SKU: HL.14031223

SKU: CF.CAS122F

ISBN 9781491154748. UPC: 680160913299. 9 x 12 inches. Key: E minor.

Titan X is a formidable piece of programmatic music which stirs visions of grandeur and power as the relentless pulse of this contemporary work powers ahead. The triumphant theme in the first section quickly develops momentum accompanied by powerful percussion and a driven beat. The middle section is surprisingly lyrical, going through several key changes and offering a brief respite before the main theme returns in a climactic finale. Use of optional percussion is recommended.

About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series

This series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:

• Expanded use of rhythms, ranges and keys but technical demands are still carefully considered
• More comprehensive bowing techniques
• Viola T.C. included
• Careful selection of keys and degree of difficulty for advancing musicians

SKU: CF.CPS251F

ISBN 9781491159880. UPC: 680160918478.

About the Music Semper Gratus is Latin for always grateful. The piece was written in honor of James E. Champion, who taught band for thirty-eight years, twenty-five of which were spent in Florence, Alabama, where he was my elementary school and high school band director. His bands consistently achieved superior ratings throughout his career. He holds multi-decade-spanning memberships in professional music education organizations, continues to serve in helping with Alabama Bandmasters Association events, and conducts and performs in various community bands and ensembles. As my band director at Bradshaw High School, Mr. Champion encouraged me to perform one of my first compositions, a clarinet quartet, at solo/ensemble festival. He taught his students the fundamentals of music, the technical aspects of performance, and exposed them to the great standards of band literature. But in doing so, he also modeled leadership, work-ethic, good character, and fostered the love of the activity of band that led me to choose music education as a career. And for that, I will always be grateful. Performance Notes Measures 1-12: The beginning of the piece should be performed in a majestic, fanfare-like style. The woodwind cues should only be used if absolutely needed during this section. Measures 41-58: The concert toms should establish a presence, but not overpower the winds. The triangle and woodblock parts should be heard distinctly over the concert toms. A higher pitched woodblock should be used for this section. (A set of claves could be used in place of the woodblock if desired.) Measures 59-94: The entirety of the middle section should be played in a rubato style to maximize musical expression, exaggerating dynamics and ritardando sections. The quarter-note triplets in the middle and low winds should be emphasized at m. 70. The molto ritardando that begins at m. 70 should be allowed to build as long as possible in m. 71 before reaching the musical apex of the middle section at m. 72. At mm. 92-94, depending on the size of the ensemble, you may want to limit the number of players (or put one per part) to achieve the most delicate sound possible. Measures 95-End: In mm. 99-107, be sure that the eighth-note running mallet parts are heard as a background texture, but do not overpower the winds. In mm. 114-115, the accents on beats 2 and 4 in the lower winds should be exaggerated to contrast the feel of the previous four measures. In m. 118, all winds should cut off and breathe on beat two for maximum impact on the next three measures.
About the MusicSemper Gratus is Latin for “always grateful.” The piece was written in honor of James E. Champion, who taught band for thirty-eight years, twenty-five of which were spent in Florence, Alabama, where he was my elementary school and high school band director. His bands consistently achieved superior ratings throughout his career. He holds multi-decade-spanning memberships in professional music education organizations, continues to serve in helping with Alabama Bandmasters Association events, and conducts and performs in various community bands and ensembles. As my band director at Bradshaw High School, Mr. Champion encouraged me to perform one of my first compositions, a clarinet quartet, at solo/ensemble festival. He taught his students the fundamentals of music, the technical aspects of performance, and exposed them to the great standards of band literature.  But in doing so, he also modeled leadership, work-ethic, good character, and fostered the love of the activity of band that led me to choose music education as a career.  And for that, I will always be grateful.Performance NotesMeasures 1-12:   The beginning of the piece should be performed in a majestic, fanfare-like style.  The woodwind cues should only be used if absolutely needed during this section.Measures 41-58:   The concert toms should establish a presence, but not overpower the winds.   The triangle and woodblock parts should be heard distinctly over the concert toms.  A higher pitched woodblock should be used for this section.  (A set of claves could be used in place of the woodblock if desired.) Measures 59-94:   The entirety of the middle section should be played in a rubato style to maximize musical expression, exaggerating dynamics and ritardando sections.   The quarter-note triplets in the middle and low winds should be emphasized at m. 70.   The molto ritardando that begins at m. 70 should be allowed to build as long as possible in m. 71 before reaching the musical apex of the middle section at m. 72. At mm. 92–94, depending on the size of the ensemble, you may want to limit the number of players (or put one per part) to achieve the most delicate sound possible.Measures 95-End:   In mm. 99–107, be sure that the eighth-note running mallet parts are heard as a background texture, but do not overpower the winds. In mm. 114–115, the accents on beats 2 and 4 in the lower winds should be exaggerated to contrast the feel of the previous four measures.  In m. 118, all winds should cut off and breathe on beat two for maximum impact on the next three measures.

