Arr. Jan De Haan. Par SCHOLEFIELD C.C.. / Niveau : 2 / Musique pour célébration / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par SPARKE PHILIP. To celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Stadtmusikkapelle Wilten in Innsbruck Philip Sparke composed Wilten Festival Overture. A bold fanfare, led by the horns, forms the opening of the work from which an expressive theme unfolds until the full band reaches a climax. Short solo statements from saxophone, horn and trumpet lead to a recapitulation of this theme which melts into a rhythmic Vivo. A robust melody is is then played by the clarinets and taken up by the whole band before a legato figure leads to a cantabile theme, again presented by the clarinets. The original Vivo melody reappears before the opening fanfare is briefly heard and the work comes to an end with ashort Coda. A great experience for the whole band! / Niveau : 5 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Five Variations on the 'Brugg Song'. Par SPARKE PHILIP. Kaleidoscope is a set of five variations of on the ‘Brugger Lied’ (Brugg Song) which is the traditional song of the town of Brugg. The lyrics tell of the geography, people and traditions of this charming and historic town, which is situated in the north of Switzerland, near to the German border, about halfway between Basel and Zurich. Each variation is based on tiny extracts of the theme, the whole piece therefore resembling the effect of a kaleidoscope, which juxtaposes small fragments of colour in a constantly changing pattern. / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Fanfare

Par DE HAAN JACOB. This composition is based on a passacaglia theme, in which artistic perfection, symphonic drama and oriental melody lines play a role. The passacaglia is originally a dance made up of a series of variations above a bass line constantly present as an ostinato. It is not in this sense that the 'Symphonic Variations' are in the passacaglia form but in the sense of the open form of the variations. Jacob de Haan, himself originally an organist, took his inspiration for this piece from the famous passacaglia for organ in C-minor by J. S. Bach. Following the introduction of the passacaglia theme (in the bass) the entry by the trumpets and trombones forms the majestic start to amusical adventure, in which this theme (often fragmentary) returns in variations. Then there follow two faster movements with dramatic contrasts and virtuose passages. Particularly striking here is the use of two characteristic intervals from the beginning of the theme namely the minor second and the augmented fourth. An apause in the composition comes in the slow bridge where a syncopated bourdon (perfect fifth) is constantly repeated. The tension grows in dynamics and harmony, and the oriental-flavour becomes obvious in the melody. We arrive at a faster movement via an accelerando, in which a perpetuum mobile based on the passacaglia theme is central. Finally the whole flows into a martial theme, in which the ostinato accompaniment n the descant derives from the passacaglia theme. / Niveau : 5 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band

Arr. Klaas Van Der Woude. Right from Toto’s foundation in 1977, the band grew into a living legend, not only because of international superhits, but also because of the ongoing urge of its members to develop their special musical style - a mix of rock and a more symphonic sound. This arrangement binds adaptations of Africa, Rosanna and Stop Loving You into a glorious whole, reminding us of those glory days of Toto hits. / Niveau : 3 / Pop and rock / Recueil / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Five Variations on the 'Brugg Song'. Par SPARKE PHILIP. Kaleidoscope is a set of five variations of on the ‘Brugger Lied’ (Brugg Song) which is the traditional song of the town of Brugg. The lyrics tell of the geography, people and traditions of this charming and historic town, which is situated in the north of Switzerland, near to the German border, about halfway between Basel and Zurich. Each variation is based on tiny extracts of the theme, the whole piece therefore resembling the effect of a kaleidoscope, which juxtaposes small fragments of colour in a constantly changing pattern. / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par HOSAY JAMES L.. Recognised by many as one of the all-time most beautiful melodies, GREENSLEEVES has long been associated with the Christmas season. The bold and powerful introduction gradually melts away to a tender Woodwind statement of the timeless theme. You’ll find a whole new way to look at this Christmas classic as it gradually builds with intriguing harmonies. Rich and rewarding, this well may be the most beautiful new concert band piece you’ll discover this year. Pure magic! Don’t miss it! / Niveau : 3 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par DE HAAN JACOB. This composition is based on a passacaglia theme, in which artistic perfection, symphonic drama and oriental melody lines play a role. The passacaglia is originally a dance made up of a series of variations above a bass line constantly present as an ostinato. It is not in this sense that the 'Symphonic Variations' are in the passacaglia form but in the sense of the open form of the variations. Jacob de Haan, himself originally an organist, took his inspiration for this piece from the famous passacaglia for organ in C-minor by J. S. Bach. Following the introduction of the passacaglia theme (in the bass) the entry by the trumpets and trombones forms the majestic start to amusical adventure, in which this theme (often fragmentary) returns in variations. Then there follow two faster movements with dramatic contrasts and virtuose passages. Particularly striking here is the use of two characteristic intervals from the beginning of the theme namely the minor second and the augmented fourth. An apause in the composition comes in the slow bridge where a syncopated bourdon (perfect fifth) is constantly repeated. The tension grows in dynamics and harmony, and the oriental-flavour becomes obvious in the melody. We arrive at a faster movement via an accelerando, in which a perpetuum mobile based on the passacaglia theme is central. Finally the whole flows into a martial theme, in which the ostinato accompaniment n the descant derives from the passacaglia theme. / Niveau : 5 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Auld Lang Syne. Par TRADITIONAL. This traditional melody is known worldwide as a song of farewell. Jan Van der Roost treated it as an anthem in this splendid arrangement. The melody is brought to us in whole or in part by various instruments and is surrounded by logical yet original - sometimes surprising - chords that dare to fluctuate. After a broad tutti, the ensemble begins to die out. The piece ends with an impressive diminuendo of the final chord, almost as if the orchestra itself were saying goodbye. / Niveau : 2 / Musique pour célébration / Répertoire / Concert Band

