Format : Sheet music + CD-ROM
SKU: CF.MXE19
ISBN 9780825872945. UPC: 798408072940. 9 x 12 inches.
Winner of the 2009 MTNA Composition Competition, promising young composer Joshua Green gives us a striking new work for clarinet, cello and piano, borne of an unlikely muse. According to the composer: For the better part of three months I fought an exasperating battle. While trying to compose a piece for clarinet, cello, and piano, a plethora of distractions had consumed my mind. This frustration seemed to amplify with the amount of time that passed. It was then that the following quotation came to my attention: Life does not consist mainly, or even largely of facts and happenings. It consists mainly of the storm of thoughts that is forever flowing through one’s head.-Mark Twain. And so The Muse of Distraction was born. Rather than trying to fight the storm of thoughts, I allowed myself to compose a piece that embraced the frustration and irritation of those previous three months. Eventually these distractions were no longer my adversary. They became my muse. For advanced players.For the better part of three months I fought an exasperating battle. While trying to composea piece for clarinet, cello, and piano, a plethora of distractions had consumed my mind.This frustration seemed to amplify with the amount of time that passed. It was then that thefollowing quotation came to my attention:“Life does not consist mainly, or even largely of facts and happenings. It consists mainly of thestorm of thoughts that is forever flowing through one’s head.” —Mark TwainAnd so The Muse of Distraction was born.Rather than trying to fight the “storm of thoughts,” I allowed myself to compose a piecethat embraced the frustration and irritation of those previous three months. Eventually thesedistractions were no longer my adversary.They became my muse.
SKU: HL.14041957
This work was inspired by a keyboard piece of the same name, A Sad Paven for these Distracted Tymes by Thomas Tomkins (1572-1656). Tomkins had a long association with Worcester Cathedral, where he was organist - appointed magister choristarum in 1596 - and lived within the precincts until shortly before his death. At the same time, he was organist of the Chapel Royal. When the city of Worcester surrendered to Cromwell's parliamentary forces in 1646, Tomkins had to watch the hasty dismantling of his cathedral organ and the abolition of all choral services. These were the 'distracted tymes' of the 'sad paven' which he wrote in enforced retirement at Worcester. Parts. Score also available (14037561).
SKU: HL.14013753
Distracted With Care And Anguish (Insanae Et Vanae Curae) is a motet for four voices. The accompaniment for Great Organ has been arranged by Joseph Barnby.
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was an Austrian composer who became the figurehead of the classical movement. He formed a close and mutually respectful relationship with Mozart, and later taught Beethoven, but it was his compositions that left an indelible mark on the musical landscape of Western Europe.
SKU: HL.48021285
ISBN 9781458471598. UPC: 884088658458. 6.75x10.5 inches.
Text: Eric CrozierPublisher: Boosey & HawkesDifficulty level: 3Saint Nicolas (note the name has no 'H' in it!) was written for the centenary of Lancing College in Sussex, the independent secondary boarding school on the south coast of England which Peter Pears had attended in his teens. It has a vast chapel intended by its founder, Revd Nathaniel Woodard, as the cathedral for all the schools of his extensive foundation known collectively as 'Woodard' schools. St. Nicolas is famous for many legendary miracles and for being the original 'Santa Claus'. Crozier's libretto is designed to tell the story of his life, to recount some of his most celebrated acts and to give the audience/congregation the opportunity of joining in two beautiful hymns at key moments: 'All people that on earth do dwell' and 'God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform'. The narration is all done by the choir, though the tenor sings first-person narratives as well in his role as the mature Nicolas. The young Nicolas is sung by a boy in movement II. There is a dramatic moment at the end of this movement when the boy's voice does a tumble and the tenor proclaims in the voice of Nicolas as a young man: 'God be glorified'.The third movement is an accompanied recitative in which the soloist sings of Nicolas devoting himself to God through the agonies and torment of the many distractions and temptations of life. His faith wins through and he sings a final touching phrase: 'and Love was satisfied'. The sea whips up a storm in the next movement: 'He journeys to Palestine'. It threatens to overturn the ship and drown everyone on board. There is wailing from the sopranos and altos of the semi-chorus and agonised calls from the tenors and basses to 'man the pumps'. Finally, Nicolas begs God to let the storm cease and offers thanks for their safe delivery. Britten creates a palpable sense of relief in the final pages.In the fifth movement, 'Nicolas comes to Myra and is chosen Bishop', the choir sings chorale-like phrases welcoming him as their new Bishop. They go through his ceremonial dressing with all the accoutrements of his office, the mitre, crozier (nice pun on the librettist's name), robe and ring. An energetic chorus 'Serve the faith and spurn his enemies' leads to the first great hymn - a wonderfully climactic moment. Britten's arrangement is suitably uplifting.The final movement tells of Nicolas' death and the work ends with the other great hymn: 'God moves in a mysterious way'. This work demonstrates to me Britten's generosity of spirit and his natural feeling for enriching the repertoire at all levels of attainment. What a gift!Duration: 50 minutesPaul Spicer, Lichfield, 2011.
SKU: SU.25100510
A marriage of disparate personalities…somehow it works!2 Violins Duration: 9’ Composed: 2014 Published by: Gusthold Music Publisher.
SKU: SU.50001620
Copyright 1997. Published by: Seesaw Music.
SKU: BT.DHP-0991409-010
It is interesting to recall that Handel wrote Messiah, his most famous work whilst at the lowest point of his career, suffereing from fianantial hardship and depression. It was only composing that distracted him from this misery. In He Shall Feed His Flock,based on texts of Isaiah and Matthew, we hear praise for the peace that the Messiah has brought to earth.
SKU: HL.211151
UPC: 888680660383. 5.0x5.0x0.139 inches. Folliott S. Pierpoint/John Leavitt. Ephesians 5:20, Isaiah 6:3, Psalm 33:1-6, Psalm 95:1-6.
This beloved hymn text is tastefully presented with a beautiful new melody. The composer's nuanced approach brings out the many layers of loveliness found in the words, and the thoughtful conductor will find lots of expressive moments to exploit in the musical treatment. A sensitive piano part enhances without distracting, and the optional chamber orchestration will add to the depth of the work. Available for SATB and 2-Part choirs, this anthem will work for groups of any size and is appropriate any time of year. Artful! Score and Parts (fl 1-2, ob, cl 1-2, bn, perc 1-2, hp, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) available as a digital download.
SKU: BT.DHP-0991409-030
SKU: BT.PL2730
SKU: HL.4006993
UPC: 840126949438.
Speedy Gonzales is a well-known cartoon character from the series Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies by Warner Bros. Pictures. This super-fast Mexican mouse with its large yellow sombrero drives both Daffy Duck and the cat Sylvester to distraction time and again. The song that was inspired by the shrewd little mouse, of which many cover versions in different languages have been made throughout the years, has been arranged for flexible instrumentation by Peter Kleine Schaars. His arrangement has the same drive and energy as the original - and leaves room to feature Speedy's renowned catchphrase Ándale! Ándale! Arriba! Arriba!
