SKU: DZ.DZ-4308
ISBN 9782898522253.
Following a recent experience on the jury of a guitar competition, I noted with great pleasure that Giorgio Mirto, with whom I had shared the role of juror, wanted to celebrate the experience of the competition - during from which we discovered that we had had a great affinity of thought - with something which could endure over time and not evaporate as often happens in short and occasional meetings between musicians. He did it as a true composer, which he is, and dedicated to me a very beautifully crafted Suite to which I allowed myself to collaborate at least formally, by suggesting titles for the four movements. This is how Suite n.1 was born, a piece that does not strictly respect the formal rules of the Baroque era, but reinterprets and reuses them in a new key. The work's obvious late Baroque inspiration led me to find titles that invited the performer to delve deeper into the work's aesthetic inspiration. So I suggested to Giorgio that he title the four movements with something that linked their content to four greats of the 18th century. German masters. The prelude has thus become from Eisenach because of its sometimes improvised Bach-like atmosphere, the second movement, vaguely toccata, speaks an organ language in the manner of Buxtehude (who lived in Lübeck), the slow movement has a Handelian quality - and Handel was born in Halle - and the last movement, far from being a true Chaconne, undoubtedly has the latter's taste for variation and ostinato, typical traits of Telemann who lived in Magdeburg. The cities that appear in the titles are therefore indelible to the authors cited. Furthermore, one should not think that the style of the work is in any way German, given that Giorgio Mirto expresses himself in a very joyful language that synthesizes modality with minimalism, all seasoned with a a nod to Pink's progressive rock Floyd. or a Mike Oldfield... The result of this mixture of ideas, inspirations and styles is a work that personally I never tire of reading and rereading, for the freshness that emanates from it and for the climate expressive which rises, nourishing itself with full efficiency. We ultimately cannot ignore that the note B, the one which marks in a minor way some of the most expressive works of the guitar repertoire, from the study of Sor which made generations of students fall in love with the guitar, until to that of Frank Martin's Four Pieces via La Catedral di Barrios, is the modal fulcrum of the entire Suite: it is true that the Prelude begins with a clear chord in E minor and lingers on an open ending in A minor , but it almost seems that the initial E serves as a launching pad for a continuation of the work in which the dominant, that is to say the B, is the true musical North, the pole star which guides us in the other three movements until the end of the Chaconne de Magdebourg. I wish Giorgio and our Suite great longevity and a favorable destiny in the complex and complex world of contemporary guitar composition. And I thank him again, flattered by his very kind dedication.FRANCESCO BIRAGHIAu lendemain d'une récente expérience au sein du jury d'un concours de guitare, j'ai constaté avec grand plaisir que Giorgio Mirto, avec qui j'avais partagé le rôle de juré, souhaitait célébrer l'expérience du concours - au cours de laquelle nous avons découvert que nous avions eu un grand affinité de pensée - avec quelque chose qui pourrait perdurer dans le temps et ne pas s'évaporer comme cela arrive souvent lors de rencontres courtes et occasionnelles entre musiciens. Il l'a fait en véritable compositeur, ce qu'il est, et m'a dédié une Suite d'une très belle facture àlaquelle je me suis permis de collaborer au moins formellement, en suggérant des titres pour les quatre mouvements. C'est ainsi qu'est née la Suite n.1, une pièce qui ne respecte pas strictement les règles formelles de l'époque baroque, mais les réinterprète et les réutilise dans une nouvelle tonalité. L'inspiration évidente du baroque tardif de l'à Âuvre m'a amené àtrouver des titres qui invitaient l'interprète àapprofondir l'inspiration esthétique de l'à Âuvre. J'ai donc suggéré àGiorgio de titrer les quatre mouvements avec quelque chose qui reliait leur contenu àquatre grands du XVIIIe siècle. Maîtres allemands. Le prélude est ainsi devenu d'Eisenach en raison de son atmosphère parfois improvisée àla Bach, le deuxième mouvement, vaguement toccata, parle un langage d'orgue àla manière de Buxtehude (qui vivait àLübeck), le mouvement lent a un Qualité haendélienne - et Haendel est né àHalle - et le dernier mouvement, loin d'être une véritable Chaconne, a sans doute le goût de cette dernière pour la variation et l'ostinato, traits typiques de Telemann qui vivait àMagdebourg. Les villes qui apparaissent dans les titres sont donc indélébiles aux auteurs cités. De plus, il ne faut pas penser que le style de l'à Âuvre soit en aucune façon allemand, étant donné que Giorgio Mirto s'exprime dans un langage très joyeux qui synthétise la modalité avec le minimalisme, le tout assaisonné d'un clin d'à Âil au rock progressif Floyd de Pink. ou un Mike Oldfield... Le résultat de ce mélange d'idées, d'inspirations et de styles est un ouvrage que personnellement je ne me lasse pas de lire et de relire, pour la fraîcheur qui s'en dégage et pour le climat expressif qui monte, se nourrissant de plein efficacité. On ne peut finalement pas ignorer que la note B, celle qui marque de manière mineure certaines des à Âuvres les plus expressives du répertoire de guitare, depuis l'étude de Sor qui a fait tomber amoureux de la guitare des générations d'étudiants, jusqu'àcelle de Frank Martin Quatre Pièces via La Catedral di Barrios, est le point d'appui modal de toute la Suite : il est vrai que le Prélude commence par un accord clair en mi mineur et s'attarde sur une fin ouverte en la mineur, mais il semble presque que le mi initial sert de une rampe de lancement pour une suite de l'à Âuvre dans laquelle la dominante, c'est-à-dire le B, est le véritable Nord musical, l'étoile polaire qui nous guide dans les trois autres mouvements jusqu'àla fin de la Chaconne de Magdebourg. Je souhaite àGiorgio et àë notre û Suite une grande longévité et un destin favorable dans le monde complexe et complexe de la composition contemporaine pour guitare. Et je le remercie encore, flatté de son très aimable dévouement.FRANCESCO BIRAGHI.
SKU: PR.114422450
ISBN 9781491134986. UPC: 680160685974. 9 x 12 inches.
Bachâs colossal Partita No. 2 for Solo Violin has been crowned by many masters as one of musicâs greatest achievements, and even its famous Chaconne movement alone is a mountain many performers dare not scale. While the literature of several other instruments has been enriched by transcriptions of the Chaconne, Mazzantiâs heroic adaptation of the complete Partita is the culmination of many yearsâ work, and the only transcription specifically for the piccoloâs unique range.THE INSPIRATIONEver since my childhood, Johann Sebastian Bachâs solo violin music (like his works for solo cello) has always held a charm and mystery for me. Thereâs something about this repertoire that sparks an inextinguishable questioning in my musical and human soul.It is music without spatial limits or temporal cages, a music as essential as it is masterfully complex, in which the solitary voice of man meets the all-encompassing voice of God. It is a music whose vertical and horizontal dimensions, already admirably fused, are faceted into new and mysterious realities. For every violinist, the study of these compositions is at the apex of tenacious technical study and interpretative effort.Violinist Joshua Bell has said the Ciaccona (Bach did write the Partitaâs movement titles in Italian) is ânot just one of the greatest pieces of music ever written, but one of the greatest achievements of any man in history. Itâs a spiritually powerful piece, emotionally powerful, structurally perfect.âTranscribing and performing Bachâs PARTITA NO. 2, BWV 1004 on piccolo was a feat that took years of work. The famous Ciaccona movement is, of course, the piece that alone occupied most of this time. How does one honor and elevate such high music with such a âsmallâ instrument, devoid of the enormous expressive potential of the violin, devoid of its chords and its polyphony? How might I transform the piccolo into an instrument with, like the violin, full-bodied low notes and subtle high notes? Above all, why undertake such a demanding and extraordinary journey?The first reason is obvious: by transcribing, studying, and performing such an admirable piece, we assimilate it, it becomes part of us, it enormously enriches our musical interior.In addition, it forces us technically to expand the colors, agility, and flexibility of the instrument; it makes us think in a polyphonic way.Finally, the daily study, especially of the Ciaccona, is an extraordinary gymnasium in which to consolidate and strengthen our general technique.THE TRANSCRIPTIONThe whole Partita was transcribed in the key of A minor, a fifth above the original in D minor. This was necessary for the lowest note of the violin (G) to correspond to the lowest note of the piccolo (D). This version exploits the full range of the piccolo, from the D of the first octave to the B of the third octave. However some octave adjustments were needed.The chords, particularly in the Sarabanda and the Ciaccona, have been left with the same notational system used by Bach in his version for violin. I chose to respect Bachâs presentation and did not transcribe these into grace notes breaking the chords. I advocate that we must at least try to think of this music in its vertical dimension, trying to make the notes resonate as if they were being played together, deciding the speed of the arpeggio based on musical needs.While some woodwind editions of Bachâs string solos do indicate broken chords as grace notes, this implies that the most important note is necessarily the highest one, while sometimes it is precisely in the lower pitches that the theme is voiced.In this piccolo adaptation, many of Bachâs original articulations have been respected. Some have been changed, when needing to adapt them to the specific needs of flute playing.The two passages in the Ciaccona where Bach indicates âarpeggioâ were rendered trying to respect the most consolidated and virtuous violin traditions, and at the same time the possibilities that the piccolo offers us. For this purpose, in some cases, different revoicings of the chords have been used.I thank all those who patiently listened to me and were close to me during this period, for their observations and advice. In particular, I thank my daughter Sara for her assistance and skill in entering this edition into music writing software.
SKU: PR.114422360
ISBN 9781491133828. UPC: 680160683321. 9 x 12 inches.
Based on an Armenian troubadour song, I WILL NOT BE SAD IN THIS WORLD is a uniquely beautiful work for alto flute (or bass flute) accompanied by a pre-recorded audio track made purely from the composer’s own singing. The result is a fluid interplay between the live flute and the composer’s multi-tracked and processed vocal sonorities. The work was created for Marya Martin’s “Eight Visions†collection (published by Presser), and is now available as a single publication.I will not be sad in this world is based on the song “Ashkharumes Akh Chim Kashil†by the legendary 18th-century Armenian troubadour Sayat Nova. The song is often played on the duduk, and your flute playing should respond to the ornamentation, intonation, and vibrato of traditional duduk playing.In playing this piece, you will want to be flexible with time: the 32nd notes are mostly notated grace notes coloring the following note, and can be compressed towards that next note for effect. Similarly, the meter should be downplayed: use the pre-recorded part to give you guideposts, and then shape your phrases quite freely around those guideposts.I strongly suggest that you listen to my demo recording of the piece, as it will give an indication of what I am looking for. I have not transcribed every note that I sang on the demo, and similarly, once you feel comfortable with the playing style, you can ornament the melody with some flexibility yourself. The notated turns are meant to indicate places where it is most natural to do some ornamentation.The piece can be played on either alto flute or bass flute. I am hoping for a certain vulnerability in your playing, so choose the flute that will help you most with that. If you are playing in a dry hall, you might consider slight amplification, not for volume, but to allow you to add reverb to your sound. It will then be easier to blend well with the tape part.Optionally, one (or even two) additional flutists may double the lines called “voice†that are part of the tape part. The additional player(s) should play more softly than the soloist, and get even softer as the piece progresses and the electronics take over.* * *Thanks to Marya Martin who commissioned the piece. Many thanks to my friend and colleague Margaret Lancaster, who tried out the piece for me and advised me about notation. Thanks also to the Civitella Ranieri Foundation who were my generous hosts while I was writing I will not be sad in this world.The audio accompaniment and the demo are available for free download from the “Additional Downloads†tab at www.presser.com/114-42236.
SKU: FG.55011-372-5
ISBN 9790550113725.
Images of the sea figure prominently throughout my life and memories: from holidays on the Atlantic coast during my Canadian childhood to my current Baltic home, and the imagined, only later experienced Mediterranean of my ancestral heritage. As an immigrant (son of an immigrant) bound to two northern countries, the sea is emblematic of my twin homelands, from the expanses of water surrounding them to those separating them. A Mari usque ad Mare. The sea is also an enduring image of the unknown, of expanses unexplored, of the raw power of nature and, for too many currently, of terror holding a hope of refuge - or the pain of loss. Such disparate ideas were captured for me in the seascapes of the New York painter MaryBeth Thielhelm, whom I met in 2008 during a residency on the Gulf of Mexico. Her vast, abstract, nearly monochromatic depictions of imaginary seas in wildly varying moods were the catalyst for a concerto where the piano is frequently far from a hero battling a collective, but rather acts as a channel for elemental forces surging up from the orchestra, floating - sometimes barely so - on its constantly shifting surface. There are few themes to speak of, beyond a handful of iconic ideas that periodically cycle upward. Rather, the piano's material is largely an ornamentation of the more primal rhythmic and harmonic impulses from the orchestra below - a poetic interpretation, if you will, of the more immediate experience of facing the vastness of some unknown body of water. The title Nameless Seas is borrowed from one of Thielhelm's exhibitions, as are those of the four movements, which are bridged together into two halves of roughly equal weight - one rhapsodic and free, the other more single-minded and direct, separated only by a short breath. The opening movement, Nocturne, is predominantly calm, if brooding, darkness and light alternating throughout. Lyrical arabesques sparkle over gently lapping cross-currents in the strings and mirrored timpani, the piano's full power only rarely deployed. The waves gradually build, drawing in the full orchestra for a meeting of forces in Land and Sea, a brighter, more warmly lyrical scene that unfolds in series of dreamlike, sometimes even nostalgic visions, which for me carry strong memories of sitting on rocks above surging Atlantic waves. The third movement, Wake, is a fast, perpetual-motion texture of glinting, darting rhythms and sudden shafts of light, with a prominent part for the steel drums, limning the piano's quicksilver figurations. An ecstatic climax crashes into a solo cadenza that grows progressively calmer and more introspective rather than virtuosic. Much of the tension finally releases into Unclaimed Waters, a drifting, meditative seascape in which the piano is progressively engulfed by a series of ever-taller waves, ultimately dissolving into a tolling, rippling continuum of sound. It has been a great privilege to realize such a long-held dream as this piece, and to write it for not one, but two great pianists. Risto-Matti Marin and Angela Hewitt, both of whose friendship and support have been unfailing and humbling, share the dedication. Nameless Seas was commissioned by the PianoEspoo festival and Canada's National Arts Centre, with the premieres in Ottawa and Helsinki led by Hannu Lintu and Olari Elts. Thanks are due also to the Jenny and Antti Wihuri fund, whose generous grant provided me with much-needed time, and Escape to Create in Seaside, Florida, the source to which I returned to do a large part of the work.
SKU: PR.44641192L
UPC: 680160610860. 11 x 14 inches.
One of my greatest pleasures in writing a concerto is exploring the new world that opens for me each time I enter the sometimes alien, but always fascinating, world of a solo instrument or instruments. For me, the challenge is to discover the deepest nature of the solo instrument (its karma, if you will) and to allow that essential character to guide the shape and form of the work and the nature of the interaction between soloists and orchestra. In recent years, many of us have become more aware of the musical world outside the Western tradition of musics that follow different procedures and spring from other aesthetics. And contemporary percussionists have opened many of these worlds to us, as they have ventured around the globe, participating in Brazilian Samba schools, studying Gamelan and African drumming with local experts, collecting instruments from Asia and Africa and South America and the South Pacific, widening our horizons in the process. I will never forget our first meeting in Toronto when Nexus invited me into their world of hundreds of exciting percussion instruments. The vast array of instruments in the collection of the Nexus ensemble is truly global in scope as well as offering a thrilling sound-universe. I was inspired by the incredible range of sound and moved by the fact that so many of these instruments were musical reflections of a spiritual dimension. After long consideration, I decided that it would not only be impossible, but even undesirable for this Western-tradition-steeped composer to attempt to use these instruments in a culturally authentic way. My goal was an existential kind of authenticity: searching instead for universal ideas that would be true to both myself and the performers while acknowledging the traditional uses of the instruments. Since many percussion instruments are associated with various kinds of ritual, I decided that I would allow that concept to shape my piece. Rituals is in four movements, each issuing from a ritual associated with percussion, but with the orchestral interaction providing an essential element in the musical form. I. Invocation alludes to the traditions of invoking the spirit of the instruments, or the gods, or the ancestors before performing. II. Ambulation moves from a processional, through march and dance to fantasy based on all three. III. Remembrances alludes to traditions of memorializing. IV. Contests progresses from friendly competition games, contests to a suggestion of a battle of big band drummers, to warlike exchanges. In the 2nd and 4th movements, another percussion tradition, improvisation, is employed. Written into these movements are a number of seeds for improvisation. Indications in the score call for the soloists to improvise in three different ways, marked A for percussion alone; marked B for percussion with and in response to the orchestra; and C where the percussionists are free to add and embellish the written parts. These improvisations should grow out of and embellish previous motives and gestures in the movement.
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: CF.CM9735
ISBN 9781491161159. UPC: 680160919741. Key: A minor. Latin, English. Christopher Smart and ZRS.
Origins of the Tarantella The tarantella is a popular southern Italian dance with origins in the 11th century. (There is even some mention of the tarantella in ancient Greek mythology.) Of the possible sources of the dance, the most popular comes from the villages of Tanto and Tarentum (little spider), Italy. During harvest, workers in the field were sometimes bitten by the tarantula spider. To combat the poison, the afflicted workers went into a frenetic, almost musical exorcism to sweat the venom out of their pores. In the millennium since, the very energetic nature of the dance has remained, although the curative focus of the dance has given way to more enjoyable endeavors, even stately courtship. Origins of the Text Christopher Smart (1722-1771), also known as Kit Smart or Jack Smart, was born in Kent, England and suffered from what is now believed to be acute asthma and other health issues as a child. As such, he did not work in the fields, but spent much time reading and writing, a passion that he nurtured for a lifetime. Well known in London literary circles, his career as a writer floundered due to mounting debts and his falling out of favor with the literary establishment: Sadly, he was forced to confinement at St. Luke's Hospital for Lunatics, though this was based on his mounting debt, and not on insanity. (Confinement, or debtor's prison, was common during this period if one's debts could not be paid.) During his confinement, he worked on two of his most famous works, Jubilate Agno and A Song of David. (Part of Jubilate Agno [Rejoice in the Lamb] was set to music by English composer, Benjamin Britten.) Smart's writing style (which, at times, bordered on the absurd), along with his many obsessions, lead to frequent misperceptions of his work and his lucidity. In this present work, portions of Smart's Jubilate Agno were used in mm. 24-31, 103-110 and 149-156. The remaining text was gathered by the composer, including the rapid, almost patter-like, delivery of words from A-Z in the alphabet. (Christopher Smart had a preoccupation with the alphabet.) These words both rhyme and accentuate the frenetic nature of the spider dance: theraphosa [teh-rah-fo-sa] a genus of tarantula spiders bellicose [beh-lee-ko-sah] hostile; aggressive odiosa [o-dee-o-sa] hateful; vexation tenebrosa [teh-neh-bro-sa] creeping; dark nemorosa [neh-mo-ro-sa] wooded; shady lapidosa [lah-pee-do-sa] stony area; gritty The convergence, then, of the medieval tarantella (spider dance), the writings of a brilliant poet who bordered on the absurd, and the infusion of strong, descriptive and otherwise random, rhyming words, synthesizes to make dramatic lyrics for this work. About the Composer Z. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. He has served as Professor of Music at three universities (an Endowed Professor at two), conducted 47 all-state choirs, and directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, among other American venues. Randall guest conducts full-time, and composes from his home studios on Merritt Island, Florida and in Sandia Park, New Mexico. Performance Notes Text: In Latin, the r is flipped; use s instead of z on endings such as phosa, cosa, and so on; the Latin o is a cross between oh and aw; in the transliteration above, I chose to simply use an o for consistency. The director will blend the oh and aw in the rehearsals to his/her own preference. Lastly, tarantula is pronounced tah-rah-n-too-lah (avoid teh-ran-choo-luh) within the confines of this text. Stomp: This can be done by the entire chorus, or just the first row. It is as much visual as it is auditory. The string quartet is preferred over piano when that option affords itself. I created a piano score that is a viable option and included it in the piano/vocal score if a performance uses chorus/piano.The tarantella is a popular southern Italian dance with origins in the 11th century. (There is even some mention of the tarantella in ancient Greek mythology.) Of the possible sources of the dance, the most popular comes from the villages of Tanto and Tarentum (“little spiderâ€), Italy. During harvest, workers in the field were sometimes bitten by the tarantula spider. To combat the “poison,†the afflicted workers went into a frenetic, almost musical exorcism to sweat the venom out of their pores. In the millennium since, the very energetic nature of the dance has remained, although the curative focus of the dance has given way to more enjoyable endeavors, even stately courtship.Christopher Smart (1722-1771), also known as “Kit Smart†or “Jack Smart,†was born in Kent, England and suffered from what is now believed to be acute asthma and other health issues as a child. As such, he did not work in the fields, but spent much time reading and writing, a passion that he nurtured for a lifetime. Well known in London literary circles, his career as a writer floundered due to mounting debts and his falling out of favor with the literary establishment: Sadly, he was forced to confinement at St. Luke’s Hospital for Lunatics, though this was based on his mounting debt, and not on insanity. (Confinement, or debtor’s prison, was common during this period if one’s debts could not be paid.) During his confinement, he worked on two of his most famous works, Jubilate Agno and A Song of David. (Part of Jubilate Agno [“Rejoice in the Lambâ€] was set to music by English composer, Benjamin Britten.) Smart’s writing style (which, at times, bordered on the absurd), along with his many obsessions, lead to frequent misperceptions of his work and his lucidity. In this present work, portions of Smart’s Jubilate Agno were used in mm. 24-31, 103-110 and 149-156. The remaining text was gathered by the composer, including the rapid, almost patter-like, delivery of words from A-Z in the alphabet. (Christopher Smart had a preoccupation with the alphabet.) These words both rhyme and accentuate the frenetic nature of the spider dance:The convergence, then, of the medieval tarantella (spider dance), the writings of a brilliant poet who bordered on the absurd, and the infusion of strong, descriptive and otherwise random, rhyming words, synthesizes to make dramatic lyrics for this work.Z. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. He has served as Professor of Music at three universities (an Endowed Professor at two), conducted 47 all-state choirs, and directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, among other American venues. Randall guest conducts full-time, and composes from his home studios on Merritt Island, Florida and in Sandia Park, New Mexico. In Latin, the “r†is flipped; use “s†instead of “z†on endings such as “phosa,†“cosa,†and so on; the Latin “o†is a cross between “oh†and “awâ€; in the transliteration above, I chose to simply use an “o†for consistency. The director will blend the “oh†and “aw†in the rehearsals to his/her own preference. Lastly, “tarantula†is pronounced “tah-rah-n-too-lah†(avoid “teh-ran-choo-luhâ€) within the confines of this text.Stomp: This can be done by the entire chorus, or just the first row. It is as much visual as it is auditory. The string quartet is preferred over piano when that option affords itself. I created a piano score that is a viable option and included it in the piano/vocal score if a performance uses chorus/piano.The tarantella is a popular southern Italian dance with origins in the 11th century. (There is even some mention of the tarantella in ancient Greek mythology.) Of the possible sources of the dance, the most popular comes from the villages of Tanto and Tarentum (“little spiderâ€), Italy. During harvest, workers in the field were sometimes bitten by the tarantula spider. To combat the “poison,†the afflicted workers went into a frenetic, almost musical exorcism to sweat the venom out of their pores. In the millennium since, the very energetic nature of the dance has remained, although the curative focus of the dance has given way to more enjoyable endeavors, even stately courtship.Christopher Smart (1722-1771), also known as “Kit Smart†or “Jack Smart,†was born in Kent, England and suffered from what is now believed to be acute asthma and other health issues as a child. As such, he did not work in the fields, but spent much time reading and writing, a passion that he nurtured for a lifetime. Well known in London literary circles, his career as a writer floundered due to mounting debts and his falling out of favor with the literary establishment: Sadly, he was forced to confinement at St. Luke’s Hospital for Lunatics, though this was based on his mounting debt, and not on insanity. (Confinement, or debtor’s prison, was common during this period if one’s debts could not be paid.) During his confinement, he worked on two of his most famous works, Jubilate Agno and A Song of David. (Part of Jubilate Agno [“Rejoice in the Lambâ€] was set to music by English composer, Benjamin Britten.) Smart’s writing style (which, at times, bordered on the absurd), along with his many obsessions, lead to frequent misperceptions of his work and his lucidity. In this present work, portions of Smart’s Jubilate Agno were used in mm. 24-31, 103-110 and 149-156. The remaining text was gathered by the composer, including the rapid, almost patter-like, delivery of words from A-Z in the alphabet. (Christopher Smart had a preoccupation with the alphabet.) These words both rhyme and accentuate the frenetic nature of the spider dance:The convergence, then, of the medieval tarantella (spider dance), the writings of a brilliant poet who bordered on the absurd, and the infusion of strong, descriptive and otherwise random, rhyming words, synthesizes to make dramatic lyrics for this work.Z. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. He has served as Professor of Music at three universities (an Endowed Professor at two), conducted 47 all-state choirs, and directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, among other American venues. Randall guest conducts full-time, and composes from his home studios on Merritt Island, Florida and in Sandia Park, New Mexico.In Latin, the “r†is flipped; use “s†instead of “z†on endings such as “phosa,†“cosa,†and so on; the Latin “o†is a cross between “oh†and “awâ€; in the transliteration above, I chose to simply use an “o†for consistency. The director will blend the “oh†and “aw†in the rehearsals to his/her own preference. Lastly, “tarantula†is pronounced “tah-rah-n-too-lah†(avoid “teh-ran-choo-luhâ€) within the confines of this text.Stomp: This can be done by the entire chorus, or just the first row. It is as much visual as it is auditory. The string quartet is preferred over piano when that option affords itself. I created a piano score that is a viable option and included it in the piano/vocal score if a performance uses chorus/piano.
SKU: CF.CM9768
ISBN 9781491160343. UPC: 680160923298. Key: G major. English.
About the WorkThe text of this work is most often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, although it doesn't mirror his style, and no research credits an essay, book or letter with its source. Other individuals are occasionally suggested as possible authors, but equally unsubstantiated. Even whether the textis a poem or a quote seems unclear. But there is one thing that is without question: that this beloved text has inspired countless people and contributed toward a view of the world through eyes of hope, resilience, courage, beauty, and joy. Music for this text flowed more easily than about any text I have ever set. It has an emotional connection that is mystical, and after I read it for the first time, I immediately sat down and wrote this work without stop.Rehearsal NotesIn many cases, art is more expressive and reaches a wider range of human emotions when multiple artistic fields are fused together. Such is the case with choral music: the intertwining of literature, music, and very often dance, visual arts, and more. The story in choral music is often quite specific, much like film scoring. At times, the music is the picture frame (score) around the picture (text), while at others the music is the leading dramatic/emotional impetus.In the present case (My Farewell Wish), the text is sincere, innocent, heartfelt, and earnest. By all accounts, the message is altruistic, expressing selfless desire for another's present/future happiness. Capturing this message has a strong reliance on the performers to not only carry the emotional intent of the moment (a phrase of text or a measure), but the the energy and continuance of the message throughout.The use of the [o] vowel functions almost as instrumental interludes or underpinning of strings. The conductor may use the [o] as indicated in the score, or a [u] vowel, a hum (with [o] as the vowel inside the mouth), or all three at different times for different reasons. In an acoustical performance (no mic), the soloist and the ensemble are a reflection of each other's natural sound. And, even gentle, warm solo voices should have no trouble projecting.Two final thoughts: 1) the obbligato or added voice or two on high passages (m. 66) or a single note (final chord) will be best delivered by lyrical, pure voices with demonstrated control; and 2) the metronome marking of 80 bpm (mm. 1–81) was strongly considered and should be followed.About the ComposerZ. Randall Stroope is an American composer and conductor. His composition teachers were Normand Lockwood and Cecil Effinger, both students of the Nadia Boulanger, the famous French teacher (and student of Gabriel FaureÌ). Randall is the artistic director of two international summer music festivals, is an Honorary Board Member of the NationalAssociation of Italian Choral Directors, and has conducted in 25 countries. He has directed over 40 times at Carnegie Hall, and is a frequent conductor at other prestigious concert venues. Randall has 190 published works, and his music can be heard on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms, including his website (www.zrstroope.com).
SKU: BT.EMBZ6725
Hungarian.
Zoltán Kodály s unaccompanied mixed choruses first appeared in print in 1943 as a collected volume published by the association Magyar Kórus. This collection contained twenty-five works. In 1951, the volume was released again in the author s edition, being expanded with eight new compositions, but without Els áldozás (First Communion). Reprint editions of this collection had been distributed by Editio Musica Budapest until 1972, when a commemorative extended edition of the mixed choruses was issued, edited by Lajos Bárdos. Until now, reprints of this collection with forty-five compositions have been circulated. Péter Erdei carefully compared the printed edition with themanuscripts of the works preserved at the Kodály Archives. As a result of his work, in 2011 we emended a number of misprints, including those that had been inherited since the earliest print. Seventy-five years after the first release, the time has come for Kodály s collected choral works for mixed voices to appear in a completely new, expanded edition. Our collection contains six compositions that were not included in earlier editions: Jövel, Szentlélek eristen (Come, Holy Spirit), Miatyánk (The Lord s Prayer), Miserere, Salló Pista, Semmit ne bánkódjál (Do Not Grieve), ejesztend t köszönt (A Christmas Carol). In addition, two versions - both equally authentic - are published of the work known under the title of Naphimnusz (Canticle of the Sun), due to earlier editions the new release comes with lyrics in Hebrew and English (Adoration), as well as Dénes Szed s Hungarian translation (Napének [Hymn of the Sun]). This is the most complete and most authentic edition of Kodály s mixed choruses to date it is printed in a slightly larger format than previous editions, and it contains new easily-legible music scores and an informative epilogue. Diese Ausgabe entstand unter der Mitwirkung von Lajos Bárdos.
SKU: BT.EMBZ6725A
Zoltán Kodály s unaccompanied mixed choruses first appeared in print in 1943 as a collected volume published by the association Magyar Kórus. This collection contained twenty-five works. In 1951, the volume was released again in the author s edition, being expanded with eight new compositions, but without Els áldozás (First Communion). Reprint editions of this collection had been distributed by Editio Musica Budapest until 1972, when a commemorative extended edition of the mixed choruses was issued, edited by Lajos Bárdos. Until now, reprints of this collection with forty-five compositions have been circulated. Péter Erdei carefully compared the printed edition with themanuscripts of the works preserved at the Kodály Archives. As a result of his work, in 2011 we emended a number of misprints, including those that had been inherited since the earliest print. Seventy-five years after the first release, the time has come for Kodály s collected choral works for mixed voices to appear in a completely new, expanded edition. Our collection contains six compositions that were not included in earlier editions: Jövel, Szentlélek eristen (Come, Holy Spirit), Miatyánk (The Lord s Prayer), Miserere, Salló Pista, Semmit ne bánkódjál (Do Not Grieve), ejesztend t köszönt (A Christmas Carol). In addition, two versions - both equally authentic - are published of the work known under the title of Naphimnusz (Canticle of the Sun), due to earlier editions the new release comes with lyrics in Hebrew and English (Adoration), as well as Dénes Szed s Hungarian translation (Napének [Hymn of the Sun]). This is the most complete and most authentic edition of Kodály s mixed choruses to date it is printed in a slightly larger format than previous editions, and it contains new easily-legible music scores and an informative epilogue.
SKU: CF.YPS228
ISBN 9781491157961. UPC: 680160916566. 9 x 12 inches.
Ninja is a Grade 2 piece playable by any young band, due to extensive doublings throughout. The mood of the piece is mysterious, reflecting the image of ninjas being seen one moment and gone the next. Flute 3 is not essential as it doubles the oboes, but is useful in case you have a lot of flutes or due to a limited number of oboes. If you donat have a bass clarinet, baritone saxophone or bassoons, those parts are covered in the low brass. The timpani part is optional, and the piece wonat suffer if you donat have access to that percussion. The optional F-chime and gong only play in the final measure of the piece. While adding a notable effect at the end, those instruments wonat be missed if you donat have them available. The tom-tom part can be played on a snare drum with the snares off or may be played on a tenor drum. Care should be taken that accented notes are emphasized, but never become ponderous. The half notes at the beginning of the piece should not be accented. The theme is introduced in the first twelve measures, and at m. 13 many of the instruments trade the melody for half notes and vice-versa. Be careful that the percussion section never becomes overpowering. At m. 25, care should be taken that there is quite a volume difference between ff and mp. Think of this representing the ninjas being seen one moment and being hidden the next. The double staccato figures at m. 33 should not be accented. Trumpets and trombones at m. 37 should not be overly legato, but certainly shouldnat be treated as staccatos. Being aware of not accenting notes that donat have accents will make the accents at m. 49 more dramatic. Please note that the legato notes at mm. 58 and 60 are not to be accented.Ninja is a Grade 2 piece playable by any young band, due to extensive doublings throughout. The mood of the piece is mysterious, reflecting the image of ninjas being seen one moment and gone the next. Flute 3 is not essential as it doubles the oboes, but is useful in case you have a lot of flutes or due to a limited number of oboes. If you don't have a bass clarinet, baritone saxophone or bassoons, those parts are covered in the low brass. The timpani part is optional, and the piece won't suffer if you don't have access to that percussion. The optional F-chime and gong only play in the final measure of the piece. While adding a notable effect at the end, those instruments won't be missed if you don't have them available. The tom-tom part can be played on a snare drum with the snares off or may be played on a tenor drum. Care should be taken that accented notes are emphasized, but never become ponderous. The half notes at the beginning of the piece should not be accented. The theme is introduced in the first twelve measures, and at m. 13 many of the instruments trade the melody for half notes and vice-versa. Be careful that the percussion section never becomes overpowering. At m. 25, care should be taken that there is quite a volume difference between ff and mp. Think of this representing the ninjas being seen one moment and being hidden the next. The double staccato figures at m. 33 should not be accented. Trumpets and trombones at m. 37 should not be overly legato, but certainly shouldn't be treated as staccatos. Being aware of not accenting notes that don't have accents will make the accents at m. 49 more dramatic. Please note that the legato notes at mm. 58 and 60 are not to be accented.Ninja is a Grade 2 piece playable by any young band, due to extensive doublings throughout. The mood of the piece is mysterious, reflecting the image of ninjas being seen one moment and gone the next.Flute 3 is not essential as it doubles the oboes, but is useful in case you have a lot of flutes or due to a limited number of oboes. If you don’t have a bass clarinet, baritone saxophone or bassoons, those parts are covered in the low brass. The timpani part is optional, and the piece won’t suffer if you don’t have access to that percussion. The optional F-chime and gong only play in the final measure of the piece. While adding a notable effect at the end, those instruments won’t be missed if you don’t have them available. The tom-tom part can be played on a snare drum with the snares off or may be played on a tenor drum.Care should be taken that accented notes are emphasized, but never become ponderous. The half notes at the beginning of the piece should not be accented. The theme is introduced in the first twelve measures, and at m. 13 many of the instruments trade the melody for half notes and vice-versa. Be careful that the percussion section never becomes overpowering.At m. 25, care should be taken that there is quite a volume difference between ff and mp. Think of this representing the ninjas being seen one moment and being hidden the next. The double staccato figures at m. 33 should not be accented. Trumpets and trombones at m. 37 should not be overly legato, but certainly shouldn’t be treated as staccatos. Being aware of not accenting notes that don’t have accents will make the accents at m. 49 more dramatic. Please note that the legato notes at mm. 58 and 60 are not to be accented.
SKU: CF.YPS228F
ISBN 9781491157978. UPC: 680160916573. 9 x 12 inches.
SKU: FZ.6222
ISBN 9790230662222. 24.00 x 33.00 cm inches.
