SKU: PR.UE038031
Extraordinary violinist, performance artist, and composer Igudesman has written eleven solo viola works for viola-playing friends. Each individualized piece reflects the dedicatee to an extent, but Igudesman's humor and virtuosity find their way through. These are demanding works, but are excellent program pieces and encore flourishes. Several of the pieces can be heard on YouTube, as performed by the artists for whom they were written. Finally, the viola is getting some respect!
SKU: PR.114422710
ISBN 9781491136072. UPC: 680160688227.
DUO’s succinct movement titles (I. Here, II. Open, III. Stark, IV. Ardent) tease at revealing the grand and heartfelt inspiration for exuberant romanticism in this sonata-like work of symphonic proportions and depth. Charles Gibb is both an accomplished pianist and an award-winning flutist, who has written of this compelling major addition to the literature: “This work is a journey. What journey and whose journey does not matter. It is my journey, it is your journey. It is the journey of those who came before us, and of those who will come after us. I wrote this hoping that we can find each other along the road, so we can realize that we don’t need to go on the journey alone.†Gibb’s DUO is sure to become a favorite major work for flute recitalists.This work is a journey. What journey and whose journey does not matter. It is my journey, it is your journey. It is the journey of those who came before us, and of those who will come after us. I wrote this hoping that we can find each other along the road, so we can realize that we don’t need to go on the journey alone.“Here†begins with three notes that shape the rhythmic and harmonic content of the entire work. Melodies and harmonies including the tonic, dominant, and leading tone can be found in each of the four movements. The first moments of this movement introduce the melody, offering itself unencumbered and uninhibited. It shows itself as it is. The melodies soar, the harmonies become voiced more intricately, and the opening theme repeats in full grandeur. The momentum slows down, and the movement ends with a sense of completion, yet remains unbalanced.A striking piano gesture launches “Open,†the idea of instability reflected with the flowing flute trills and unclear meter patterns in the piano. The sensation of an unsteady grace in 5/8 time arrives with a piano ostinato. The melody is expressive, yet insecure and unbalanced due to changing meters. After a grand pause, the movement transitions to 4/4 time with the flute switching between duplet and triplet flourishes. After a rapid descent in the flute, the opening gesture returns, changed and abruptly interrupted.The third movement, “Stark,†is very static, beginning plainly but markedly. The falling fifth calls out continually throughout the movement, searching, lost. Melodies appear in pieces, some smooth and flowing, others rather disjunct. The piece climaxes with a line of mournfulness, yet revealing a deeper strength through intense projection of tone in the high register. However, the static harmonies return, this time unsteady all the way to its foundation. This destabilization repeats, and then quietly recedes.“Ardent†is the longest of the movements and spans a wide range of musical emotion. Part of the movement is fast paced, energetic, and balances order and disarray. However, once the chaos dies down, a gentle, expressive theme comes in. The theme itself is very resolute; it is order appearing from the pandemonium. Conflict returns, and order and chaos become less distinguishable from one another, and soon fuse together. However, order returns with new meaning, synthesized with previous musical content, creating a truer, deeper sense of awareness or understanding. A moment of ambiguity arises, but the flute persists, supported by the sensitive but firm figuration in the piano, and resoundingly comes to a close, unburdened and at ease.
SKU: OU.9780193561779
ISBN 9780193561779. 10 x 7 inches.
For SABar and piano Higgins' setting of this popular folk song is simple and wistful, particularly well-suited for children's and youth choirs. With delicate quaver flourishes, the piano accompaniment flows gently alongside the vocal lines, creating suspensions that reflect the mysterious demands of the narrator.
SKU: AP.51021S
ISBN 9781470667979. UPC: 038081586854. English.
Journey through ethereal realms with Skyward Spirits, a symphonic masterpiece by JaRod Hall, who weaves tales of flight and fervor in this dynamic yet short micro-symphony. Begin with Takeoff as the brass fanfares and woodwind flourishes ignite the sky with anticipation. Drift into the embrace of Under the Wing, a soulful reflection adorned with expansive melodies. Feel the tempestuous thrill of Cloudburst, a scherzo of storm and spirit, only to be whisked into the jubilant dance of Blue Skies, a finale that revisits cherished motifs and culminates in triumphant resonance. Let this masterpiece take your spirit flight! (6:00).
SKU: KJ.WB441F
UPC: 084027042311.
Beginning with flourishes and fanfares, An American Heritage is a snapshot of small towns across the country. Though seemingly challenging by initial appearance and sound, all parts lie comfortably on the instrument allowing everyone to contribute to the fabric of sound. Consider projecting pictures from your community during the performance to allow the audience to reflect on their own heritage.
SKU: HL.48185318
UPC: 888680858421. 9.0x12.0x0.264 inches.
Jindrich Feld's Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano is frequently performed by virtuoso Saxophonists. Composed in 1989-90, the Sonata is elaborate and quirky, and successfully exploits many extended techniques on the instrument. Born in Prague, Feld (1925-2007) studied Violin and Viola with his parents before studying at the Conservatory and Academy of Music of his native city. His compositions, predominantly instrumental, soon became popular, being performed all over the world. As reflected in his Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano, Feld's style is deeply rooted in the Czech musical tradition, but he also integrated the main styles of 20th century Western music. The Sonata is made up of four movements, 1. Allegro ritmico, 2. Adagio/Bells of liberty, 3. Allegro vivo/Scherzo, and 4. Allegro con fuoco. Each movement of the Sonata presents different challenges, from fast, staccato, semiquaver flourishes to the lyrical slurred passages. This Feld piece is highly virtuosic, yet an excellent and enjoyable performance for all advanced saxophonists..
SKU: HL.48184467
UPC: 888680833404. 9.0x12.0x0.166 inches.
Jind?ich Feld's Sonata for Soprano Saxophone and Piano is still regularly performed by virtuoso Saxophonists. Composed in 1989, the Sonata is elaborate and quirky, and successfully exploits many extended techniques on the instrument, similar to the composer's Sonata for Alto Saxophone. Born in Prague, Feld (1925-2007) studied Violin and Viola with his parents before studying at the Conservatory and Academy of Music of his native city. His compositions, predominantly instrumental, soon became popular, being performed all over the world. As reflected in his Sonata for Soprano Saxophone and Piano, Feld's style is deeply rooted in the Czech musical tradition, but he also integrated the main styles of 20th century Western music. The Sonata is made up of three movements, 1. Molto moderato, 2. Scherzo, and 3. Finale. Each movement of the Sonata present different challenges, from fast, staccato, semiquaver flourishes to the lyrical, slurred passages. This Feld piece is highly virtuosic, yet an excellent and enjoyable performance for all advanced soprano saxophonists..
SKU: OU.9780193388345
ISBN 9780193388345. 12 x 8 inches.
For SATB unaccompanied Bright, electric, and charged with energy, this setting of one of the seven Advent 'O' Antiphons features Jackson's characteristic flourishes of melodic ornamentation, tempered by moments of calm from the sustained lower voices and softly spoken phrases in the upper voices.
About Oxford New Horizons
New Horizons showcases the wealth of exciting, innovative, and occasionally challenging choral music being written today. It encompasses the whole gamut of small-scale choral genres, both secular and sacred, and includes pieces for upper-voice and mixed choirs. With titles by some of the most accomplished choral composers active in Great Britain and abroad, the series introduces new repertoire and fresh talent to a broad spectrum of choirs. New Horizons features composers with growing reputations for quality composition reflecting a strong individual voice. The series is continually expanding and should be the first place to look for attractive and performable contemporary choral music.
SKU: BT.DHP-1104883-010
9x12 inches.
The twofold title of this concert work is directly connected with the band who commissioned it. The â??Harmonie Municipale Grevenmacherâ?? from the town of the same name, by the river Moselle in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was founded in the year1834. The name Machera is derived from the word machara, which in turn originated from maceries (old wall). Later, Machera evolved into Machern, Grafenmachern, and finally Grevenmacher.In 2009, this music society the third oldest still in existence in the country celebrated its 175th anniversary. And after all these years the society still flourishes! The dynamic committee, led by Georges May, fully supports and inspires themusical leader of the band, Claude Weiland, as well as his 60-strong ensemble. This well-functioning team took the initiative to ask Jan Van der Roost to write an anniversary composition, inspired, on the one hand, by the rural character ofGrevenmacher and its surroundings (where the famous Moselle wine growing dominates the countryside), and on the other hand, by the dynamics, creativity and joie de vivre the band exudes. All of this resulted in a twofold work with alternating peaceand excitement, virtuous and melodic features, orchestral splendour and soberly orchestrated passages. The première, on 10 January 2010, was conducted by the composer himself at a successful gala concert which brought a fine year full of musicalfestivities to a close. The â??Harmonie Municipale Grevenmacherâ?? faces the future with confidence, and will now prepare for its next milestone: the 200th anniversary!1834 - Machara Impressions was a commission for the 175th anniversary of the band Harmonie Municipale Grevenmacher from the town of Grevenmacher - formerly Machara - in Luxemburg. It is a work of many contrasts with alternating peace and excitement, virtuous and melodic features, orchestral splendour and soberly orchestrated passages - reflecting the peaceful and turbulent history of the band. Das zweiteilige Auftragswerk zum 175-jährigen Jubiläum der Harmonie Municipale Grevenmacher aus dem Dorf Grevenmacher - historisch Machara - in Luxemburg ist von Dynamik, Kreativität und Lebensfreude des Blasorchesters inspiriert. Friedliche und aufregende Zeiten spiegeln sich wechselweise in virtuosen und melodischen Eigenschaften, orchestraler Pracht und nu?chtern orchestrierten Passagen wider. Ein Thema fu?r jedes Blasorchester mit Tradition, umgesetzt in ein attraktives Werk von Jan Van der Roost.Cette oeuvre au double titre souligne le dynamisme de la formation dédicataire, lâ??Harmonie Municipale de Grevenmacher, fondée en 1834, tout en rappelant lâ??histoire de la ville de Grevenmacher (ancienn. Machera), située au bord de la Moselle luxembourgeoise. La toile alterne entre passages calmes et passages fougueux, composantes virtuoses et composantes mélodiques, splendeur orchestrale et sobriété de lâ??orchestration. Questo brano sottolinea ed elogia il dinamismo della Banda Municipale di Grevenmacher, fondata nel 1834, ricordando allo stesso tempo la storia di questa cittadina, situata in riva alla Mosella lussemburghese, il cui nome era nellâ??antichit Machera. Passaggi calmi si alternano armoniosamente a passaggi più vivaci, elementi virtuosi si mischiano a tratti melodici, mentre sul tutto aleggia uno splendore e una sobriet orchestrale fuori dal comune.
SKU: AP.12-0571569900
ISBN 9780571569908. English.
Tripartite in form, Infernal Ride is mercurial and virtuosic, yet with a more static middle section. The work reflects the mad-cap chase of Ichabod Crane's final ride on his horse, Gunpowder, in the story by Washington Irving, namely The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Often an atmosphere of driven fear pushes the music forward only briefly stopping for breath. The work closes with flourishes in rapid succession, perhaps with the hapless Ichabod meeting his unfortunate end!
SKU: FJ.B1498S
English.
This exuberant expression of joy begins with a series of brass fanfares punctuated by percussion interludes and woodwind flourishes. Moving between bold multi-meter sections and lighter passages, the opening music propels forward until a reflective center section arrives, featuring solos for onstage and offstage flutes. The end of the work brings back all the intensity of the opening along with expanded fanfares and multi meter passages. Fantastic!
About FJH Symphonic Band
Appropriate for accomplished high school, college, and professional groups. Includes expanded instrumentation and ranges. Grades 4 - 5
SKU: HL.48181507
UPC: 888680841584. 9x12 inches.
“French composer, Henri Büsser entered the Paris Conservatoire in 1889. He won the 1893 Prix de Rome and led a highly successful career as a composer, conductor, teacher and organist. His compositions for a variety of instruments are exceptional, Andalucia for Flute and Piano being no exception. As reflected in Andalucia, which is named after the popular Spanish area of the same name, Büsser's compositional style was sophisticated, yet true to the 19th century French tradition. Elements of Andalucia include, chromaticism, exploitation of tonality, complex rhythms and semiquaver flourishes, amongst other aspects. For all advanced Flute players, Büsser's Andalucia is essential to a varied repertoire.&rdquo.
SKU: CA.5199219
ISBN 9790007293147. German. Text: van Swieten, Gottfried.
Joseph Haydn's oratorio Die sieben letzten Worte unseres Erlosers am Kreuze is probably one of the most frequently performed settings of music for Good Friday. Haydn set these Seven Words in a dramatic, extremely gripping emotional style which is utterly compelling. Originally the work was conceived as a purely instrumental composition - as meditative music in seven slow movements with an introduction and concluding movement (Il Terremoto - the earthquake) for a Passiontide church service. From the outset, Haydn had composed the themes of the movements with a vocal spirit in mind, so when he heard a vocal arrangement of his work in 1794 in Passau with a German singing text - an obvious idea - it inspired him to write his own vocal version. The first performance took place in 1796 in Vienna. With the flourishing of choral societies in the 19th century, this vocal version of the Seven Words became one of the most frequently-performed Passion music settings of all. The critical Urtext edition of the work now published offers a revised musical text reflecting current scholarly standards.
SKU: CA.5199203
ISBN 9790007186661. German. Text: van Swieten, Gottfried.
SKU: PR.312418590
UPC: 680160595785. 8.5 x 11 inches. Text by Chen Yi.
Often called the Ellis Island of the West, Angel Island in San Francisco was used as an immigration station in the first half of the 20th century, processing some one million Asian immigrants. Because of U.S. policy of the time, many spent years on Angel Island awaiting entry. Recently named a National Historical Landmark, Angel Island and its history is the inspiration behind Chen Yi's Angel Island Passages, commissioned by the San Francisco Girls Chorus. Chen explores the experiences of the immigrants, even using poems carved in the walls, to express the mood, the patient yearning, and the ultimate release and embrace of a new country. Angel Island Passages was premiered June 4-5, 2010 by the SFGC and the Cypress String Quartet at the San Francisco Conservatory. For advanced performers. Duration: 15'.Commissioned by San Francisco Girls Chorus (Executive Director Melanie Smith), and premiered by the SFGC and Cypress String Quartet on June 4, 2010, conducted by SFGC’s Artistic Director Susan McMane, at San Francisco Conservatory, CA, the 3-movement song cycle Angel Island Passages is written for children’s chorus and string quartet, with multimedia projection on the walls of the concert hall, produced by visual artist Felicia Lowe. The creative idea of this work was initiated by Dr. McMane, who invited me to write the music, and sent me the book “Island, poetry and history of Chinese Immigrants on Angel Island, 1910-1940â€, by Him Mark Lai, Genny Lim, and Judy Yung for reference in 2009; also inspired by the Angel Island stories, and through cooperation with Felicia, who shared with me her film “Carved in Silence†and video productions “Chinatown†and “Road to Restorationâ€.I named the first movement of my work as “1882â€, which reflected the dark mood under the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The collective poems carved on the wooden walls in Angel Island expressed deep emotion in sorrow and anxiety. The music in the second movement “Longing†is sad and sentimental. The third movement is called “We Are Americaâ€, which is ever-moving, energetic and optimistic. The text sung in the beginning in Chinese means “I am an Americanâ€. It’s sung in Cantonese dialect, then in Mandarin. As the music develops, from homophonic to polyphonic with increasing layers, the climax is reached when the text is turned to English “We Are Americaâ€, which symbolizes the flourishing society with the great contribution from thousands of immigrants during the years. The music fades out towards the ending of the work, which pushes the scene to a remote picture, to look forward to the future peace of the world.I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with such inspiring creative artists in this project, and hope the work is meaningful to our new society after the premiere performance.—Chen Yi.
SKU: HL.48182486
UPC: 888680796402. 9.0x12.0x0.08 inches.
French composer, Pierre Max Dubois (1930-1995) significantly contributed to the wind repertoire. Sonatina for Alto Saxophone and Piano was published in 1968 and remains prominent as a more unusual addition to the ensemble repertoire. Dubois' music is characteristically light-hearted with unusual harmonic and melodic textures. Sonatina reflects Dubois' compositional characteristics with a typical performance lasting about eight minutes. Dubois' work is suitable for advanced performers, addressing virtuosic features, such as complex rhythms, particularly flourishing semiquaver passages, variations in articulation, chromaticism, and exploitation of the ensemble, among other aspects. Sonatina is essential to the advanced Alto Saxophone repertoire as Dubois' work makes for an exciting, varied and enjoyable performance for players and audiences alike..
SKU: PR.114407260
UPC: 680160011209.
Ports of Call, a suite of five movements for two violins and guitar was written for the Trio Triento for their New York debut. Composed in the Summer of 1992, it was premiered in April 1993. 1992 was the 500th anniversary of the 1492 expulsion of the Jews from Spain and, of course, Columbus' trip to America. To commemorate these important events, I was commissioned by organizations in 20 major cities to write an oratorio. The result was Ever Since Babylon. The musical material was greatly influenced by tunes from around the Mediterranean region. These Sephardic melodies took on treat meaning for me, and I took five of them and expanded them into these five pieces which are actually dances. I felt that the combination of two violins and guitar lent itself well as a vehicle for this music. The names of the cities are used because the tunes originated in these particular locations. Marseille, a typical provencale dance with naturally changing meters and a light, airy, touch. Alexandria, much more mysterious and languid, reflecting the heat and inertia of that glorious city in slow though sometimes steady movement. Salonika, a wild dance in typical Greek fashion celebrating a holiday with abandon. The whirling movement goes relentlessly from beginning to end. Haifa is represented by two beautiful chant-like pastoral tunes which introduce the beauty and luminous quality of this, one of the most beautiful parts in the Eastern Mediterranean. Valencia, the last, a tribute to medieval Spain. The music is a culmination of the influences of the three great cultures, Moslem, Christian, and Jewish, which flourished there for hundreds of years. It is an uplifting dance with just a tinge of sadness in the center, since the Golden Age of which the tune was a part, had come to a tragic end in 1492. --Samuel Adler.
SKU: CF.CAS127
ISBN 9781491157633. UPC: 680160916214. 9 x 12 inches.
A relentless 6/8 accompaniment drives this piece forward with exciting momentum. Two-against-three rhythm patterns add urgency to the theme, requiring precision in counting and maintaining an even tempo. Intensity builds like the first piercing light on the morning horizon, flourishing toward a stately middle section that reflects the grandeur of glorious colors and spacious skies. Players with the melody should take care to sustain with a warm, ringing tone. The pizzicato accompaniment should also stay unrushed and steady. The following restatement of the fast opening theme soars to a triumphant finale.
About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series
This series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by: