Par STEENHUYSE-VANDEVELDE CHRISTA. Christa Steenhuyse-Vandevelde has been teaching for over 30 years with unbridled enthusiasm and unparalleled creativity. Throughout her career she inspired more than a thousand piano students, which she brought into contact with masters from the past and the present. Christa?s own compositions have a high romantic style with a flowing melody and a beautiful harmo…

Sit in with the band and bring your playing to life Soloing is an important part of your playing, but practicing on your own doesn't always get the creative juices flowing---there is nothing like the experience of sitting in with a full band. Though playing with a group isn't possible every time you want to jam, Sitting In: Blues Piano brings the band to you anytime so you can practice comping pat…

The three pieces in Idaho Gems capture the spirit of this northwestern state. 'White Pine Waltz' begins with a delicate melody in 3/4 meter inspired by the majestic western white pine, Idaho's state tree. The piece builds to a climactic middle section featuring flowing arpeggios in both hands before subsiding into a restatement of the theme. The second piece, 'Craters of the Moon,' paints a pictur…

Based loosely on The Castle of the Carpathians, an 1893 novel by well-known French author Jules Verne, this overture tells the story of a mysterious castle in the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania. Opening with a broad fanfare-like statement, the overture incorporates flowing melodies building to a dramatic conclusion (2:30) / Concert Band

Arr. Timothy Johnson. Par BRAHMS JOHANNES. Brahms was known to be extremely careful when composing his music. When he decided to compose a symphony he wanted to be sure to exceed the standard that had been set by Beethoven. His first symphony, completed in 1876 when he was 43 years old, took several years to complete because of his attention to detail. This arrangement of the theme from the finale…

Par BALAZS ARPAD. Árpád Balázs (*1937) composed the first version of the work between 1994 and 1996 for tárogató and concert band. Since this traditional Hungarian instrument is rarely found in ensembles abroad, a soprano saxophone can serve as an alternative solo instrument. The composer uses melodies from the early 18th century, from the age of Rákóczi's war of independence. An ambitious framewo…

Par OGDEN NIGEL. Reflecting his admiration for the age of flying boats and Bakelite radios, the 'Art-Deco Suite' is an affectionate study in nostalgia - a trio of images from the 1920s and 30s set in music of timeless elegance. The first piece 'Ritzy', speaks for itself: classy, carefree and full of elite syncopations. 'Acacia Avenue', in contrast, is a miniature tone poem, its languidly flowing m…

Based on the well-known bible text 'Sing unto the Lord a new song? (Psalm 96:1-3), this upbeat composition with strong dynamics and flowing block chords alternating with fast-paced polyphony brings across this joyful message and enthuses singers. / Choeur TTBB

Par DANCLA CHARLES. The studies by Charles Dancla (1817–1907) are more than mere technical exercises. They demand a special sense of tone, an elegant, softly flowing and swinging way of playing. They challenge the violinist in all associated disciplines, such as staccato on an up- and downbow, arpeggios, double stop passages and rapid passages. Apart from that, Dancla again and again seeks the sof…

Song of Remembrance is an intermediate-level trio, written in equal parts. Some of the characteristics that make this piece so appealing include its nostalgic and tender tone, the constant motion through sixteenth and eighth notes, and few accidentals. This trio is largely legato, which creates flowing and dramatic lines that everyone will enjoy. / Piano 6 Mains