Celestial Bodies

SKU: BT.WH31915

ISBN 9788759829004.

The Planets, op. 80 for mezzo-soprano, flute, viola and guitar, was composed in spring 1978 and given its first performance on 30 July the same year at the Lerchenborg Music Days. The occasion which led to the composition of the work was the 50th anniversary of the finding of a block book from the second half of the 15th century with texts on the planets. The inspiration came from Louise Lerche-Lerchenborg, who organised the Lerchenborg Music Days, and the work is dedicated to her. In connection with the concert at Lerchenborg, Poul Rovsing Olsen wrote the following about his opus: “The Planets derives from the block book found in Lerchenborg’s library in 1928. Seven fine,coloured drawings tell of the seven celestial bodies which in many European languages have given the weekdays their names. Each drawing is accompanied by a Latin text, under which there is a two-line dictum that briefly though very concisely gives an account of the characteristics of the children who belong to that particular celestial body. And these concentrated portrayals form the basis for the music. In the music I have attempted to give indications of my own experience of the particular power and nature characterizing each one of the heavenly bodies, just as I have allowed this cycle of planet songs to pass like a journey through the ethereal realms with motifs that appear, are repeated, are varied and disappear (but only so as to be replaced by new ones), until we finally return to the point of departure. The introduction Aether is purely instrumental. Two of the planets Venus and Luna are female; in the music written for them small (Indian) cymbals are used that are also present in Aether.”.

SKU: FJ.B1622S

English.

Buckle up and take your audience on a flight into the turbulent heart of a nebula! Booming percussion and sparkling woodwind lines conjure images of celestial bodies spinning and crashing together in the chaos of an interstellar star factory. Fabulous music for young musicians!

About FJH Beginning Band

Appropriate within the first year of instruction and beginning of the second year. Clarinets do not go above the break, and there is limited use of accidentals. Plenty of doublings in the lower voices. Grade 1.

SKU: CF.BPS117F

ISBN 9781491152713. UPC: 680160910212.

Aurora Eclipsed was inspired by the solar eclipse of 2017.  During a solar eclipse, a beautiful and fascinating aurora sometimes forms around the moon creating an eerie outline. This “ring of fire” is actually the sun’s outer edges being revealed for the human eye. An aggressive composition younger students will enjoy playing over and over again.
I wrote Aurora Eclipsed while looking outside at 2017’s solar eclipse. I find space and celestial bodies so fascinating. To think of how small we are compared to the scale of even just the moon is impressive.During a solar eclipse, a beautiful and fascinating aurora sometimes forms around the moon creating an eerie outline. This “ring of fire” is actually the sun’s outer edges being revealed for the human eye. About the work:Unlike most of my young-band pieces, Aurora Eclipsed begins at its peak tempo. The rhythmic pattern in m. 2 is repeated throughout the piece and is used in the melody in order to help facilitate the teaching of eighth-note patterns. The melodic pattern changes slightly at m. 25, while remaining just as repetitious as the previous pattern, giving everyone ample opportunity for exposure. At m. 25 the directions call for euphonium and bassoon only. This is merely a color choice and can easily be used with trombones to fill the need or to help strengthen your students' playing. The use of sfz is not used very much in this level of music, but I thought with the addition of the accents that it would be a great opportunity to teach this colorful effect.

SKU: FJ.B1787S

English.

This beautiful lyrical work portrays the vivid imagery and yearning emotions described in John Keats' poem Bright Star, which captures the longing for stability amidst a world in constant flux. A lonely theme evolves through several reharmonizations, key changes, and contrapuntal settings before ending contemplatively, as if appearing in the night sky among millions of celestial bodies.

About FJH Symphonic Band

Appropriate for accomplished high school, college, and professional groups. Includes expanded instrumentation and ranges. Grades 4 - 5

SKU: PR.114407860

ISBN 9781491112960. UPC: 680160012107. 9 x 12 inches.