Kevin Volans' String Quartet No. 9: Shiva Dances was commissioned by BBC Radio 3 and first performed by the Smith Quartet at the 2004 Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.Kevin Volans (the composer) notes on the piece:In the past I have been interested in trying to go beyond historicism (1970s) beyond style(1980s) and beyond form (1990s) in my work. Looking back over the music of the twentiethcentury I was struck by the fact the nearlyall of it is extremely 'busy' almost cluttered. Italmost seemed that composers felt compelled to look industrious. In the new millennium Ithought it would be interesting to try and eliminate content. I also aspired to movingfrommusic (sound as art) to art (art as sound). This of course has already been done by a numberof composers (many from New York Phil Niblock and La Monte Young to name but two) butit was something I had never tried.AlthoughI found it annoying that the label 'minimalist' was given to my African-based work and fearing this would make the label stick I set out to write a piece which reflected my loveof minimal painting and architecture. The Japanesehave a term 'wabi' meaning 'voluntarypoverty' or 'emptiness' to describe their restrained minimal aesthetic an aesthetic which however pays greatest attention to the quality of material and fine detail. I like to think thatthelack of excessive pitch material in this piece reflects a kind of voluntary poverty.When Shiva is portrayed dancing (as Nataraj) He is depicted in a circle of flames crushing asmall figure the ego underfoot.You get theimpression He dances on the spot not movingaround at all. I like that.The piece is dedicated to Pablo Pascual Cilleruelo.

Le Quintette de Cuivres Rekkenze Brass a été fondé par des membres de l'Orchestre Symphonique d'Hof en Allemagne, et reconnu internationalement comme un des meilleurs ensembles du genre. La devise de l'ensemble se résume par 'BRASSzination® : la fascination par les cuivres?. C'est avec grand plaisir que nous vous présentons la Collection Rekkenze Brass qui couvre un large éventail de styles. Chaque oeuvre publiée dans cette collection est accompagnée d'un compact disc sur lequel sont enregistrées les versions intégrales de la plupart des oeuvres disponibles dans une interprétation unique du Rekkenze Brass. / Quintette De Cuivres / 24 pages / niveau : Elementaire / Partition + Cd

The Last Queen of Egypt. Queen Cleopatra ruled Egypt for over 20 years. She is one of antiquity?s best-known women, in particular because of her relationships with Julius Caesar and, above all, Mark-Anthony, but also because the cause of her death remains a mystery. The work is split into three parts and performed without breaks. The first section begins with a bright introduction representing Mark-Anthony. Dynamic in nature and reminiscent of military music, this characterises the Roman general. But soon after, another theme emerges, softer and more melodic, symbolising Cleopatra?s femininity. The two characters then combine on a faster tempo. The middle section of the work depicts the love that Mark-Anthony and Cleopatra feel for each other. This passionate relationship lasted ten years and produced three children. This is expressed by a warm and intense theme, just like the beauty of the Egyptian queen. The third and last section opens in a determined and military mood. Mark-Anthony and Cleopatra were often apart, the Roman general was often away on a campaign. They met up in Alexandria to celebrate their triumph. But, as the targets of the jealousy and ambition of Octavius, Julius Caesar?s son, the lovers are trapped and await the inevitable conquest of Egypt by the Romans. When Mark-Anthony heard the false news that Cleopatra had committed suicide, he ended his own life. The Queen of Egypt, for her part, was imprisoned shortly afterwards. The two lovers remain one of History?s most famous couples. This piece was commissioned by the Wind Orchestra of the town of Antony, near Paris, directed by Philippe Rossignol, to mark its 90th anniversary.

Marching Band (without score)-Jam packed with high-energy hits for the stands or field here is a collection of 15 easy arrangements that you can use year after year plus these charts all sound great with limited rehearsal time. Includes: Accidentally in Love• Boom Boom • Brick House • Fun Fun Fun • Funkytown • Get Ready • I Want You Back • Let's Get It Started • My Girl • Respect • Rock & Roll - Part II (The Hey Song) • SecretAgent Man • Smoke on the Water • 25 or 6 to 4 • Yeah!Value Pak includes:• Flute (3)• Clarinet (3)• Alto Sax (2)• Tenor Sax (1)• BariSax (1)• Trumpet 1 (2)• Trumpet 2 (2)• Trumpet 3 (2)• F Horn (2)• Trombone (2)• Baritone BC (2)• Baritone TC (1)• Tuba(2)• Electric Bass (1)• Mallet Percussion (1)• Snare Drum (2)• Cymbals (1)• Quad Toms (1)• Bass Drum (1)• Aux Percussion (1)•Drum Set (1)

Joseph Martin gives you the world in his new cantata that celebrates the carols and traditions of Christmas. Like a seasonal travelogue this work tells the story of Christ's birth with great color and variety. Pamela Martin'sthoughtful narration allows for several performance options and the glorious orchestrations by Brant Adams and Stan Pethel capture perfectly the spirit and joy of this festive work. Observe our unity in Christ with the mostexciting Martin cantata yet! Carols include: Joy to the World ? Angels from the Realms of Glory ? Silent Night ? Infant Holy Infant Lowly ? Niño Lindo ? Italian Pipers Carol ? Love Came Downat Christmas ? Go Tell It on the Mountain ? The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy ? Everywhere Christmas Tonight ? and many more. Perf. Time: Approx. 40 minutes.

The young have the future. This is the statement made at the beginning of ‘Like a Child’ by Andreas Ludwig Schulte. The opening radiates strength and ambition but one is also made to wonder which direction will be chosen which choices will have to be made.After the introduction the first steps on the path of life are taken still somewhat unsteadily (the 3/4th time used illustrates this uncertainty). However the child has now set off and will meet the future with an open mind unafraid even though experience will teach it how easily it can be hurt.Fortunately it is sometimes allowed to be vulnerable and it discovers there will always be someone to offer shelter support and love. (Adagio) The last part breathes a far greater independence. Youth is able to face the future it can even take on the whole world!

The young have the future. This is the statement made at the beginning of ‘Like a Child’ by Andreas Ludwig Schulte. The opening radiates strength and ambition but one is also made to wonder which direction will be chosen which choices will have to be made.After the introduction the first steps on the path of life are taken still somewhat unsteadily (the 3/4th time used illustrates this uncertainty). However the child has now set off and will meet the future with an open mind unafraid even though experience will teach it how easily it can be hurt.Fortunately it is sometimes allowed to be vulnerable and it discovers there will always be someone to offer shelter support and love. (Adagio) The last part breathes a far greater independence. Youth is able to face the future it can even take on the whole world!

The Last Queen of Egypt. Queen Cleopatra ruled Egypt for over 20 years. She is one of antiquity's best-known women, in particular because of her relationships with Julius Caesar and, above all, Mark-Anthony, but also because the cause of her death remains a mystery. The work is split into three parts and performed without breaks. The first section begins with a bright introduction representing Mark-Anthony. Dynamic in nature and reminiscent of military music, this characterises the Roman general. But soon after, another theme emerges, softer and more melodic, symbolising Cleopatra's femininity. The two characters then combine on a faster tempo. The middle section of the work depicts the love that Mark-Anthony and Cleopatra feel for each other. This passionate relationship lasted ten years and produced three children. This is expressed by a warm and intense theme, just like the beauty of the Egyptian queen. The third and last section opens in a determined and military mood. Mark-Anthony and Cleopatra were often apart, the Roman general was often away on a campaign. They met up in Alexandria to celebrate their triumph. But, as the targets of the jealousy and ambition of Octavius, Julius Caesar's son, the lovers are trapped and await the inevitable conquest of Egypt by the Romans. When Mark-Anthony heard the false news that Cleopatra had committed suicide, he ended his own life. The Queen of Egypt, for her part, was imprisoned shortly afterwards. The two lovers remain one of History's most famous couples. This piece was commissioned by the Wind Orchestra of the town of Antony, near Paris, directed by Philippe Rossignol, to mark its 90th anniversary.

In La Cittadella Kees Vlak reflects the stark contrastsin the Italian mountain village Assisi. On the onehand there is the bustle of the hundreds ofthousands visitors who have come to admire thebeautiful San Francesco Basilica. On the otherhand within the city walls there is La Cittadella acomplex of buildings where severely handicappedpeople are taken care of by sisters. The dissonantmain theme in the solo trumpet depicts the isolationof these people. Still the loving care of the sistersprovides some light in the darkness. This beautifulpiece will bring a sense of spiritual love to any concert.

EEEEEEEK! It’s a whimsical excursion into the realm of the mechanical mice! It’s a rodent round-up! It’s a veritable vortex of vagabond voles! Are we to be vexed by vociferous vermin? Let’s find out while we have some fun!Your young band will love playing this one as well as using their instruments in a creative but non-standard way. The effect of the little clicking critters can be quite amazing. Whoa! Here comes the CAT! Beware though because you know your band will want to play it again and again.Graydon Toms has composed some great music for young bands in the past and this new one is sure to please the entire audience as well as the musicians. You’ve found a greatnew tune for your young band! CongRATulations!

It is often thought that this melody came from the Victorian era when Irish songs were very popular however this Air was first published in 1813 and has been adapted and arranged by many composers and arrangers over the years. This arrangement as a Flugel Horn solo by Gary Westwood is a new treatment and shows off this tender and wistful love song.

‘Music’ by John Miles was one of Blackstone’s favourite numbers. With completely different notes but holding on to the same form and atmosphere the latter has tried to write an attractive composition for both young and old.Gate 11 refers to the ever agitated and noisy scenes at an airport especially during check-in. Yet there are also passengers who wait patiently letting their thoughts range at will looking forward to meeting a loved one at the end of their journey.

Par HAENDEL GEORG FRIEDRICH. ?Giulio Cesare in Egitto? is by far Handel?s most frequently performed opera owing its success not least to its subject matter, one of the best known love stories in world history. Already during Handel?s lifetime the popular work was often staged and therefore adapted by Handel for each of the performance conditions. The editor Hans Dieter Clausen has succeeded in editorially defining and practically presenting these adaptations ? essentially four versions ? on the basis of a meticulous study of the sources within the framework of the ?Halle Handel Edition?. The new edition allows for a performance of each of the four versions. The version of 1725 is particularly noteworthy because Handel newly devised the role of Sesto for the famous tenor Francesco Borosini. The libretto shows the Roman dictator Cesar in a friendly light. He instructs his enemy, the Egyptian tyrant Tolomeo, how to treat adversaries: he reconciles the widow and son of his enemy Pompeo who was murdered by Tolomeo: he is generous and just, hands on, but also diplomatic, thoughtful, aware of the limits of his power, and susceptible for art and nature. However, the actual protagonist of the opera is Cleopatra. In a masterly way Handel develops her character musically. In his extensive Foreword Hans Dieter Clausen not only decribes the genesis, historical background, reception and the edition of the opera, he also examines the musical and dramaturgical reworking of individual numbers in ?Giulio Cesare?. Handel was such an expert in adapting arias for new purposes and other characters that he did not only meet the needs at hand but often the new version surpassed the original. In this way, the reader gains, in passing, a well-founded insight into Handel?s work methods when designing and redevising his characters. The detailed Critical Commentary includes information on the comprehensive and highly complex source situation as well as on individual editorial decisions./ Répertoire / Chant et Orchestre

This hymn is sung to the old English tune Kingsfold. Its text is thought to be a sonnet written in Latin by a devout Spanish Catholic. Douglas Smith has arranged this piece for 2 B flat trumpet/cornet a trombone/baritone/horn in F and a trombone/baritonewith optional tuba.

Work for Chamber dating from 1988.The composer writes:MINNEWATER means ‘love water’/‘love lake’ but when I began to compose the work this direct meaning of the title was not very important to me. Rather the word itself had a magical sound. Later on however it occurred to me that the piece was full of mumbling swells and swarming cascades and the sensation of water is perhaps most perceptible towards the end where lots of falling water movements are felt behind the emphasized rhythmic surface. Falls that moreover quite literally at the end sinks into the water. MINNEWATER has a subtitle: THOUSANDS OF CANONS which directly refers to a compostion techniquewhere all layers and elements in the music constantly are imitated; possibly waves imitating each other? The mudded and impalpable beginning of the work takes its starting point in one of my earlier pieces the sextett LES TUCHINS (in fact the first 5 or 6 pages of the two pieces are quite identical but in MINNEWATER it is all ‘blown up’ to a larger ensemble). Quite soon however the thread to LES TUCHINS is cut off and it goes its own way; From the mumbling in the start - through swarming trills and pointilistic staccato movements - to a long section where the trumpet appears as a soloist and in a way conducts the movements of the remaining ensemble right to the rhythmic final section of the piece. MINNEWATER was commissioned by the Danish Radio for the German Ensemble Modern