Avalon

SKU: BT.DHP-0920388-020

Avalon is a one-part composition. The surprising opening measures describe the sudden entrance into another world. After these initial measures, we hear a choral-like melody, which is repeated three times in different instrumentations with increasing intensity. This represents the procession of the ghosts dwelling in the underworld of Avalon, headed by the mighty magician Merlin.The exalted sound is then suddenly interrupted by a fast movement, in which ostinato figures alternate with bi-tonal motives. This represents the attempt of some evil characters to invade Avalon. Mordred is the leader of this horde and together they disturb the peace and quiet in the otherwisecalm Avalon. The flourish of trumpets heralds the entrance of the Knights of the Round Table who drive away the intruders and return to their castle, Tintagel, in a triumphal procession. Upon their return, the next problem presents itself. An inexplicable disease plagues the resting ghosts.The Knights and the Council of the Wise are convened to find out the cause of this problem. Musically this can be heard in the repetition of the initial themes. The Knights and the Council of the Wise determine that the presence of mortals is the reason that the resting ghosts are suffering. There is simply no room for mortal souls in Avalon. After a powerful statement by King Arthur, we hear a glissando referring to the very first measures, and… we are back in the normal world. The journey through the underworld has come to an end and a dream is over.

Avalon est une pièce dont le décor et les personnages sont empruntés aux légendes arthuriennes. L’œuvre débute par quelques mesures surprenantes qui nous font entrer subitement dans un autre monde. Une mélodie produisant l’effet d’un chœur représente la procession des fantômes et des esprits qui vivent dans l’île magique d’Avalon, avec, leur tête, le puissant magicien Merlin. Soudain, des figures ostinato et des phrases bitonales expriment la tentative d’une horde maléfique conduite par Mordred d’envahir le monde paisible d’Avalon. Après que le Roi Arthur soit intervenu avec force, on entend un glissando qui rappelle les toutes premières mesures, et… noussommes de retour dans le monde réel. Le voyage se termine et un rêve prend fin.

SKU: BT.DHP-1002127-010

The magical world of King Arthur, Merlin and Mordred is the setting for Avalon. Unexpected opening figures portray the sudden entrance into another world. A choral-like melody represents the procession of ghosts headed by the mighty magician Merlin. Suddenly, ostinato figures and bi-tonal motifs indicate the attempt of Mordred and his horde to disturb the peace and quiet in the otherwise calm Avalon. Following a powerful statement of King Arthur, we hear a glissando referring back to the opening bars, and… we are back in the normal world. The journey through the underworld has come to an end and the dream is over.

Die magische Welt König Arturs, Merlins und Mordreds ist die Kulisse, in der Avalon sich abspielt. Befremdliche Eröffnungstakte geleiten plötzlich in eine andere Welt. Eine choralartige Melodie symbolisiert die Prozession der Gäste, allen voran der mächtige Magier Merlin. Das sonst so friedliche Avalon wird schlagartig mit Ostinato-Figuren und bitonalen Motiven des Mordred und seinem Haufen in Aufruhr gebracht. Aber nach einer energischen Rede König Arturs klingen erste Takte in einem glissando an — und wir sind zurück in der realen Welt. Hier ist die Reise ins Totenreich zu Ende und ein Traum vorbei.

Avalon est une pièce dont le décor et les personnages sont empruntés aux légendes arthuriennes. L’œuvre débute par quelques mesures surprenantes qui nous font entrer subitement dans un autre monde. Une mélodie produisant l’effet d’un chœur représente la procession des fantômes et des esprits qui vivent dans l’île magique d’Avalon, avec, leur tête, le puissant magicien Merlin. Soudain, des figures ostinato et des phrases bitonales expriment la tentative d’une horde maléfique conduite par Mordred d’envahir le monde paisible d’Avalon. Après que le Roi Arthur soit intervenu avec force, on entend un glissando qui rappelle les toutes premières mesures, et… noussommes de retour dans le monde réel. Le voyage se termine et un rêve prend fin.

SKU: CF.YPS204

ISBN 9781491152249. UPC: 680160909742. Key: D minor.

Avalon–Long Live the King is a medieval fantasy piece depicting the Isle of Avalon where the mystical sword Excalibur of King Arthur was forged. Composer Tyler Arcari unearths a solid piece for young bands that is both bold and dramatic. This piece is sure to spark the imagination of students and give them strong musical content with which they can develop their musicianship.
Program Notes:Avalon–Long live the King began its journey as a commission in honor of a dear friend and mentor. David Riggs is one of those band directors that just seems timeless. He is a powerhouse with such a stacked resume that it is easy to forget that at the end of the day he enjoys taking long bike rides with his lovely wife and whittling a piece of wood just as much as being a band director. He has touched so many lives and inspired so many people in our field and beyond. I was humbled, and honored, when I was contacted for the commission. To David, I hope that you one day know how much you mean to so many people, including myself.About the piece:The piece is written with a little homage to David’s long tenure at Avalon Middle school in Pace, Florida. He was certainly treated like a king as the band director and rightly so. It seemed only fitting to add a little medieval fantasy. Avalon is a mystical island in the world of King Arthur where the great sword Excalibur was forged.The piece begins lyrically with a slow introduction with melodic material. This melodic motive is used throughout with slight variations depending on the instrument voicing etc. Care should be taken at m. 10 that the Timpani roll helps to bridge our transition from an exposed section to full tutti. Care should be taken so that the tempo change at m. 19 is brisk and avoids the low brass turning into stomping. Accessories like the China cymbal and tambourine can become overpowering. I recommend having students think of these effects as background in order to make sure they don’t POP out. The dynamic changes at mm. 27-35 should be subito similar to orchestral dynamic changes. Avoid unwritten crescendos in this section. Measures 60–64 are a great opportunity to teach those unwritten dynamics that make music so enjoyable as we lead up to the finale. It was originally left blank for some theatrics in the premiere at David’s retirement concert so I know he would enjoy adding some Cholesterol as David would say.Long Live the King!

SKU: CL.011-4746-00

Beyond the Shores of Avalon takes the listener on a musical journey to the island sanctuary hidden in the mist, said to be the resting place of King Arthur. According to legend, Avalon was a utopian paradise, home to many powerful enchantresses, including Arthur's sister Morgan le Fay. Beyond the Shores of Avalon is a wonderful work for teaching blend and dynamic balance within the ensemble, while also giving the low brass and woodwinds the opportunity to stand out with the melody. Enchanting music!

About C.L. Barnhouse Command Series

The Barnhouse Command Series includes works at grade levels 2, 2.5, and 3. This series is designed for middle school and junior high school bands, as well as high school bands of smaller instrumentation or limited experience. Command Series publications have a slightly larger instrumentation than the Rising Band Series, and are typically of larger scope, duration, and musical content.

SKU: CL.011-4746-01

Beyond the Shores of Avalon takes the listener on a musical journey to the island sanctuary hidden in the mist, said to be the resting place of King Arthur. According to legend, Avalon was a utopian paradise, home to many powerful enchantresses, including Arthur's sister Morgan le Fay. Beyond the Shores of Avalon is a wonderful work for teaching blend and dynamic balance within the ensemble, while also giving the low brass and woodwinds the opportunity to stand out with the melody. Enchanting music!

SKU: CL.032-4842-01

Avalon is a 1920s jazz-era chart by Vincent Rose and Buddy DeSylva, written originally as an advertisement for the California resort town, and has found fame as a virtuosic showcase for big bands and many vocalists ever since. This big-band version by Mike Hammonds is a real powerhouse! Featuring a melody that’s tuneful and playable by all, the arrangement begins in a small group style, building to a kick section featuring the big, brash sound of the large ensemble that gives everybody a chance to blow! With reasonable tempo and ranges in all parts, Avalon is an excellent choice for your next festival or concert performance!

SKU: FJ.HX102DR

ISBN 9781530898404. UPC: 682500374685. English.

A collection of six charts for small jazz groups at grade 2 - 2.5. All charts are scored in three-part writing, with flexible instrumentation provided by all three parts in each wind book. Solo sections are provided with changes, and also a mini-clinic for each tune with a break down of the spelled-out chord progression and suggested scales to use throughout each solo. Twelve transcribed solos match the recordings note-for-note, and twelve suggested solos give younger players a starting point with themes taken from the recorded solos. 49 downloadable play-along tracks provide every instrument a chance to sit in with the recorded band. Contents Include: Porto Alegre; Time Will Tell; Leap Day; Bohemian Groove; Avalon; Steam Punk Funk.

SKU: FJ.HX102TBA

ISBN 9781530870547. UPC: 682500374654. English.

A collection of six charts for small jazz groups at grade 2 - 2.5. All charts are scored in three-part writing, with flexible instrumentation provided by all three parts in each wind book. Solo sections are provided with changes, and also a mini-clinic for each tune with a break down of the spelled-out chord progression and suggested scales to use throughout each solo. Twelve transcribed solos match the recordings note-for-note, and twelve suggested solos give younger players a starting point with themes taken from the recorded solos. 49 downloadable play-along tracks provide every instrument a chance to sit in with the recorded band. Contents Include: Porto Alegre; Time Will Tell; Leap Day; Bohemian Groove; Avalon; Steam Punk Funk.

SKU: FJ.HX102PNO

ISBN 9781530882854. UPC: 682500374678. English.

A collection of six charts for small jazz groups at grade 2 - 2.5. All charts are scored in three-part writing, with flexible instrumentation provided by all three parts in each wind book. Solo sections are provided with changes, and also a mini-clinic for each tune with a break down of the spelled-out chord progression and suggested scales to use throughout each solo. Twelve transcribed solos match the recordings note-for-note, and twelve suggested solos give younger players a starting point with themes taken from the recorded solos. 49 downloadable play-along tracks provide every instrument a chance to sit in with the recorded band. Contents Include: Porto Alegre; Time Will Tell; Leap Day; Bohemian Groove; Avalon; Steam Punk Funk.

SKU: FJ.HX102GV

ISBN 9781530879427. UPC: 682500374661. English.

A collection of six charts for small jazz groups at grade 2 - 2.5. All charts are scored in three-part writing, with flexible instrumentation provided by all three parts in each wind book. Solo sections are provided with changes, and also a mini-clinic for each tune with a break down of the spelled-out chord progression and suggested scales to use throughout each solo. Twelve transcribed solos match the recordings note-for-note, and twelve suggested solos give younger players a starting point with themes taken from the recorded solos. 49 downloadable play-along tracks provide every instrument a chance to sit in with the recorded band. Contents Include: Porto Alegre; Time Will Tell; Leap Day; Bohemian Groove; Avalon; Steam Punk Funk.