Par SPARKE PHILIP. The birth of Philip Sparke’s second son, Benjamin, was the inspiration for composing Ballad for Benny. A short calm introduction leads to the main ballad theme, a gentle waltz melody. Following the work’s climax in which the complete band plays the main theme the sound fades and the piece ends in calm and serenity. / Niveau : 2.5 / Musique pour célébration / Répertoire / Bras…

Par AHO KALEVI. Kalevi Aho (b. 1949) composed Sonata III (2022) for the accordionist Janne Valkeajoki. It is in six fairly short movements performed without a break. The quick first movement (Allegro assai) generates expectations, as it were, trying out options but not fully developing them. The following Allegretto is a short passacaglia, from which the musical journey continues to a shadowy Alle…

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. This piece was commissioned by the ‘Concert Band Vlamertinge’ and is a plea for peace: the title translates as ‘Peace on Earth’. This is expressed by means of the vocal contribution expected from the performers. In various places of the piece you can recognize, the words ‘Et In Terra Pax’ - an appeal for peace - at first jumbled together but later more rhythmically structure…

Aus tiefer Not. Par RENTZSCH FRIEDHELM. Friedhelm Rentzsch, long a cellist in the Dresden Philharmonic, set Psalm 130, whose character of penitence is especially impressive here, through the reduction of the musical forces to a solo alto with orchestral accompaniment, and this in a most unique, urgent manner. Through the addition of a sombre text by Erich Arendt the subective manner of the song is…

Par HAMMERSTEIN II OSCAR. Young players sometimes need a lyric piece with built-in emotional points and dynamic variety. This easy arrangement starts softly with just clarinets and F horn on the melody, then gradually builds to a powerful climax. / Date parution : 2022-04-01/ Répertoire / Concert Band/Harmonie

Par BULLA STEPHEN. Suite for Brass features three colourful chorales arranged for brass band. Following a brilliant version of O Worship the Lord, Amazing Grace is introduced. This is followed by How Firm a Foundation, arranged in a march style, which brings the work to a thrilling climax. / Niveau : 3 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Brass Band

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. This short showy piece was written to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the Belgian Brass Band, Midden Brabant and is used as the opening piece for most of the band’s concerts. All sections of the band briefly express themselves, leading to an exultant final climax played by the complete band. / Niveau : 5 / Ouverture / Répertoire / Brass Band

Par MARTIN MATTHEW. This Prelude and Fugue for organ is written with classical principles in mind. Light and clear registrations are preferable for the prelude whilst the fugue can be rather more exciting and build to a thrilling climax. The tempo for the prelude should enable it to dance without feeling hurried, with the fugue continuing to dance whilst always feeling clear and poised. / Date par…

I Dreamed A Dream is one of the most successful musical numbers of all time, having transformed its popularity from the stage into a global chart topper for the numerous artists who have covered and performed it. Taken from 'Les Misérables', the song is a lament sung by the anguished Fantine, who thinks back to happier days and wonders at the path her life has taken. Arranged for SAB choruses, thi…

Par DOBSON SIMON. Little Hymn was composed by award-winning composer Simon Dobson (b.1981) to provide an alternative to the traditional hymn tune settings that provide one of the foundations of the brass band repertoire. This simple, haunting melody begins on a brass quartet without cornets. The full band joins for the second part, which rises to a richly textured climax before receding to a quiet…