SKU: GI.G-8848

UPC: 785147884804. English. Text by Marty Haugen. Scripture: Philippians 4:4–7, Galatians 5:22–23, Romans 15:13.

This vibrant anthem is a great way to start or end a festive occasion. Presented in a “concertato” structure with brass, timpani, and organ accompaniment, and also offered here as a traditional hymn, this strong melody will be a favorite with your SATB choir and congregation.

SKU: MH.1-59913-054-8

ISBN 9781599130545.

Royal Coronation Dances is the first sequel to the Fanfare Ode & Festival, both being settings of dance music originally arranged by Gervaise in the mid 16th-century (the next sequel is The Renaissance Fair, which uses music of Susato and Praetorius). Fanfare Ode & Festival has been performed by many tens of thousands of students, both in high school and junior high school. I have heard that some of them are amazed that the music they are playing was first played and danced to over 400 years ago. Some students tend to think that music started with Handel and his Messiah to be followed by Beethoven and his Fifth Symphony, with naught in between or before of consequence. Although Royal Coronation Dances is derived from the same source as Fanfare Ode & Festival, they are treated in different ways. I envisioned this new suite programmatically -- hence the descriptive movement titles, which I imagined to be various dances actually used at some long-ago coronation. The first movement depicts the guests, both noble and common, flanked by flag and banner bearers, arriving at the palace to view the majestic event. They are festive, their flags swirling the air, their cloaks brightly colored. In the second movement, the queen in stately measure moves to take her place on the throne as leader and protector of the realm. In the third movement, the jesters of the court entertain the guests with wild games of sport. Musically, there are interesting sonorities to recreate. Very special attention should be given to the tambourine/tenor drum part in the first movement. Their lively rhythms give the movement its power. Therefore they should be played as distinctly and brilliantly as possible. The xylophone and glockenspiel add clarity, but must not be allowed to dominate. Observe especially the differing dynamics; the intent is to allow much buzzing bass to penetrate. The small drum (starting at meas. 29) should be played expressively, with attention to the notated articulations, with the brass light and detached, especially in a lively auditorium. It is of some further interest that the first dance is extremely modal. The original is clearly in G mixolydian mode (scale: G-A-B-C-D-E-F-G). However, other editors might put in F-sharps in many places (changing the piece almost to G major), in the belief that such ficta would have been automatically put in by the 16th-century performers as they played. I doubt it. I have not only eschewed these within the work, but even at the cadences. So this arrangement is most distinctly modal (listen to the F-naturals in meas. 22 and 23, for instance), with all the part-writing as Gervaise wrote it. In the second movement, be careful that things do not become too glued together. In the 16th century this music might have been played by a consort of recorders, instruments very light of touch and sensitive to articulation. Concert band can easily sound heavy, and although this movement has been scored for tutti band, it must not sound it. It is essential, therefore, that you hear all the instruments, with none predominating. Only when each timbre can be heard separately and simultaneously will the best blend occur, and consequently the greatest transparency. So aim for a transparent, spacious tutti sound in this movement. Especially have the flutes, who do this so well, articulate rather sharply, so as to produce a chiffing sound, and do not allow the quarter-notes to become too tied together in the entire band. The entrance of the drums (first tenor, then bass) are events and as such should be audible. Incidentally, this movement begins in F Major and ends in D Minor: They really didn't care so much about those things then. The third movement (one friend has remarked that it is the most Margolisian of the bunch, but actually I am just getting subtler, I hope) again relies upon the percussion (and the scoring) to make its points. Xylophone in this movement is meant to be distinctly audible. Therefore, be especially sure that the xylophone player is secure in the part, and also that the tambourine and toms sound good. This movement must fly or it will sink, so rev up the band and conduct it in 1 for this mixolydian jesting. I suppose the wildly unrelated keys (clarinets and then brass at the end) would be a good 16th-century joke, but to us, our put-up-the-chorus-a-half-step ears readily accept such shenanigans. Ensemble instrumentation: 1 Full Score, 1 Piccolo, 4 Flute 1, 4 Flute 2 & 3, 2 Oboe 1 & 2, 2 Bassoon 1 & 2, 1 Eb Clarinet, 4 Bb Clarinet 1, 4 Bb Clarinet 2, 4 Bb Clarinet 3, 2 Eb Alto Clarinet, 1 Eb Contra Alto Clarinet, 3 Bb Bass & Bb Contrabass Clarinet, 2 Eb Alto Saxophone 1, 2 Eb Alto Saxophone 2, 2 Bb Tenor Saxophone, 2 Eb Baritone Saxophone, 3 Bb Trumpet 1, 3 Bb Trumpet 2, 3 Bb Trumpet 3, 4 Horn in F 1 & 2, 2 Trombone 1, 4 Trombone 2 & 3, 3 Euphonium (B.C.), 2 Euphonium (T.C.), 4 Tuba, 1 String Bass, 1 Timpani (optional), 2 Xylophone & Glockenspiel, 5 Percussion.