SKU: CF.CAS147

ISBN 9781491160916. UPC: 680160919512.

A Basque Carol (also known as Gabriel's Message) originated from the 13th or 14th century. This brilliantly crafted tune is at once hauntingly beautiful, yet warm and joyous. The lasting power of this song is in the craftsmanship of the melody. Its contours are complex and skillful, yet incredibly simple to sing. A Basque Carol's popularity can also be attributed to it's elegant translation into English by Sabine Baring-Gould. While translations often feel blunt or coarse, this one is especially poetic (his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame). In this orchestration, a flowing, cinematic style is combined with rich, thickly-textured string voicings inspired by composer Ralph Vaughn Williams. This graceful arrangement features an obbligato line on solo recorder (optional solo flute or violin). It may be performed by orchestra and soloist alone, or with soprano and alto choir (or S/A soloists). There is even a moment quoted from another favorite holiday carol, Jesu Bambino. A lovely addition to your next holiday program!.
A Basque Carol (also known as Gabriel's Message) originated from the 13th or 14th century. This brilliantly crafted tune is at once hauntingly beautiful, yet warm and joyous. The lasting power of this song is in the craftsmanship of the melody. Its contours are complex and skillful, yet incredibly simple to sing. A Basque Carol's popularity can also be attributed to it's elegant translation into English by Sabine Baring-Gould. While translations often feel blunt or coarse, this one is especially poetic (his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame). In this orchestration, a flowing, cinematic style is combined with rich, thickly-textured string voicings inspired by composer Ralph Vaughn Williams. This graceful arrangement features an obbligato line on solo recorder (optional solo flute or violin). It may be performed by orchestra and soloist alone, or with SATB choir. There is even a moment quoted from another favorite holiday carol, Jesu Bambino. A lovely addition to your next holiday program!.
A Basque Carol (also known as Gabriel’s Message) originated from the 13th or 14th century. This brilliantly crafted tune is at once hauntingly beautiful, yet warm and joyous. The lasting power of this song is in the craftsmanship of the melody. Its contours are complex and skillful, yet incredibly simple to sing. A Basque Carol’s popularity can also be attributed to it’s elegant translation into English by Sabine Baring-Gould. While translations often feel blunt or coarse, this one is especially poetic (“his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame”). In this orchestration, a flowing, cinematic style is combined with rich, thickly-textured string voicings inspired by composer Ralph Vaughn Williams. This graceful arrangement features an obbligato line on solo recorder (optional solo flute or violin). It may be performed by orchestra and soloist alone, or with SATB choir. There is even a moment quoted from another favorite holiday carol, Jesu Bambino. A lovely addition to your next holiday program!

About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series

This series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:

• Expanded use of rhythms, ranges and keys but technical demands are still carefully considered
• More comprehensive bowing techniques
• Viola T.C. included
• Careful selection of keys and degree of difficulty for advancing musicians