SKU: MH.1-59913-071-8

ISBN 9781599130712.

Program Notes: Stylistically diverse -- tranquil, spirited pastoral, sensitive, energetic -- exhibiting a remarkable palette, the five movements of SINFONIA IX form a unique symphonic statement. Movement I, Prelude, is about contrasts: A lazy, smooth, motive in brasses alternates with, and then joins, an active and detached motive in woodwinds. The spirited Movement II, Morley's Ghost, is an intricate canonic collage and homage to that venerable theoretician & composer, Thomas Morley. By contrast, movement III, Dialog, speaks in a relaxed, lyrical, and pastoral language as it develops its gently rising and falling motives. Movement IV, Waltz, innocently celebrates the joys of childhood with a lilting melody and rondo form. For the rousing Finale, Movement V begins with a martial call of repeated-notes, heralding a headstrong journey of power and excitement. Like a number of the composer's other works, SINFONIA IX is based on earlier material: A brass sextet, written in 1966 when the composer was nineteen years old, forms the raw material for the first, third and fifth movements, while a later work, Martin's Waltz (a children's piece for flutes and clarinets composed in 1975) is the basis of the fourth movement. The second movement, however, is a fanciful contrapuntal commentary on Thomas Morley's 16th-century canzonet, Fire and Lightning. SINFONIA IX is dedicated to John Raforth, a distinguished band director and music educator at West High School in Madison, Wisconsin. The work was commissioned by his friends and former students, and was completed in 1977. Its first publication some twenty years later is a result of the increasing attention paid by university band directors to the earlier Sinfonias, particularly Sinfonia III (Hymns and Dances); Sinfonia V (Sinfonia Sacra et Profana); and now, Sinfonia IX. Whereas the first two works are wind ensemble compositions that have been championed equally by the concert band, Sinfonia IX is the composer's first college-level Sinfonia written especially for concert band. Ensemble instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 8 Flute 1-2, 2 Oboe, 1 Eb Clarinet, 4 Bb Clarinet 1, 4 Bb Clarinet 2, 4 Bb Clarinet 3, 3 Bb Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 4 Eb Alto Saxophone, 2 Bb Tenor Saxophone, 1 Eb Baritone Saxophone, 3 Bb Trumpet 1, 3 Bb Trumpet 2, 3 Bb Trumpet 3, 2 F Horn 1-2, 2 F Horn 3-4, 3 Trombone 1, 3 Trombone 2, 3 Baritone B.C., 2 Baritone T.C., 4 Tuba, 3 String Bass, 2 Timpani, 5 Percussion.

SKU: CL.WFR306

An incredible set utilizing recordings from the 19 volume Gems Of The Concert Band LP record series. These famous recordings were remarkable for the superlative interpretations and masterful performances of Leonard B. Smith and the Detroit Concert Band. Digitally remastered with the clarity of the original performances restored. A top notch band which produced great music... these are fabulous recordings. - Robert Peckham, Windjammers Unlimited Volume 1 - Great Performances Introduction to Act III of Lohengrin; Marche Militaire Francaise; Espana Rhapsody; Shepherd's Hey; Excerpts from Andrea Chenier; Dance of the Tumblers from Snegourotchka; Flight of the Bumblebee; Theme and Variations from Suite No. III; Marche Hongroise Rakoczy; Rhapsodic Dance; Bamboula; Clear Track Polka; Polka and Fugue from Schwanda the Bagpipe Player; Excerpts from Manzoni Requiem Volume 2 - Magnificent Marches Americans We; Chicago Tribune; Mainliner; Music Festival; Official West Point March; Spirit of Independence; The Chimes of Liberty; Valdres; World Events; Barnum and Bailey's Favorite; American Patrol; Jurisprudence; Bombasto; Boston Commandery; March of the Toys; On Jersey Shore; Second Regiment - Connecticut National Guard; The Joker; The March King; Under the Double Eagle; Gate City; Lights Out; American Red Cross March; Entry of the Gladiators; National Emblem March; Volume 3 - Music of the Masters March and Procession of Bacchus fromSylvia; Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah; Italian Polka; Slavonic Dance No. 3; Farandole from L'Arlesienne Suite; Finlandia; Golliwog's Cake Walk; The Kaffir on the Karoo; Fugue a la Gigue; Symphony No. 4 (Finale); Two Norwegian Dances; Hungarian Dance No. 5; Ecossaises; Second Hungarian Rhapsody Volume 4 - Virtuoso Soloists Carnival of Venice; Fantastic Polka; Believe Me; If All Those Endearing Young Charms; Rigoletto: Bella figlia del amore; The Bugler; Through the Air; Bugler's Holiday; Blue Bells of Scotland; Columbian Fantasy; The Bride Elect: An Awkward Complication This; Wood Up Quickstep; The Three Solitaires; The Southern Cross; Bravura Variations; My Heaven of Love; Atlantic Zephyrs; Land of the Free; Sextet: Chi mi frena... Volume 5 - Legendary Overtures Zampa Overture; La Forza del Destino Overture; Light Cavalry Overture; Oberon Overture; Raymond Overture; Ruy Blas Overture; Egmont Overture; Roman Carnival Overture; William Tell Overture.