Solemnitas. This short but solemn overture was written on the occasion of the 110th jubilee of Harmonie Hautcharage, Luxembourg. It is an homage to Jean-Paul Frisch and his son Gérard (the present conductor), who each have been conducting the ensemble for many years. Under their leadership, the band has developed and improved remarkably. The very first musical theme, presented during the introduction of this little overture, is based on the letters hidden in the names Jean-Paul and Gérard Frisch (in which h is considered b ? as it is in German), thus aiming the spotlight on both key figures in the history of Harmonie Hautcharage. After the rather stately intro, the allegro is more joyful and lighthearted, thus depicting the optimism of the many young players of the band. The end is exciting and energetic: it radiates positivity and belief in the future.

Arr. James L. Hosay. Par STEFFE W.. The mainly unison, easy chorus parts in BATTLE HYMN 2000 mean you CAN prepare James Hosay's imaginative and inspiring version of 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic' for performance, even though opportunities for combined chorus and band rehearsals are hard to find. In fact, the dress rehearsal may be all you need to put on the finishing touches. It makes a spine-tingling finale for a combined choral/band concert (it can also be used as a stand-alone band piece). For a thrilling addition, consider having the chorus surround the audience while the band remains on stage. The surround-sound effect can be magnificent and it gives each member of the chorus a little personal stardom. Don't forget, having one piece at the end of the concert which includes everyone always helps to make sure you maintain a 'full house' for all your performing groups. / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par HOSAY JAMES L.. What an outstanding way to conclude your concert. James L. Hosay writes some of the most exciting music to be found in Concert Band literature, and music doesn’t get much more exciting than this! While titled as a Grand Finale, this concert band tour de force can be programmed in numerous ways. Consider it also as a roof-raising opener or even in the guise of an entr’acte as you return from intermission. You will find JOYFUL EXCLAMATIONS to be one of the most thrilling and uplifting arrangements available in band literature today. This is also a perfect vehicle through which to study music history. Indescribable! / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par BULLA STEPHEN. Big band swing sounds for your concert band ! A master of jazz styles, Stephen Bulla has crafted an authoritative big-band style arrangement for your concert band. The well known spiritual WADE IN THE WATER has been a huge popular hit in the past so your audiences are sure to recognize it. Concert bands don’t often get a chance to play in a shuffle swing style, and that’s a shame. It’s so much fun ! Now’s your chance !Knee-deep in jazz harmonies and rhythms, you and your band will want to dive into this one right away ! / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par BULLA STEPHEN. Contrasting colors and stylistic shifts trace the historic events surrounding “the shot heard ‘round the world” in this challenging and significant new concert band work by Stephen Bulla. A rhapsodic adventure, NORTH BRIDGE PORTRAIT takes us from the merry atmosphere of the pre-revolutionary town through foreboding militant sounds. The fife-and-drum melody, “Washington’s March”, leads inexorably to the historic beginning of the American colonies’ struggle for freedom. Vivid images combine to make this descriptive audience-pleasing composition a memorable experience for all that attend your performance. Historic and unique! / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Arr. Wil Van Der Beek. Par FUCIK JULIUS. Julius Fucik (1872-1916) was born in Prague, Czech Republic. He studied under Antonin Dvorák and at a young age played in military bands and later became bandmaster, a profession he practiced in various cities with many bands. In 1913 he settled in Berlin where he started his own music publishing house. As a composer Fucik is known for his light entertaining music however he also wrote chamber music, songs, choral works, a mass, a requiem and an unfinished opera. Many of his works have fallen into oblivion but many of his marches such as Einzug der Gladiatoren, Regimentskinder and Florentiner Marsch are still often played. With the concert overture Marinarella, Fucik takes us toan imaginary seaside resort on a beautiful spring day. Marinarella, a girl of the sea, accompanies us on our stroll. Leisurely walking couples on the boulevard, the murmur of the sea, fragments of a waltz melody from a café and a concert band performing a promenade concert pass you by. A fantastic opening work for any concert. / Niveau : 4 / Transcription / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par DE HAAN JACOB. The Book of Urizen is a work for concert band, solo soprano, and a male narrator in which sound collages of religious expressions are used. The piece is inspired by the compelling visionary poem of the same name (which the poet illustratedhimself) by the Englishman William Blake (1757-1827), who occupies a unique position in western literature and the visual arts. He was not just a poet and a writer, but he was also a graphic artist, a painter, an illustrator, a spiritualist, areligious visionary, and a mystic philosopher. For the performance of this work, a professional sound system, including two microphones and a CD player, is needed. The three sound collages are three separate tracks on the enclosed CD and can beplayed easily at the right moment. The Book of Urizen bears resemblance to Genesis and Exodus, of which the contents form the basis of the Christian, Jewish, and Islamic faith. Blake adhered to the principle that all religions are in fact one, and that deities reside in human beings. In The Book of Urizen this is represented in “The Net of Religion, ” which is spanned over the earth by Urizen. The sound collages, compiled by Jacob de Haan in the studio, find their origin inJerusalem, the Holy City, where the afore-mentioned faiths “come together. ” In the first movement of this composition, The Vision, Urizen prepares his vision of the world, and he presents this to the “Eternals. ” His vision is rejected, and Urizen locks himself up in his own abstract world. When he does emerge again, he is confronted with rage by the gathered Eternals. Urizen flees the wrath of the Eternals, “the flames of eternal fury, ” and enwombs himself in his own world. Whenthe Eternals see Urizen in his “stony sleep, ” they wonder if this is death. The blacksmith Los is torn by grief because of the isolation of Urizen. It brings him to rouse his fires, prepare his forge, and to give Urizen’s world concrete form. In the second movement, The Creation, Urizen’s world, but also man, woman, and child are created. Los is horrified with the appearance of Urizen’s body. He mourns and pities Urizen, and from his blood a female form comes into being, with thename Enitharmon. The Eternals, fearful of the female form, decide to erect a tent to obstruct their view to eternity. Enitharmon and Los beget a son, called Orc. Los baptizes him as a child of the “fallen world. ” Orc is fed at Enitharmon’s breast, which makes a girdle of jealousy restrict Los’ chest. He takes the child to the top of the mountain and chains him down. The cries of Orc awaken Urizen, who explores his world creating instruments of scientific measurement to do so. Los encircles theface of Enitharmon from the sight of Urizen and Orc. She then populates the earth by giving birth to an enormous race. The Web, third movement of The Book of Urizen is now available: DHP 1125252 / Niveau : 5 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par CURNOW JAMES. James Curnow presents an outstanding new overture for band. A wealth of enchanting musical ideas are masterfully developed and contrasted in this magnificent composition. What a delightful musical statement! The ever-optimistic spirit of the pioneers is beautifully represented throughout this bright and cheerful concert offering. It’s fun to play and an accessible joy for the audience to hear. Be sure and listen to the demonstration CD. You are sure to like Spirit of the Pioneers. Opportunities abound for cross-curricular tie-ins. Unforgettable! / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie