From the composer: High Flyers are regarded as people with promise and potential.They are winners. This is music for winners.The title as well as being a play-on-words implies the nature of the work. It is a bright optimistic and upbeat piece attempting to depict an exhilarating ride on flying carpet. The opening rising chords immediately suggest the gentle elevation of the carpets' ascent towards unknown heights leading to a hint of a first theme in the horns at Fig. B. The first four notes provide the thematic material for the whole work: C F G A.A perpetual sense of movement is achieved through accented quaver chords punctuating the melodicmaterial of the first main theme. Fig. E sees the music of the opening bars fully realised with flourishes from the euphonium and baritones representing swirling clouds shooting stars or passing birds in flight.The same subject is developed into a lyrical second theme with a new lush harmonic treatment evocative of gliding over an expanse of sparse countryside.This section ends with a note of serenity but is shattered by the urgent insistence of the percussion rhythms.The third section introduces a new idea with a slightly distorted fanfare in the cornets and trombones. This figure suggests for the first time that there may be trouble ahead. In fact there is no need to fear and the journey can continue without aggravation. This fanfare returns near the end to signal a final note of triumph.A new rhythmic variant of the cell motif emerges as the third theme now transformed by the addition of a triplet figure. The music steadily gains momentum before moving inexorably towards the climactic return of the music and tonality of the opening bars of the piece.

From the composer: High Flyers are regarded as people with promise and potential.They are winners. This is music for winners.The title as well as being a play-on-words implies the nature of the work. It is a bright optimistic and upbeat piece attempting to depict an exhilarating ride on flying carpet. The opening rising chords immediately suggest the gentle elevation of the carpets' ascent towards unknown heights leading to a hint of a first theme in the horns at Fig. B. The first four notes provide the thematic material for the whole work: C F G A.A perpetual sense of movement is achieved through accented quaver chords punctuating the melodicmaterial of the first main theme. Fig. E sees the music of the opening bars fully realised with flourishes from the euphonium and baritones representing swirling clouds shooting stars or passing birds in flight.The same subject is developed into a lyrical second theme with a new lush harmonic treatment evocative of gliding over an expanse of sparse countryside.This section ends with a note of serenity but is shattered by the urgent insistence of the percussion rhythms.The third section introduces a new idea with a slightly distorted fanfare in the cornets and trombones. This figure suggests for the first time that there may be trouble ahead. In fact there is no need to fear and the journey can continue without aggravation. This fanfare returns near the end to signal a final note of triumph.A new rhythmic variant of the cell motif emerges as the third theme now transformed by the addition of a triplet figure. The music steadily gains momentum before moving inexorably towards the climactic return of the music and tonality of the opening bars of the piece.

for Woodwind Quintet-These two extraordinary works of late Mozart KV 594 and KV 608 were both composed to fulfill a commission for a memorial exhibit in Vienna to be played in a “mechanical clock organ.” The term “fantasy” or“fantasia” came to be affixed to these works later and is more descriptive and less cumbersome than the term Mozart listed in his own catalogue “Ein Stüke für ein Orgelwerk in ein Uhr.” They are also variouslytitled “Adagio und Allegro in f für ein Orgelwerk” and “Allegro und Andante (Fantasie in f) für eine Orgelwaltze.”The first of these composed between the monumental String Quintet in D and the Piano Concertoin Bb KV 595 is an A-B-A form comprised of an f minor Adagio opening and closing with a contrapuntal Allegro at its heart. KV 608 is more complicated opening with an f minor section reminiscent of a French Overture followed by a fugue in fminor then an Andante aria followed by a return to the opening and then a more complex version of the fugue.Despite the frustration that Mozart expressed (in a letter to Constanze) with the sound world of these mechanical devices KV 594and 608 are remarkable works which stand at an intersection incorporating what he learned about counterpoint studying at the foot of Bach while looking ahead to the emotional and harmonic poignancy of Schubert.

VOCES8 singles series-An opening movement for SATB choir piano and timpani (with solos for soprano tenor and alto). A calm opening leads to a dramatic conclusion with text by Cicero and Ovid in praise and recognition of their homeland. A New World is a musical story across five movements with texts by authors from Cicero and Ovid to George William Russel; from nursery rhymes to war poets. The music and texts link to form a narrative that questions what sort of ?New Worlds? have come into existence or could be created in our future and considers how we balance human traits of fear displacement isolation and conflict with equally human traits of love hope forgiveness and unity. The internationally-renowned British vocal ensemble VOCES8 is proud to inspire people through music and share the joy of singing. The celebration of diverse musical expression is central to the ensemble?s ethos and this is shown in their versatile concert programmes and innovative educational work. The ?VOCES8 singles? series includes songs for which the group is particularly well known and which have been composed or arranged specifically for VOCES8.

from Tarzan-The classic ballad from Tarzan by Phil Collins in a remarkable setting for more advanced choirs! Opening as a gentle lullaby the vocal lines build into an expansive concert work with fully voiced choral harmonies andsweeping piano arpeggios. The arrangement builds through several exciting modulations before returning to the gentle strains of the opening. Available separately: SATB div. SSAA TTBB. Duration: ca. 4:25.

Commissioned by the Presteigne Festival of Music and the Arts Limited with funds provided by the Arts Council of Wales for premiere in August 2012 by the Carducci String Quartet in St. Andrew?s Church Presteigne.Composer's Note'Some years ago I noted down the opening theme of what I anticipated would be a relatively Classical string quartet ?Classical? in the sense of the forms adopted plus perhaps a predominantly lyrical tone of voice. The commission for this work from the Presteigne Festival for their 30th anniversary in 2012 gave me the opportunity of putting into practice this long-held idea. It isdedicated to the Festival and to the Carducci Quartet whose career as much-admired friends and colleagues I have greatly enjoyed.The only break with ?classical? tradition is that there are five movements instead of four with two Scherzi as the second and third though both these are very short and contrasting. I found myself listening to Haydn?s string quartets a lot before and during the composition of this work and I hope the spirit of his delight in writing for this medium is echoed in my own music. The opening movement is in sonata form unusually for me and lyricism is I hope the basis of it though there is a good deal of activity at times. The Scherzo light and marked by frequently-changing rhythms is followed by an equally short but ferocious Perpetuum mobile marked Wild und rasch (one of my favourite German tempo markings). The fourth movement is an intense Adagio in which a single phrase uttered strongly in unison is gradually transformed into gentle diatonic chords before the close intermingled with cadenzas for cello for viola and for the two violins together. The finale (a Rondo) resumes the classical tone of the first movement but apart from one dance-like episode it builds up a fair head of steam towards a final Presto which however ascends slows and quietens towards a gentle summer sky at dusk.'

German-born French composer Jacques Offenbach is remembered for his nearly 100 operettas of the 1850s 1870s and his uncompleted opera The Tales Of Hoffmann. Part of the standard opera repertoire Offenbach?s masterpiece is now also published as a ?G. Schirmer Opera Score Edition? for Voices with Piano accompaniment.A monument to E.T.A. Hoffmann this opera fantastique in three acts prologue and epilogue combines three of his grotesque tales moulded into a creative and provocative dramatic entity. The librettist Jules Barbier and Michel Carré chose Hoffmann as the hero of the famous musical fantasy adding the erratic essence ofthe author himself to the stories. Hoffman becomes the narrator and the main protagonist at the same time as he tells the three stories The Sandman The Lost Reflection in the Mirror and Councillor Krespel of his three loves.In setting the superb libretto to music Offenbach raced against time and finally lost dying only four months before the opening with the manuscript in his hand. The opera was an immediate success and saw 101 nights of performance in its opening year in Paris with subsequent premieres all over the world Geneva Budapest Berlin London New York Mexico Buenos Aires and many more.

This overture is based on a Scottish sounding folk melody by the composer. The opening theme is lively and articulated based loosely in the Dorian mode. The slow middle section features solo horn followed by a return of the opening material marching the music forward to its rousing conclusion.

This regal and stately fanfare-opener is a sterling new offering for band. Sixteen opening bars of thrilling fanfare lead inexorably to a theme expressing dignified momentum. Frequent but simple meter changes help to make this an interesting and educational piece that both the band and the audience will enjoy. A recap of the opening fanfare brings the piece to an exciting finish that will set a noble yet festive tone for your concert or special event. It even makes a great graduation recessional.Let FANFARE BRITANNICA be the crown jewel of your next performance!

South Down Pictures was commissioned by Millenium Brass 2000 an organisation comprising three brass bands from the county of Sussex England.The bands (Patcham Silver Hangleton and Brighton Silver) had got together to organise many events to mark the new millennium and these culminated in a concert in Hove Town Hall on July 9th 2000 when all three bands combined to give the first performance of South Down Pictures. The composer spent much of his childhood amongst the South Downs a range of hills in Sussex which runs parallel to the sea.Opening with a strong unison passage interrupted briefly by faster figures based on the interval of a fifth South Down Picturesdevelops with an often-passionate legato melody. Reaching a climax this is then followed by the main vivo section of the work whose main theme is based on the earlier ‘fifth’ figures. A bridge passage leads to a short chorale figure and a rhythmic climax which dissolves into a plaintive cornet solo over staccato chords. This theme is taken up by the whole band and leads back to a recapitulation of the main theme and earlier material. The cornet tune returns triumphantly in the major key before the opening unison passage reappears to provide a stirring coda.

A majestic opening which gets a thoroughly sparkling musical follow-up captivating ensemble and a very well-known hymn are the ingredients of Keep me praising by Andrew Mackareth from the English town of Nuneaton. His music sets itself apart through it scintillating vitality and spontanity. His feeling for style and melody makes this flashing work into a beautifully balanced composition which will undoubtedly find its way into the concert-stage. Influences from both jazz and rock furthermore make it an absolute hit. Een majestueuze opening een spetterend vervolg bekende hymnes en technische uitdaging zijn de ingrediënten van Keep me Praising. De muziek van AndrewMackereth uit het Engelse Nuneaton kenmerkt zich door veelzijdigheid. Gebaseerd op Sing Hosanna en Praise my soul. Een aanrader!

Kantate Zum 1. Advent. Par BACH JOHANN SEBASTIAN. The opening chorus uses the first verse of the old plainsong hymn 'Veni redemptor gentium', which in the paraphrase by Martin Luther has become the most important Advent hymn of the Protestant Church. Bach introduces the traditional plainsong melody in the form of a French overture, here symbolizing the entry of the King of Heaven, thus creating an unusual and splendid opening piece for the beginning of the church year./ Répertoire / Solistes STB, Choeur SATB, ou Basson, Instruments

Engel auf den Feldern singen-This beautiful arrangement begins with a festive opening following which the chorale melody is introduced. A lofty intermezzo follows after which the chorale returns with the joyful atmosphere of the opening. The work concludes with a splendid climax that creates a true Christmas mood for both musicians and audience.

Simon Dobson wrote his 'Four Sketches' at the request of Peter Bossano Head of Brass at the Royal College of Music in recognition of the 25th anniversary of Benjamin Britten’s death. The first movement 'Fanfare' quotes directly from the opening violin melody from Britten’s song cycle Les Illuminations. This melodic line is superimposed upon sonorous Lydian mode chords to project a majestic sound. The second movement 'Prayer' is a definite contrast being and much more reflective and pensive in it’s mood and featuring a dream like euphonium cadenza. The third movement 'Funeral March' builds from a soft chordal opening to a chaotic and confusedfortississimo climax with flourishes in the cornets and pounding tri-tones across the basses before plunging into silence for a flugel cadenza to finish. The final Finale movement is much more positive from the off with its jaunty melodies over a Brittenesque ostinato. The block chordal passages offer a crashing climax making for an exciting conclusion to an excellent new work for the medium. Simon Dobson’s 'Four Sketches' was the winning entry in the European Brass Band Composer Competition held in Brussels in March 2002.