These early music methods are in facsimile in six books. Volume 1: Anonyme - BARTOLOTTI A. M. - BOYVIN J. - BUTERNE J-B. - CARRE A. Sieur de La Grange - CHARPENTIER M-A. - CHAUMONT L. - D'ANGLEBERT J-H. - DE LA BARRE M. - DELAIR D. - FLEURY N. - MARAIS M. - NIVERS G. G. - PERRINE - SAINT-LAMBERT M. de. Volume 2: CAMPION F. - CAMPION T. - CHERON A. - CLERAMBAULT N. - COUPERIN F. - DANDRIEU J-F. - DELAIR D. - LECLAIR J. -M. - RAMEAU J. -P. Volume 3: Anonyme - CAMPION F. - DORNEL A. - FORQUERAY A. - GERVAIS L. - GOUDAT - GUILLEMAIN L. -G. - MONNIER Le Cadet - MONTECLAIR M. P. de - PINGRE A-G. - RAMEAU J. -P. - SERRE DE RIEUX J. - TELEMANN G. P. - TRAVENOL L. A. Volume 4: ALEMBERT J. Le Rond d' - BLAINVILLE C. H. de - CORRETTE M. - DUBUGRARRE - GEMINIANI F S. - LAPORTE C. de. Volume 5: BETHISY J-L. de - BIFERI F. (fils) - CLEMENT C-F. - DUBREUIL J-J. - GARNIER H. - GIANOTTI P. - GOUGELET Madame - LABBET A. J. - LE BOEUF - RAMEAU J. -P. - ROUSSIER P-J. - SIMON S. - TAPRAY J. Volume 6: Anonyme - BEMETZRIEDER A. - CORRETTE M. - FROESTLER B. - GOURNAY B. C. - LANGLE H-F-M. - RODOLPHE J-J. - ROUSSIER P-J. Table of contents: Volume 1: Fleury Nicolas: Methode pour apprendre facilement - 1660. Bartolotti Angelo Michele: Table pour apprendre facilement - 1669. Carre Antoine: Livre de Guitarre Contenant Plusieurs pieces - 1671. Perrine: Livre de Musique pour le Lut - 1680. Anonyme: Petites Reigles Generalles qui peuvent servir de methode - 1680. Nivers Guillaume Gabriel: Motets a voix seule - 1689. D'Anglebert Jean Henry: Pieces de clavecin - 1689. Marais Marin: Basse-continues des pieces a une et a deux Violes - 1689. Anonyme: (traite abrege d'accompagnement) - c. 1690. Anonyme: Regles pour l'Accompagnement - 1690. Delair Denis: Traite d'accompagnement pour le theorbe - 1690. Charpentier Marc Antoine: Abrege des regles de l'accompagnement - c. 1692. Chaumont Lambert: Pieces D'orgue sur les 8 tons - 1695. Buterne Jean-Baptiste: Petites Reigles pour l'accompagnement - 1700. Boyvin Jacques: Second livre d'orgue - 1700. Anonyme: Traite d'accompagnement du Clavecin - c. 1700. De La Barre Michel: Premier livre de pieces pour la flute - 1702. Saint-Lambert Michel de: Nouveau Traite de l'accompagnement - 1707. Volume 2: Couperin Francois: Regles pour l'accompagnement - s. d. Campion Thomas: Traite d'accompagnement et de composition - 1716. Clerambault Nicolas: Regles d'accompagnement - 1716. Clerambault Nicolas: Principes d'accompagnement - 1716. Dandrieu Jean Francois: Principes de l'accompagnement - 1719. Rameau Jean-Philippe: Traite de l'harmonie - 1722. Delair Denis: Nouveau traite d'accompagnement - 1724. Leclair Jean-Marie: Premier livre de sonates - 1723. Rameau Jean-Philippe: Nouveau systeme de musique theorique - 1726. Cheron Andre: Sonates en trio - 1727. Campion Francois: Lettre du sieur Campion a un philosophe - 1729. Campion Thomas: Addition au traite d'accompagnement - 1730. Volume 3: Pingre Alexandre Gui: Traite de l'harmonie - s. d. Rameau Jean-Philippe: Observations sur la Methode d'Accompagnement - 1730. Rameau Jean-Philippe: Plan abrege d'une Methode nouvelle - 1730. Monteclair Michel Pignolet de: Reponse du second Musicien au premier - 1729. Rameau Jean-Philippe: Replique du premier Musicien a la reponse du second - 1730. Monteclair Michel Pignolet de: Reponse du second Musicien au premier Musicien - 1730. Rameau Jean-Philippe: Replique du premier Musicien a l'ecrit du second - 1730. Rameau Jean-Philippe: Dissertation sur les differentes metodes - 1732. Gervais Laurent: Methode pour l'accompagnement - 1733. Campion Francois: Second recueil d'airs - 1734. Serre de Rieux Jean: Les dons des Enfans de Latone - 1734. Telemann Georg Philipp: Nouveaux Quatuors en six Suites - 1738. Goudat: Principes de Laccompagnement - 1738. Travenol Louis Antoine: Premier livre de Sonates a violon seul - 1739. Guillemain Louis Gabriel: Six sonates en quatuors - 1743. Monnier le Cadet: L'art de Toucher le Clavecin dans son propre caractere - c. 1745. Dornel Antoine: le Tour du Clavier - 1745. Forqueray Antoine: Pieces de Viole avec la Basse Continue - 1747. Anonyme: (Methode d'accompagnement) - s. d. Volume 4: Alembert Jean Le Rond d': Elemens de musique - 1752. Blainville Charles Henri de: Essay sur un troisieme mode - 1751. Corrette Michel: Le maitre de Clavecin - 1753. Laporte Claude de: Traite theorique et pratique - 1753. Geminiani Francesco Saverio: L'art de bien accompagner - 1754. Dubugrarre: Methode plus courte et plus facile - 1754. Volume 5: Tapray Jean: Abrege de l'accompagnement - 1755. Labbet Antoine Joseph et Leris Antoine de: Sentiment d'un Harmoniphile - 1756. Clement Charles Francois: Essai sur l'accompagnement - 1758. Gianotti Pietro: Le guide du compositeur - 1759. Rameau Jean-Philippe: Code de musique pratique - 1760. Bethisy Jean-Laurent de: Exposition de la theorie et de la pratique - 1764. Roussier Pierre-Joseph: Traite des accords et de leur succession - 1764. Le Boeuf: Traite d'harmonie et regles d'accompagnement - 1766. Garnier Honore: Nouvelle methode pour l'accompagnement - 1767. Dubreuil Jean-Jacques: Manuel harmonique - 1767. Biferi Francesco Fils: Traite de musique abrege, divise en trois parties - 1770. Simon Simon: Theorie pratique d'accompagnement - s. d. Gougelet Madame: Methode ou abrege des regles - 1771. Volume 6: Roussier Pierre-Joseph: L'harmonie pratique - 1775. Corrette Michel: Prototipes contenant des lecons d'accompagnement - 1775. Anonyme: Abrege des regles de composition - 1777. Bemetzrieder Antoine: Nouvelles lecons de clavecin ou instructions generales - 1782. Rodolphe Jean-Joseph: Theorie d'accompagnement - c. 1785. Gournay B. C. : Lettre a M. l'abbe Roussier - 1785. Langle Honore-Francois-Marie: Traite de la basse sous le chant - 1797. Froestler B. : Traite d'harmonie et de modulation - 1800. Anonyme: Principes de l'accompagnement - s. d. Anonyme: Regles d'accompagnement - s. d. Collection supervised by the musicologist Jean Saint-Arroman, professor at the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse of Paris and at the CEFEDEM Ile de France (Training Centre for Music Teachers). He is the author of the majority of our prefaces and has also been involved in library searches. Facsimiles of copies from: - Conservatory Library of Geneva (Switzerland). - Conservatory Library of Dijon (France). - Royal Conservatory of Liege (Belgique). - Municipal Library of Bordeaux (France). - Municipal Library of Grenoble (France). - Municipal Library of Lyon (France). - National Library of Paris (France). - Royal Library of Brussels (Belgium). - Sainte-Genevieve Library of Paris (France). - British Library of London (England). - Nederlands Muziek Instituut of The Hague (Netherlands). - Yale University, Music Library of New Haven (USA). - Zentralbibliothek of Zurich (Switzerland). Anne Fuzeau Classique propose the complete theoretic documentation, methods, classical music scores on the continuo.
SKU: PR.11540233F
ISBN 9781491114452. UPC: 680160667734. 9 x 12 inches.
At Her Ladyships Request (2016) was an idea born out of admiration for the wind works of Percy Grainger most notably his Lincolnshire Posey. The names and places here are all fictitious. Four countrymen have come forward at Her Ladyships request as we com.At Her Ladyshipas Request (2016) was an idea born out of admiration for the wind works of Percy Grainger a most notably his Lincolnshire Posey. The names and places here are all fictitious. Four countrymen have come forward at Her Ladyshipas request as we commoners (and for as long as I can remember) have been led to believe Her Highness has grown complacent in her aged betrothal to His Lordship. I. It has long been established in this hill country that young, svelte Tom Abel has caught her fancy eye. He knocks about with the swagger of a visiting dignitary, confident and cocksure. And then there is his fatheras fortune. Cecil Abel may be the richest man in the land save for His Lordship. Tom, his only son, will run his face straight into that pile the moment his old man kicks. II. It is rare to spy Father Daniel Bennett, High Priest from the Abbey at Lockwood Cross, loitering in our very own town squarea|but not as of late. III. Is Her Ladyship so desperate as to call upon Old Man Dimplesweet? Were you to confirm this, I would have straightened my back and spit the ground before you. Then I saw what could not possibly be misconstrued. And where is His Lordship anyway? IV. Pettybone! Connivinga| insidious. I donat believe there has been a greater rivalry among men for generations. The Dukeas ego alone could run our nation. The grudges he grows are notorious. His mount is legendary. The day has come to collect his toll.At Her Ladyship's Request (2016) was an idea born out of admiration for the wind works of Percy Grainger - most notably his Lincolnshire Posey. The names and places here are all fictitious. Four countrymen have come forward at Her Ladyship's request as we commoners (and for as long as I can remember) have been led to believe Her Highness has grown complacent in her aged betrothal to His Lordship. I. It has long been established in this hill country that young, svelte Tom Abel has caught her fancy eye. He knocks about with the swagger of a visiting dignitary, confident and cocksure. And then there is his father's fortune. Cecil Abel may be the richest man in the land save for His Lordship. Tom, his only son, will run his face straight into that pile the moment his old man kicks. II. It is rare to spy Father Daniel Bennett, High Priest from the Abbey at Lockwood Cross, loitering in our very own town square...but not as of late. III. Is Her Ladyship so desperate as to call upon Old Man Dimplesweet? Were you to confirm this, I would have straightened my back and spit the ground before you. Then I saw what could not possibly be misconstrued. And where is His Lordship anyway? IV. Pettybone! Conniving... insidious. I don't believe there has been a greater rivalry among men for generations. The Duke's ego alone could run our nation. The grudges he grows are notorious. His mount is legendary. The day has come to collect his toll.At Her Ladyship’s Request (2016) was an idea born out of admiration for the wind works of Percy Grainger – most notably his Lincolnshire Posey.The names and places here are all fictitious. Four countrymen have come forward at Her Ladyship’s request as we commoners (and for as long as I can remember) have been led to believe Her Highness has grown complacent in her aged betrothal to His Lordship.I. It has long been established in this hill country that young, svelte Tom Abel has caught her fancy eye. He knocks about with the swagger of a visiting dignitary, confident and cocksure. And then there is his father’s fortune. Cecil Abel may be the richest man in the land save for His Lordship. Tom, his only son, will run his face straight into that pile the moment his old man kicks.II. It is rare to spy Father Daniel Bennett, High Priest from the Abbey at Lockwood Cross, loitering in our very own town square…but not as of late.III. Is Her Ladyship so desperate as to call upon Old Man Dimplesweet? Were you to confirm this, I would have straightened my back and spit the ground before you. Then I saw what could not possibly be misconstrued. And where is His Lordship anyway?IV. Pettybone! Conniving… insidious. I don’t believe there has been a greater rivalry among men for generations. The Duke’s ego alone could run our nation. The grudges he grows are notorious. His mount is legendary. The day has come to collect his toll.
SKU: BT.GOB-000803-120
‘Panem et Circenses’, Bread and Games were essential for keeping the citizens of ancient Rome in check. While the bread was meant for the poorest among the Romans, the Games were Popular Pastime Number One for everybody.There were different kinds of games, such as chariot races (especially popular with female spectators), or wild-beast fights, where lions, tigers, bulls or bears were set on one another or even on human beings. Most popular, however, were the Gladiator fights. In ‘Bread and Games’ William Vean depicts one of the many fights in the antique Colosseum. 1. Entrance of the Gladiators: By powerful bugle-calls the attention of the peoplewas asked for, after which the Gladiators entered the Arena at the sound of heroic marching-music.2.Swordfight: We can hear that the fights were not mere child’s play in this part.On the contrary, they were a matter of life and death and were fought accordingly.3.Mercy of the Emperor: Sometimes a wounded gladiator could be fortunate, depending on the mercy of the audience. Waving one’s handkerchief meant mercy, a turned-down thumb meant no pardon. The Emperor had the right to take the final decision, but he usually complied with the wish of the majority of the public. 4.Lap of Honour: Gladiators were mainly selected among slaves, convicted criminals, or prisoners of war. Consequently, winning was very important, as it would mean fame, honour and sometimes even wealth. A lap of honour, therefore, was the winner’s due reward. ‘Panem et Circenses’, brood en (circus)spelen, essentieel in het Romeinse leven om de burgers in het gareel te houden. Het brood was vooral voor de allerarmsten bedoeld, maar de spelen, dat was volksvermaak nummer één. Erwaren verschillende soorten spelen, de Strijdwagen racen, vooral in trek bij de vrouwen, de dierengevechten of jachtpartijen, waar leeuwen, tijgers, buffels of beren tegen elkaar of tegen mensen opgehitst werden. Maar favoriet warentoch wel de gevechten der Gladiatoren. William Vean beschrijft in ‘Bread and Games’ één van de vele gevechten in het aloude Colosseum. 1. Entrance of the Gladiators: Met krachtige (hoorn)signalen wordt de aandachtvan het volk gevraagd waarna de Gladiatoren op heldhaftige marsmuziek de Arena binnentreden. 2. Swordfight: Dat de gevechten geen kinderspel waren horen we in dit deel. Het gaat er hard aan toe, en de gevechten waren vaak op levenen dood. 3. Mercy of the Emperor: In enkele gevallen had een gewonde Gladiator geluk. Dit hing af van de stemming van het publiek. Wapperende zakdoeken betekende geluk, met de duim naar beneden wijzen betekende geen pardon.De Keizer had het laatste woord maar volgde meestal de stemming van het publiek. 4. Lap of Honour: Gladiatoren werden meestal uit slaven, veroordeelde misdadigers of krijgsgevangen geselecteerd. Winnen was daarom erg belangrijk.Dit betekende roem, eer en soms zelfs rijkdom. (vergelijkbaar met onze sporthelden) Een ereronde was dus wel op zijn plaats.
SKU: BT.GOB-000756-140
SKU: BT.GOB-000804-130
SKU: BT.GOB-000756-010
SKU: BT.GOB-000804-030
SKU: BT.GOB-000803-020