SKU: CN.R10109

Marked by driving staccato eighth note ostinatos that are freely passed around the ensemble, Toccata keeps you on your toes from start to finish.

Commissioned by the Tutbury Community Band, conductor Malcolm Heywood, this work was first performed on the occasion of the 900th anniversary of the foundation of Tutbury Church. Toccata originally meant 'touch piece' and is particularly associated with keyboard works of the Renaissance and Baroque. Stuart Johnson takes this spirit and transfers it to the concert band as staccato quavers, used as an ostinato against a rising bass theme. Later the accompaniment is transferred to other sections of the band, but the pulse is retained until a central, more lyrical section. A recapitulation of the allegro leads to a stirring climax.

SKU: UM.20562A3

ISBN 9790224420562. A3 inches.

SKU: CN.S11042

This symphonic sketch for concert band is packed full different motives thrown around the ensemble hinting at the programmatic leitmotifs of Wagner. Every section of the ensemble gets a workout in this delightful 10-minute work.

A Symphonic Sketch for Concert Band. The resurgence of interest in George Lloyd's music must give us faith that such talent will ultimately prevail against sometimes unhappy circumstances. Lloyd was Cornish and showed precocious gifts at an early age - he had completed his first symphony by the age of nineteen. During the 1930s he completed two operas, one of which - The Serf - was produced at Covent Garden in 1938. He was set for a glittering career as a composer. The Second World War intervened and he was invalidad out of the Navy in a shell-shocked state, and having written very little serious music since 1937 went to Switzerland to recuperate, looked after by his wife, Nancy. Painfully, he began writing again - symphonies Nos. 4 and 5 - and then returned to England. He needed to earn a living and he set up a mushroom farm in Dorset. But slowly he began to compose again and drafted more symphonies in short score. By this time he was virtually unknown - despite being considered the equal of Walton, Britten, and other young stars of English music some 30 years earlier. Lloyd decided to embark on a series of recordings of his symphonies, and slowly popular acclaim enabled him to regain his position. The Forest of Arden was written in 1987 as a result of a commission by the Solihull Youth Wind Band. Although Lloyd's music feels instinctively written one should not be misled - it is carefully crafted, but the craft and structure are always subordinated to create a flow with a strongly melodic content. Instead of two or three themes, The Forest of Arden contains an abundance of ideas which can be described in two groups. The first group contains the opening rhythmic motif, quickly developed into a short rising quaver passage in the woodwinds, and later then a chromatic ostinato bass - only 8 bars at this stage but later expanded. The second group is broad and expansive, initially based on intervals of rising fifths introduced by euphonium, tubas, and baritone saxophone, immediately echoed by horns. Low brass and winds expand the theme into rising sixths and octaves. There is a hint of development, bit this is arrested as the music moves to a piu tranquillo section introduced by the alto saxophone which further develops the rising sixth theme. There follows a true development of the opening material, starting with the ostinato bass and gradually passing through different tonal centers until the rising fifths of the second theme group are heralded - fortissimo and poco piu largamente shortly before the end. The structure is almost Wagnerian (albeit on a much smaller scale), with themes being used as leitmotifs, but this is music which, even within the space of ten minutes is conceived on a grand design.

