Par DE HAAN JACOB. The Book of Urizen is a work for concert band, solo soprano, and a male narrator in which sound collages of religious expressions are used. The piece is inspired by the compelling visionary poem of the same name (which the poet illustratedhimself) by the Englishman William Blake (1757-1827), who occupies a unique position in western literature and the visual arts. He was not just a poet and a writer, but he was also a graphic artist, a painter, an illustrator, a spiritualist, areligious visionary, and a mystic philosopher. For the performance of this work, a professional sound system, including two microphones and a CD player, is needed. The three sound collages are three separate tracks on the enclosed CD and can beplayed easily at the right moment. The Book of Urizen bears resemblance to Genesis and Exodus, of which the contents form the basis of the Christian, Jewish, and Islamic faith. Blake adhered to the principle that all religions are in fact one, and that deities reside in human beings. In The Book of Urizen this is represented in “The Net of Religion, ” which is spanned over the earth by Urizen. The sound collages, compiled by Jacob de Haan in the studio, find their origin inJerusalem, the Holy City, where the afore-mentioned faiths “come together. ” In the first movement of this composition, The Vision, Urizen prepares his vision of the world, and he presents this to the “Eternals. ” His vision is rejected, and Urizen locks himself up in his own abstract world. When he does emerge again, he is confronted with rage by the gathered Eternals. Urizen flees the wrath of the Eternals, “the flames of eternal fury, ” and enwombs himself in his own world. Whenthe Eternals see Urizen in his “stony sleep, ” they wonder if this is death. The blacksmith Los is torn by grief because of the isolation of Urizen. It brings him to rouse his fires, prepare his forge, and to give Urizen’s world concrete form. In the second movement, The Creation, Urizen’s world, but also man, woman, and child are created. Los is horrified with the appearance of Urizen’s body. He mourns and pities Urizen, and from his blood a female form comes into being, with thename Enitharmon. The Eternals, fearful of the female form, decide to erect a tent to obstruct their view to eternity. Enitharmon and Los beget a son, called Orc. Los baptizes him as a child of the “fallen world. ” Orc is fed at Enitharmon’s breast, which makes a girdle of jealousy restrict Los’ chest. He takes the child to the top of the mountain and chains him down. The cries of Orc awaken Urizen, who explores his world creating instruments of scientific measurement to do so. Los encircles theface of Enitharmon from the sight of Urizen and Orc. She then populates the earth by giving birth to an enormous race. The Web, third movement of The Book of Urizen is now available: DHP 1125252 / Niveau : 5 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Cowboy Songs Of The Great American West. Par HANNICKEL MIKE. STAMPEDE!!! takes us back to an old American West of longhorn cattle-drives, chuck wagons, campfires and trail songs. Based on several authentic cowboy songs, STAMPEDE!!! opens at dawn (birdcalls included) with the “Cowboy’s Gettin’ Up Holler”. Lively fiddle and harmonica motifs and an eloquent scoring of “Good-bye, Old Paint” are just part of this contribution to Grade 3 concert band literature by Mike Hannickel. “The Chisholm Trail” (a true cowboy classic) figures importantly at the beginning and, in a driving re-harmonization, leads to the thrilling conclusion. / Niveau : 3 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Concert Band

Par DEL BORGO ELLIOT. The power and frenzy of a primal dance is brought to life from the very opening notes of this blazing overture! The contrast of the smoldering middle section stands out well against the powerful chord changes and strong melodic lines of the opening themes. / Niveau : 2.5 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band

(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

(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 serious competition, the most prolific composer of his age. In addition to hundreds of vocal works, includingforty-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 firelistening to the rain pounding against the window. This new arrangement for concert band retains allthe warmth of the original. / Niveau : 2 / Musique pour célébration / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par HOSAY JAMES L.. Kum Ba Yah is one of the most popular and loved of all American folk songs. It is sung in places of worship, around campfires and at social gatherings all over the world. This bright and happy arrangement makes use of African percussion and rhythm underneath velvety-smooth chords and flowing lines. It can also be enhanced by the use of an optional electric bass part. / Niveau : 2.5 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par HOSAY JAMES L.. Kum Ba Yah is one of the most popular and loved of all American folk songs. It is sung in places of worship, around campfires and at social gatherings all over the world. This bright and happy arrangement makes use of African percussion and rhythm underneath velvety-smooth chords and flowing lines. It can also be enhanced by the use of an optional electric bass part. / Niveau : 2.5 / Hymnes et chorals / Répertoire / Concert Band