Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. ‘Toccata Festiva’ was commissioned in 1994 by the Dutch Brass Band Championships. The wind band version was made a year later by the composer himself. Historically speaking, the toccata is considered to be one of the first independent instrumental forms for keyboard instruments. Originally the toccata was typically more or less improvised, later this musical form was given a more regulated structure. Both elements are used in the ‘Toccata Festiva’: on the one hand the different themes are developed freely, on the other, the piece has an orderly structure. It is in a three part form (quick-slow-quick) and includes both strong rhythmical figures and broad melodic lines. Partof the composition is written in a more or less archaic tone idiom, referring to the period from which the toccata form originates (16th century). / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par BULLA STEPHEN. This significant work for Grade 4 band has much to offer. The piquant harmonies of Movement 1, the introspective mood of Movement 2, and the Hoedown-like romp of Movement 3 unite to form provocative musical images. Stephen Bulla explores unique terrain in a place that seems at once antique and modern, while cradling the listener in rich, innovative harmonies. Have this be the signature music for your band this year. HEATHER RIDGE SKETCHES can be the piece your students will remember for many years to come. / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par HANNICKEL MIKE. Let your young band ROCK with BACH! The “Musette” from the “Anna Magdalena Notebook” forms the basis of this light-hearted mis-treatment of the original rocker, J. S. Bach. The limited rhythmic pallet is a great way for young players to reinforce their basic eighth-note reading and every section gets its time in the spotlight. A few simple accidentals add some spice to the stew. The familiar tune and rock-n-roll treatment will catch the attention of your audience for sure. This arrangement even invites a bit of historical discussion or youthful research about the man who many consider to be the greatest composer of all time. Any season of the year, there’s always time forsome FUN! Let’s hear some BACH ‘N ROLL! / Niveau : 1.5 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Concert Band

Arr. Philip Sparke. Par HENRY VIII. The English king, Henry VIII (1491-1547), is mainly remembered for disposing of his wives on a regular basis and breaking with the Catholic Church when the Pope Clement VII refused to grant him a divorce so he could marry Anne Boleyn. As a young man he was a gifted athlete, dancer and composer, writing many songs, poems and consort pieces (though not Greensleeves, as is often believed). Pastime with Good Company is undoubtedly the best-known of these, written in the first years of the 16th century while he was still a handsome prince, newly married to Catherine of Aragon and the envy of Europe. The lyrics tell of the joys of hunting, dancing and singing and would have been sungas part of the court entertainment. This arrangement features a quartet of soloists and two solo drummers. / Niveau : 3 / Répertoire / Fanfare

(I do it for you). The 1991 pop hit by Bryan Adams makes a spectacular band feature with its rich harmonies and expansive melodies. Ideal for Valentine's Day concerts, graduation or a special dedication any time of the year! / Niveau : 2 / Pop and rock / Recueil / Concert Band ou Harmonie ou Fanfare

Par PURCELL HENRY. Henry Purcell’s epitaph in the Westminster Abbey reads “Here lyes Henry Purcell Esqre, who left this Lyfe and is gone to that Blessed Place where only his Harmony can be exceeded. ” Purcell’s setting of this melody composed by Frenchman Louis Bourgeois has been skillfully arranged for concert band by James Curnow. Delightfully characteristic Baroque counterpoint and harmonies form a great style study for your band while being a wonderful performance piece. Sostenuto passages, a controlled playing style, superb counterpoint, terraced dynamics and good activity for each wind section of the band may make this the perfect “middle” piece for your adjudicated band festival thisyear! / Niveau : 3 / Hymnes et chorals / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. This stately concert opener was originally written by Jan Van der Roost for a special event in which six respected wind orchestras (two Belgian and four Dutch) of different composition (two symphonic bands, two fanfare bands and two brass bands) were featured during six concerts. Each evening brought forth a performance by a symphonic band, a fanfare, and brass band, so that the audience could experience all three types of ensembles. This was indeed an original concept. The name, ConZEnSus, comes from a combination of the words, ‘Concert Cyclus’ (concert series) and ‘zes’ (Dutch for ‘six’). This leads to a new word, which refers to ‘consensus’. The general tenor of the cycle isthus immediately indicated. The richness of color of the various ensembles is revealed through an open and friendly atmosphere. During all six concerts (over a span of three years), ConZEnSus functioned as a permanent opening number for each orchestra. Thus the same musical story was portrayed in three different packages. / Niveau : 4 / Ouverture / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par RAE JAMES. James Rae is the man who put fun into woodwind and brass teaching. His many compositions, especially in the jazz and blues idioms, have often featured on examination syllabuses. Recent years have seen his publications of easy flexible ensembles for younger players and now he turns his attention to the wind band. In his new series “The Concert Band Collection”, he has written exciting new pieces for the standard concert band line up. Attention is given to each instrument so that the technical and musical requirements do not exceed UK Grade 2.5. An optional piano part will provide “stuffing” and moral support for the young players who will quickly enjoy James’ catchy and imaginative music. Each volume contains two titles. Each volume features two titles. This one includes the haunting and nostalgic waltz “Secret Fairground” and a dynamic masterpiece called “Blue Strut”. A score of this edition (without the parts) is available with the number UE21793./ Répertoire / Concert Band