from Cantata No 208 'The Hunt Cantata'. Par BACH JOHANN SEBASTIAN. L’immense production de Jean-Sébastien Bach ne contient qu’une vingtaine de cantates profanes dont la Cantate du café (BWV 211), la Cantate du mariage (BWV 202), Phébus et Pan (BWV 201) et la Cantate de la chasse (BWV 208), dont est extrait l’air Sheep May Safely Graze (Schafe können sicher weiden - Que les brebis paissent en paix). Bach était depuis peu au service du duc de Weimar lorsqu’il accepta, en 1713, une invitation à Weißenfels pour l’anniversaire du duc Christian de Saxe-Weißenfels. À cette occasion, il composa la Cantate de la chasse, une cantate de félicitations à l’adresse du duc, passionné de chasse. Par la suite, Bachremania cette cantate pour célébrer d’autres fêtes et anniversaires. La Cantate de la chasse est orchestrée pour quatre voix solistes incarnant des figures mythologiques (Diane, Pales, Endymion et Pan), un ensemble orchestral assez large (incluant des flûtes/flûtes à bec, des hautbois et des cors) et un Choeur mixte. Le texte, chantant les vertus de la chasse, est un panégyrique à peine déguisé du duc régnant. Accompagnée par deux flûtes (flûtes à bec), Palès, déesse des troupeaux et des pâtures, entonne l’air Sheep May Safely Graze. Bien que de caractère profane, le texte utilise l’image du berger comme l’image même de la grâce en référence à une parole fondamentale de Jésus. / Niveau : 3 / Musique religieuse / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Arr. Jacob De Haan. Par BACH JOHANN SEBASTIAN. Even the most basic understanding of Western music must include an intimate familiarity with the magnificent body of works by J. S. Bach. The charming beauty of the ARIOSO from BWV 156 must almost certainly appear on anyone?s personal list of the world's most beautiful melodies. What a wonderful vehicle for the study of artful phrasing and expression! Don't let the Grade 2 designation make you overlook this exquisite rendition for bands that normally play at grades 4, 5, and 6. Musicians at any level of ability will find great rewards here. As the perfect festival centerpiece or as a lovely introspective moment on any concert, Jacob de Haan's touching arrangement of Bach'sincomparable ARIOSO, speaking its own inherent and spiritual truth, is sure to find a permanent home in your concert band library. / Niveau : 2 / Musique pour célébration / 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

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

(The Four Seasons). Par VIVALDI ANTONIO. Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) stands, with Handel and J. S. Bach, as one of the titanic figures of late Baroque composition. Not only was he lauded as a composer of vocal and instrumental works both sacred and secular, he was without doubt, the most prolific composer of his age. In addition to hundreds of vocal works, including forty-nine operas, he composed five hundred concertos. The Four Seasons are probably the best known of his concerti with the second movement, Largo, portraying time spent by a roaring fire listening to the rain pounding against the window. This new arrangement for brass band retains all the warmth of the original. / Niveau : 2 / Musique pour célébration / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par CURNOW JAMES. Explore different settings of the Medieval Latin carol 'In Dulci Jubilo' via this solid arrangement by James Curnow. Opening with an exquisite 'Brass Choir' section a la Michael Praetorius (1571-1621) and progressing through a 'Woodwind Choir' section in the later J. S. Bach style, WITH SWEET JUBILATION is wonderful 'style study' material. The grace of the early masters and the clearly focused unifying concept of the arrangement by James Curnow combine to make this addition to the Curnow Music Press 'Splendor of Christmas Series' a wonderful holiday experience for the young band. / Niveau : 2 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie