Par SCHAARS PETER KLEINE. Melodia Blues, a swinging composition by PeterKleine Schaars begins with a robust intro. Fourbars follow, which can be repeated ad lib. toallow for an optional announcement (this is theso-called VAMP). The blues theme follows alongwith two written-out improvisations. These can beexpanded - depending on the resources withinyour band. After a richly scored reprise of thetheme, the sparkling final chords close the piece instyle. Bring a great jazz feel to any concert withthis fine new work. Grade 3 / Niveau : 3 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par SPARKE PHILIP. This is a little salute to the wonderful music of Duke Ellington, taking Mood Indigo as its model. Something Borrowed, Something Blue will allow the young band to approach this masterpiece?s laid-back style, using chords and harmonies that they may be hearing for the first time. The flexible instrumentation of this work makes it ideal for bands without the full quota of players. Bring the world of jazz to life with this smooth classic. / Niveau : 1 / 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

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. Metalla was commissioned by the 'Kreisverband Altenkirchen' of Germany and dedicated to Ottomar Jung. The composer himself conducted the premiere of the piece, which was performed by the 'Jugendorchester Kreisverband Altenkirchen' on 25 March 1999. The region of Altenkirchen is known for its iron mines, which find musical expression in the dark mood of the introduction (andante misterioso). This effect is accomplished with overlapping seventh intervals, orchestral crescendos, a succession of broad chords and the presentation of most themes in the middle register of the band. The dynamic section (allegro energico) that follows the introduction is characterized by concise figures inthe brass and a second motif, a kind of rippling motion depicting the Sieg River, an important element in the landscape of the Altenkirchen region. The work closes with a final theme that returns a number of times, albeit in different guises. After a brief repeat of the seventh intervals from the beginning, a last radiant chord signals the end of the piece. / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par SPARKE PHILIP. The Hanover Wind Symphony, New Jersey, USA was founded in 1984 by its conductor Peter Boor. He commissioned HANOVER FESTIVAL to celebrate the band’s 15th Birthday and the first performance took place on October 27th 1999. The piece starts with a solemn brass fanfare. Woodwinds join in and the music subsides into an expressive chorale. A climax is reached and the fanfare returns. Trumpets introduce an explosive vivo section, characterised by an energetic theme from the horns and low clarinets. A bridge passage with strong brass chords leads to a playful section that introduces a legato central theme under woodwind figures. This is taken up by the full band, the playfulmusic returns and the original horn tune is reintroduced. Finally the opening fanfare returns, this time accompanied by music from the vivo section, until a fast and furious coda closes the work. / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par BALAZS ARPAD. With its energetic impetus and imposing instrumentation, Concertino is certainly outstanding in the oeuvre of Árpád Balázs. Among his compositions for concert band, it is by far the most engaging and exacting work. Passing away and a will to live are simultaneously present in Concertino, which Árpád Balázs composed in memory of his beloved father. Its structure brings Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsodies to mind: its solemn opening, which returns at the end,is followed by a slow and a fast movement. The funereal music of the slow movement evolves from a motif of Bach's St. Matthew Passion with enormous intensification equal to the lament in Grieg's Peer Gynt. It is difficult to imagine a dramatic incandescence with a higher degree of heat. The heartbeat-imitating timpani features significantly at the beginning and the end of the funereal music. The fast movement represents resolution, resignation and regainedgaiety. This part, pulsating like a waltz and echoing the modulation technique of Richard Strauss, is followed by the solemn return of the opening chords.Whether playing or listenting to this tremendously soul-stirring music, you will all encounter a dramatic experience./ Répertoire / Concert Band

Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo is an emerging star in the realm of choral works, and also with music for wind band. Similar to his earlier band works Meridian and The Spheres, Serenity is based on a successful choral work. Beautifully arranged by J. Eric Wilson along with the composer, this version for wind band maintains all the wonder and magic of the original work. The opening is ethereal and somber, with sustained chords in clarinets and bowed percussion supporting a delicate oboe solo. The middle section shifts the principal modality from minor to major, and the layering orchestration and rising tessitura creates a tremendous rush of energy that leads to a triumphant climax. The closing section returns to the timbre of the opening, but now painted with hopefulness and healing. / Ensemble A Vent Partition

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 ou Harmonie

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. Metalla was commissioned by the 'Kreisverband Altenkirchen' of Germany and dedicated to Ottomar Jung. The composer himself conducted the premiere of the piece, which was performed by the 'Jugendorchester Kreisverband Altenkirchen' on 25 March 1999. The region of Altenkirchen is known for its iron mines, which find musical expression in the dark mood of the introduction (andante misterioso). This effect is accomplished with overlapping seventh intervals, orchestral crescendos, a succession of broad chords and the presentation of most themes in the middle register of the band. The dynamic section (allegro energico) that follows the introduction is characterized by concise figures inthe brass and a second motif, a kind of rippling motion depicting the Sieg River, an important element in the landscape of the Altenkirchen region. The work closes with a final theme that returns a number of times, albeit in different guises. After a brief repeat of the seventh intervals from the beginning, a last radiant chord signals the end of the piece. / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band