SKU: CF.CPS228

ISBN 9781491152546. UPC: 680160910045.

Black light is defined as infrared or ultraviolet light which is invisible to the naked eye. The idea of an entire spectra existing out of the range of human perception was a large influencing factor for George Sweet in the composition of this piece. Richly scored for the modern concert band, Black Light is written in a post-minimalist style and is also heavily influenced by the work of American composers Steve Reich, John Adams, and Philip Glass.
Black light is defined as infrared or ultraviolet light which is invisible to the naked eye. The idea of an entire spectra existing out of the range of human perception was an influencing factor on the composition of the piece. Black Light is written in a post-minimalist style and is also heavily influenced by the work of American composers Steve Reich, John Adams, and Philip Glass.This begins with strict motor accompaniment. Take care to maintain equal balance among the different “moving parts” so that they blend to create a solid whole both here and throughout the piece. The primary thematic material is stated by the trumpets and horns at m. 12. This material is the basis for much of the harmonic and thematic material that follows. A slightly varied statement of the main theme is presented again at m. 26 with a different type of motor accompaniment. This leads to a B-section at m. 44, which is a bold fanfare-like presentation of the main material. Another series of variations on the main theme begins at m. 50 and incorporates many different textural and harmonic ideas in the accompaniment. Once again, be careful to not let any one “moving part” overwhelm another and keep the texture evenly balanced.  A second, broader presentation of the B-section occurs at m. 90 and leads to a subdued C-section at m. 100 with new melodic material presented in the trumpet. A whimsical march-like section pushes to the return of the introductory motor material at m. 131. A final heroic presentation of the main thematic material results in a somewhat ambiguous coda, which brings the piece to a dramatic conclusion.

SKU: PR.41641515L

UPC: 680160621750.

The melancholic tone of the Ney (the Persian bamboo flute) is known for its alluring sound, emulating the human voice. In Persian literature, the Ney is considered a mystic instrument capable of expressing deep human emotions. In writing my flute concerto, I aimed not only to highlight the modern flautist's ability to play agile and brilliant passages but also to emulate the delicate sound of the Ney, particularly in extended solo flute passages. Two prominent characters permeate the first movement of my concerto. They are marked in the score as lamentoso, and con spirito, expressing grief and loss, and joy of living respectively. The lament is mostly expressed in several extended cadenzas for solo flute while the con spirito consists of robust and energetic fast sections played by all forces of the orchestra. Apart from these two characters there are moments of mystery, comedy and the grotesque, among others. In the second movement, the lyrical and poetic character of the flute is prominently presented in dream-like passages surrounded by shimmering and tender orchestral colors. The solo flute is left out in an agitated middle section that references the first movement. In the third section of the movement the solo flute returns in meditative fashion culminating in a duet with the harp. The third movement is written as one continuous quasi scherzo, challenging the limits of agility and brilliance of the flute. Some of the materials from the earlier movements are presented again with joyous character. The coda elevates the concerto into its brightest and most festive character, driving to the end with relentless energy.
The melancholic tone of the Ney (the Persian bamboo flute) is known for its alluring sound, emulating the human voice.  In Persian literature, the Ney is considered a mystic instrument capable of expressing deep human emotions.In writing my flute concerto, I aimed not only to highlight the modern flautist’s ability to play agile and brilliant passages but also to emulate the delicate sound of the Ney, particularly in extended solo flute passages.Two prominent characters permeate the first movement of my concerto.  They are marked in the score as lamentoso, and con spirito, expressing grief and loss, and joy of living respectively.  The lament is mostly expressed in several extended cadenzas for solo flute while the con spirito consists of robust and energetic fast sections played by all forces of the orchestra.  Apart from these two characters there are moments of mystery, comedy and the grotesque, among others.In the second movement, the lyrical and poetic character of the flute is prominently presented in dream-like passages surrounded by shimmering and tender orchestral colors.  The solo flute is left out in an agitated middle section that references the first movement.  In the third section of the movement the solo flute returns in meditative fashion culminating in a duet with the harp.The third movement is written as one continuous quasi scherzo, challenging the limits of agility and brilliance of the flute.  Some of the materials from the earlier movements are presented again with joyous character.  The coda elevates the concerto into its brightest and most festive character, driving to the end with relentless energy.

SKU: CF.CPS263

ISBN 9781491161524. UPC: 680160920150.

Notes The Teton Range is part of the Rocky Mountain chain just east of the Idaho border and south of Yellowstone National Park. The name of this majestic range has its roots in the Shoshone teewinet, meaning many pinnacles. Performance Suggestions: The opening measures of The Grand Tetons should be played broadly and majestically. At m. 14, the tempo is indicated at q = 132 and is introduced by a light snare drum figure. The low brass figures at m.18 are to be played softly and broadly in contrast to the lighter and slightly louder high woodwinds. This entire section builds to a climax at m.44. Note the dynamic contrasts in the mixed meter section after m. 53. at 67, the trombone and horn figures should be evident but not overbearing against the lightly played trumpet solo. The 2 measure mixed meter (6/8) (3/4) theme introduced at m.88 should be performed by exaggerating the dotted 8th-16th rhythm, thereby creating a slight swing and dance-like feeling. At m.109, the 8th notes become even and the theme more strident and energetic, with the ritard returning Tetons to the opening theme at m.129.
Notes The Teton Range is part of the Rocky Mountain chain just east of the Idaho border and south of Yellowstone National Park. The name of this majestic range has its roots in the Shoshone teewinet, meaning many pinnacles. Performance Suggestions: The opening measures of The Grand Tetons should be played broadly and majestically. At m. 14, the tempo is indicated at q = 132 and is introduced by a light snare drum figure. The low brass figures at m.18 are to be played softly and broadly in contrast to the lighter and slightly louder high woodwinds. This entire section builds to a climax at m.44. Note the dynamic contrasts in the mixed meter section after m. 53. at 67, the trombone and horn figures should be evident but not overbearing against the lightly played trumpet solo. The 2 measure mixed meter (6/8) (3/4) theme introduced at m.88 should be performed by exaggerating the dotted 8th-16th rhythm, thereby creating a slight swing and dance-like feeling. At m.109, the 8th notes become even and the theme more strident and energetic, with the ritard returning Tetons to the opening theme at m.129.
Notes The Teton Range is part of the Rocky Mountain chain just east of the Idaho border and south of Yellowstone National Park. The name of this majestic range has its roots in the Shoshone “teewinet,” meaning “many pinnacles.” Performance Suggestions: The opening measures of The Grand Tetons should be played broadly and majestically. At m. 14, the tempo is indicated at q = 132 and is introduced by a light snare drum figure. The low brass figures at m.18 are to be played softly and broadly in contrast to the lighter and slightly louder high woodwinds. This entire section builds to a climax at m.44. Note the dynamic contrasts in the mixed meter section after m. 53. at 67, the trombone and horn figures should be evident but not overbearing against the lightly played trumpet solo. The 2 measure mixed meter (6/8) (3/4) theme introduced at m.88 should be performed by exaggerating the dotted 8th-16th rhythm, thereby creating a slight “swing” and dance-like feeling. At m.109, the 8th notes become even and the theme more strident and energetic, with the ritard returning Tetons to the opening theme at m.129.

SKU: M7.SMP-1200

English.

As recorded by the Maynard Ferguson Orchestra (and included in the Mosaic CDs The Complete Roulette Recordings of the Maynard Ferguson Orchestra), this is one of those charts that escaped notice for many, many years. Don Sebesky, one of the world's premier arrangers, took a magnificant Rolf Ericson tune and created an arrangement unlike anything you've heard before. The melody is stated by alto saxophone and trumpet, weaving in and out of various textures created by muted brass. The waltz feel begins to accelerate and rise at a climactic point where the melody is once again taken over by a solo trumpet and alto saxophone. Surprisingly, brass ranges are moderate. If you wish to program a piece which will have a very unique flavor and great audience appeal, this would be the chart! 5-4-4-3 (opt. original instrumentation available as 4-4-2-3).

SKU: CN.S11275

On your mark...get set...GO!!! British sprinter Linford Christie used to say that he started his races not merely at the 'band' of the starting pistol, but at the B of the Band. Capture the spirit of a fast-paced road race in this challenging work by Peter Meechan.

Bang 2 has two closely related reference points for its title. A quotation from the legendary British Sprinter, Linford Christie, was the initial starting point for the piece. Christie used to say that he started his races not merely at the 'bang' of the starting pistol, but at the B of the Bang. 'B of the Bang' is also the name of a prominent sculpture (again named after the Christie quote) in the composer's home city, Manchester, England. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick, it is the tallest self-supporting sculpture in the United Kingdom and was constructed close to the City of Manchester Stadium in order to commemorate the success of the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

SKU: M7.SMP-457

English.

As recorded on Portrait of Shorty, (including the best of West Coast jazz musicians such as Herb Geller, Bill Holman, Jack Montrose, Frank Rosolino, Conrad Gozzo, Conte Candoli and others) this is a medium tempo Swing chart that has a very unique, catchy sound to it. There is solo space for alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass and drums. Once again Shorty writes a superb chart for Big Band. Over 200 bars of enjoyment! 5-4-4-4.

SKU: CF.CPS216

ISBN 9781491152423. UPC: 680160909926.

Cosmic Expedition takes performers on a musical journey far across the galaxy via three main sections.  This fanfare composition would be perfect for opening a concert. It has bold brass fanfare figures over textural woodwinds to start and then takes the listener on a sonic journey through a variation of harmonic colors, tambural and textural shifts.
Cosmic Expedition takes performers on a musical journey far across the galaxy via three main sections. The first, a rather celebratory and triumphant fanfare in Bb major begins with the upper woodwinds and percussion creating a sound-screen, that is a busy texture consisting of a flurry of repeated notes over which the horns and alto saxophones present the opening theme. The sound-screen should be carefully balanced and give way to the melody at m. 5, which should be played extremely marcato. The timpani solo beginning in m. 11 must not be understated. A brief percussion interlude separates a restatement of the opening theme, this time with the addition of the trumpet, tenor saxophone, and euphonium, and a counter melody by the low winds. The percussion interlude is playful, light, but full of vigor and energy. An Ab in the low winds pulls the harmony towards G minor in m. 40 to start the second section, a more serious fanfare. Here, the marimba repeats an ostinato that is complemented by the bass drum and woodblock. The upper woodwinds with the xylophone and snare drum dance over the stern secondary fanfare. A longing call lead by the trombones, interrupted by a subtle snare drum beckons to the clarinets and horn who begin the third section of the piece at m. 68. This haunting melody in C minor is legato, and starkly contrasts all which came before it. A relentless concert tom-tom played with hard mallets keeps the momentum persistent, and a heartbeat-like pulse is felt from the tuba and baritone saxophone. The melody rises towards m. 84 when the brass harken back to the fanfare style before fading back into another lush woodwind strain.A recapitulation of the low winds’ call is heard at m. 100 which in this occasion intensifies into an emphatic statement by the battery percussion instruments. Now in Eb major, the opening fanfare theme is heard again once more before fading into the beginning of the piece’s conclusion.To end, the counter melody from the opening section duels with chromatic tension above before swelling to an arrival in the original key of Bb major. The full ensemble celebrates the piece’s resolution, and after a few crunchy power chords the journey is completed.