Arabian Nights - Friend Like Me - A Whole New World. Par MENKEN ALAN. / Niveau : 2 / TV, Film, Comédie musicale / Répertoire / Concert Band

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. In the most literal sense: a piece for an occasion. The actual occasion was Jan de Haan’s twentieth anniversary as a conductor of the top Dutch brass band, “Soli Deo Gloria” (Leeuwarden). To mark the occasion, the band commissioned the Belgian comopser Jan Van der Roost to create a surprise piece: without knowledge of the person being celebrated, a suitable source of inspiration was sought for. After some thought the chorale-theme from Camille Saint-Saëns organ symphony was chosen, a piece with which Jan de Haan has a special bond. Apart from this chorale, Homage is also based on the names of notes taken from ‘Jan de Haan’ and ‘Soli Deo Gloria’, resulting in the tonerow: DEGAH. Both elements are combined together and form a grand climax towards the end of the piece when the whole band unites in the Saint Saëns’ theme. / Niveau : 5 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par SPARKE PHILIP. MASQUERADE was commissioned by Stadtmusik Willisau from Switzerland (Reto Güdel, conductor) to celebrate their 175th anniversary in 2003 and first performed by them in November that year. 1. OvertureThe first movement opens with a fanfare-like figure, featuring the brass, before the main them is introduced over staccato chords. After a short, syncopated interlude a legato theme is introduced in the tenor register and material is developed until the music slows temporarily. The opening theme returns and the ‘tenor’ tune is taken up by the whole band until the opening fanfare returns to close the movement. 2. ElegyThe slow movement opens intensely with a bare two-part theme, whichleads to a passionate chorale-style melody. A second theme is introduced and leads to a climax, a return of the chorale theme and a pianissimo repeat which again leads to a full-band climax. The two-part theme returns quietly to create a peaceful close. 3 InterludeA short movement which changes the mood to introduce:- 4 FinaleThree violent chords preface a lively syncopated opening theme. The trumpets introduce a second idea, which is treated fugally, and this in turn leads to the main melodic idea of the movement, over staccato chords. A contrasting subject is then introduced in the middle of the band, followed by echoes of the first movement fanfare. The opening theme returns and material is revisited until the opening fanfare returns in full to end the work triumphantly. / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Friend Like Me - A Whole New World - Prince Ali. / Niveau : 3 / TV, Film, Comédie musicale / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par SPARKE PHILIP. Earth, Water, Sun, Wind is a four movement work with the unifying theme of these four elements. The music varies from being purely descriptive of the movements’ titles to specific sound painting - Earth, for example, is pure music and non programmatic whereas Sun attempts to paint a specific sound picture. The Symphony as a whole concerns itself with man’s relationship with these monumental aspects of nature. / Niveau : 6 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par OFFENBACH JACQUES. Joseph BOUCHEL (Arr. ) / Niveau : Intermédiaire / Opéras, opéras comiques, opérettes / Répertoire / Exemplaire Complet