Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. Spartacus is a 'Symphonic Tone Poem' with 3 joints. Each section has its own melodical materials, however: in the final movement the main theme from the second section returns in a 'grandioso'-tutti. The last bar but one recaptures the 'oriental' atmosphere of the very beginning. The first section (= from the beginning till J) builds up a climax by repeating and accumulating some melodical and rhythmical stuctures. The oriental character of the melodical fragments refers to the origin of the Roman slaves. The second section evokes the love between Spartacus and his loveby giving a peaceful atmosphere. The mean theme (presented the first time at letter L) has a broad andwide character and refers slightly to filmmusic. In this part of the composition, a special attention is given to the orchestration. The final section is more agressive and martial and refers to the revolt of the slaves against the Roman oppressors. In the middle of this movement, an accumulation of the 12 tones symbolizes the crucifixion of the slaves: the english horn resumes partly the cadenza of the flute (at letter J), as if he wants to show again the eternal love between Spartacus and his love a very last time . . . The theme at the third bar of letter T is actually based on the 2nd theme of this section (which starts at the fifth bar of letter R), but has been worked out rhytmically. / Niveau : 6 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par SPARKE PHILIP. Out of the Darkness, Into the Light is about optimism. All of us experience disappointments in our lives, such failed relationships or the loss of loved ones, but the indomitability of the human spirit allows us to overcome such set backs and get through the darker moments. For some, faith and religion may be the answer, but this piece is more about the internal strength that we can all call upon. Opening in sombre mood, the first phase of the work symbolises the doubts we all have about ourselves and our lives. The opening phrase on solo clarinet appears throughout the piece and could be seen as the central idea of the work, the human spirit itself. The faster, centralsection is about the struggle to overcome the pain we experience and at bar 88 the moment of catharsis occurs. This signals a change of mood and from then on, the clarinet motif is transformed into a feeling of joy and optimism. We have entered the light. / Niveau : 5 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par CURNOW JAMES. What a terrific way to kick off a combined chorus, band and even orchestra concert! THE MUSIC-MAKERS, based on O’Shaughnessy’s poem by the same name, by James Curnow works just as well as a closer, pulling your groups together for an all-inclusive grand finale. The rhythmic exuberance from measure number one sets up the inspiring choral entrance and the lovely andante espressivo middle theme contrasts delightfully. Careful scoring ensures successful balance as you thrill the audience with a panoply of rich and colorful sound. Spectacular! (Also works for Orchestra alone, Band with String Section or Full Band and Orchestra combined) / Niveau : 3 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Arr. Philip Sparke. Par TRADITIONAL. This is an ancient Welsh air that was first published in Relics of the Welsh Bards in 1794. Dafydd (David) Owain was a famous Welsh bard who lived on a farm called Gareg Wen (The White Rock) in Eifionydd, Carnarnvonshire, North Wales. Tradition has it that on his deathbed he called for his harp and composed this lovely melody, requesting that it be played at his funeral. Accordingly, it was later played at the parish church of Ynys-Cynhaiarn. Lyrics were later added by Ceiriog Hughes, which describe the melody's inspiration. This version for concert band retains all the beauty and simplicity of the original. This is an ancient Welsh air that was first published in Relics of the Welsh Bards in 1794. Dafydd (David) Owain was a famous Welsh bard who lived on a farm called Gareg Wen (The White Rock) in Eifionydd, Carnarnvonshire, North Wales. Tradition has it that on his deathbed he called for his Harp and composed this lovely melody, requesting that it be played at his funeral. Accordingly, it was later played at the parish church of Ynys-Cynhaiarn. Lyrics were later added by Ceiriog Hughes, which describe the melody's inspiration. This version for Concert Band retains all the beauty and simplicity of the original. / Niveau : 3 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Arr. Mike Hannickel. Par MOZART WOLFGANG AMADEUS. Any list of Mozart's greatest works should include this overture. Loved by millions, Mozart's Magic Flute is remarkable for so many reasons and worthy of study by every musician! Why should we deny young band students the joy of playing Mozart just because they don't happen to use a bow on their instruments? Mozart belongs to Everyone ! Skillfully brought to the concert band stage by an arranger who works with young bands daily, this somewhat shortened version of the enigmatic Overture is accessible to young bands, but retains a great deal of authenticity. There is added versatility built into this arrangement. A nice performance is possible by using a completeWoodwind section and a Timpanist only. Inspiring!>/I> / Niveau : 3 / Répertoire / Concert Band

Par SPARKE PHILIP. This is an ancient Welsh air that was first published in Relics of the Welsh Bards in 1794. Dafydd (David) Owain was a famous Welsh bard who lived on a farm called Gareg Wen (The White Rock) in Eifionydd, Carnarnvonshire, North Wales. Tradition has it that on his deathbed he called for his harp and composed this lovely melody, requesting that it be played at his funeral. Accordingly, it was later played at the parish church of Ynys-Cynhaiarn. Lyrics were later added by Ceiriog Hughes, which describe the melody's inspiration. This version for concert band retains all the beauty and simplicity of the original. / Niveau : 3 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Arr. Peter Kleine Schaars. Le titre résume parfaitement le contenu du medley : les plus grands succès commerciaux du groupe Queen : Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Will Rock You et We Are the Champions. / Niveau : 3 / Pop and rock / Recueil / Concert Band ou Harmonie

In 1922 Maurice Ravel heard the young Hungarian violin virtuoso and niece of Joseph Joachim, Jelly D'Aranyi, in concert in London. Following the performance, Ravel spent the remainder of the evening requesting D'Aranyi to play numerous gypsy tunes on her violin, probing her on the technical limits of the instrument. The result of this encounter is Ravel's virtuoso classic 'Tzigane?. Written originally for violin and piano or luthéal (a mechanism invented in 1919 that attaches to a piano, producing a sound similar to the rich overtones of the Cimbalon), the premiere took place in London in April 1924. The composer had finished the work only days beforehand. Ravel later orchestrated 'Tzigane? and both versions remain a 'must? for music-lovers and aspiring violinists today. Jelly D'Aranyi performed both versions regularly throughout her long career. This Urtext edition presents the first scholarly-critical edition of Ravel's masterpiece. It is published both in the orchestral version, complete with full score and performance material, as well as in the composer's earlier version for violin and piano. All known sources, including letters, have been drawn on for the new edition - one of the available sources, consulted for the first time, was a copy of 'Tzigane? from the estate of Jelly D'Aranyi, which is today part of a private collection. The version for piano and violin contains, besides the Urtext part, a second violin part as a facsimile with performance instructions by Jelly D'Aranyi. D'Aranyi's alterations and fingering reflect how Ravel must have heard the work in rehearsals and performance and as such are a document of early 20th century performance practice. The cooperation between Ravel and D'Aranyi is comparable to that of Brahms and Joachim working on the Brahms violin concerto.- First scholarly-critical Urtext edition of the work - Presented are both versions: for violin and orchestra and for violin and piano- Includes Jelly D'Aranyi's fingering / Harmonie

Par COURT DOUGLAS. William Billings' beloved song Chester, the adopted theme of the Continental Army during America's war for independence, forms the musical core of this fine work for young bands. Great for concert or contest, this adaptation is short and sweet, but does not skimp on style or emotional impact. / Niveau : 2.5 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Concert Band

Par COURT DOUGLAS. Charles Wesley has given the church some of its most popular and eloquent hymns that have shown the ability to stand the test of time. ‘O for a Thousand Tongues Sing’ was written to celebrate what Wesley referred to as his ‘second birth’. Wesley marked this day as the day he responded to the love and grave of God. / Niveau : 2 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie