The sparkling music from Soweto (South Africa) has a long history. The rhythmic dances of Kwela the 'syncopated guitars' of Mbaqanga the saxophones and trumpets with their supple African jazz sounds as well as the infectious and sometimes gripping choir singing. All these elements can be recognized when listening to the 'Soweto String Quartet' which in its turn inspired Peter Martin to write 'Soweto Swing'.

'Melody is the very essence of music.' -W.A.Mozart (1786)Mozart confirmed this view on melody by writing the Ave Verum Corpus near theend of his short life. Originally written for chorus strings and organ this work standsamong the most beautiful musical expressions of all time. Timothy Johnson has skillfullymade Mozart's wondrous achievement available to concert bands. It's perfect forworship services and the sostenuto style with careful attention to dynamics makesit a great choice for that 'middle' spot at festival or for the more serious moment atany performance. Given the opportunity young bands LOVE to play truly greatmusic and it just doesn't getmuch better than the mastery of Mozart.