped and the eighth notes tapped. The main melody begins at m. 5. Rather than needing to be overly loud, much of the energy comes from the silences between notes and from the contrast between accents and staccatos. The woodwind countermelody at m. 9 and m. 17 should be smooth and sweet, a further contrast to the punchy rhythms beneath it. The percussion section is featured at m. 26, with a gradual buildup of textures and rhythmic energy. At m. 38 the whole band is back in, driving toward the fun cha-cha-cha ending.
Que verdes son is the Spanish-language version of O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree). Although the Christmas carol is sung in many languages, the translated lyrics are rarely a close copy of the original German text. Instead, each version finds unique ways to explore the beauty and meaning of one of the holiday's most beloved symbols: the Christmas tree. In Que verdes son, the beautiful lights, fresh aroma, and especially the lovely color of the tree are celebrated. This arrangement of Que verdes son begins with simmering Latin percussion playing a groove based on a 3-2 son clave. Subdividing this in groups of eighth notes (123-123-1234-12-12-12) will help lock in the time. In the guiro part, the quarter notes should be scraped and the eighth notes tapped. The main melody begins at m. 5. Rather than needing to be overly loud, much of the energy comes from the silences between notes and from the contrast between accents and staccatos. The woodwind countermelody at m. 9 and m. 17 should be smooth and sweet, a further contrast to the punchy rhythms beneath it. The percussion section is featured at m. 26, with a gradual buildup of textures and rhythmic energy. At m. 38 the whole band is back in, driving toward the fun cha-cha-cha ending.
Qué verdes son is the Spanish-language version of O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree). Although the Christmas carol is sung in many languages, the translated lyrics are rarely a close copy of the original German text. Instead, each version finds unique ways to explore the beauty and meaning of one of the holiday’s most beloved symbols: the Christmas tree. In Qué verdes son, the beautiful lights, fresh aroma, and especially the lovely color of the tree are celebrated.This arrangement of Qué verdes son begins with simmering Latin percussion playing a groove based on a 3-2 son clave. Subdividing this in groups of eighth notes (123-123-1234-12-12-12) will help lock in the time. In the güiro part, the quarter notes should be scraped and the eighth notes tapped.The main melody begins at m. 5. Rather than needing to be overly loud, much of the energy comes from the silences between notes and from the contrast between accents and staccatos. The woodwind countermelody at m. 9 and m. 17 should be smooth and sweet, a further contrast to the punchy rhythms beneath it.The percussion section is featured at m. 26, with a gradual buildup of textures and rhythmic energy. At m. 38 the whole band is back in, driving toward the fun cha-cha-cha ending.

SKU: KN.52890

ISBN 9786540383964.

As recorded by the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra on the album Suite For Pops, this second part of the suite spotlights solo flugelhorn in a beautiful ballad setting. Backed by warm woodwinds and expressive brass lines, the solo part consists of both written and improvised passages. A couple of short piano solos before the closing rubato lends dimension and contrast. Duration 4:45.

SKU: KN.52890S

As recorded by the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra on the album Suite For Pops, this second part of the suite spotlights solo flugelhorn in a beautiful ballad setting. Backed by warm woodwinds and expressive brass lines, the solo part consists of both written and improvised passages. A couple of short piano solos before the closing rubato lends dimension and contrast. Duration 4:45.