Par MAHLER GUSTAV. Among the most popular of Mahler's symphonic works, the 7th symphony has neither a program nor a folk-song theme. It is a purely instrumental composition, both hopeful and romantic in feeling. The restrained mood and thematic economy of the symphony make it one of the least extravagant of the composer's works; it is also one of the most approachable. Now music lovers can study t…

This companion to the popular book 'Theory for the Contemporary Guitarist' starts with the basics of pitch discrimination and leads you to making fine distinctions between interval types, chord types, scales and chord progressions. Everything is organized in a handy workbook format with correct answers provided for all exercises. Examples are shown in standard music notation and TAB. A CD demonstr…

Par SPARKE PHILIP. A Bandsman’s Overture was commissioned by British Bandsman magazine to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2012. It was premiered by Black Dyke Band, conducted by Dr Nicholas Childs, at a special anniversary concert held in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, on July 1st. British Bandsman was for a period known as British Bandsman and Contest Field, following an amalgamation of two magazi…

Par FERNANDEZ MICHELE. Having written this for her son in 1998, composer Michele Fernández brings us this highly emotional and rewarding work for jazz ensemble. The nostalgic opening solo section (which is optional) leads to a sizzling salsa groove which gradually intensifies throughout. The distinctive melody is complemented with lushly scored countermelodies, and all rhythm section parts are car…

Overture. Par BULLA STEPHEN. Galvanizing, angular melodies electrify this compelling overture! Challenge your band with this powerful, modern piece while you fully engage the audience. The spectacular opening leads to unexpected and intriguing places with relentless energy. This would be a great composition to use when your group returns from the intermission of a major concert. An atmospheric mid…

This volume is a step-by-step approach to improvisation in jazz, rock and pop music. Based on an easy music which can be practised together with a band on the play-along CD, each chapter comes with brief explanations as to which notes sound best when improvising and why. Solos by experienced musicians serve as examples for the player's own attempts at improvisation.The textbook can also be used by…

Kommt, Eilet Und Laufet. Par BACH JOHANN SEBASTIAN. Critical new edition 2004, edited by Ulrich Leisinger: Carus 31. 249; old edition, edited by Dieter Hellmann: Carus 31. 249/50. Parody of the secula cantata 'Entfliehet, verschwindet, entweichet, ihr Sorgen' BWV 249a. Like the Ascension Oratorio BWV 11, Johann Sebastian Bach’s Easter Oratorio BWV 249 is entirely and unjustly overshadowed by his t…

Par REGISTER P. BRENT. Cigány Könnyek (Gypsy Tears) by P. Brent Register is a work in two parts for violin and piano. The opening section, free and almost improvisatory, leads to a rhythmically charged and vibrant dance in 5/8 time./ Répertoire / Violon et Piano

Par HADERMANN JAN. Ritual, a work for large concert band, describes the atmosphere during a pagan ceremonial offering. The tension of the approaching ritual, softly supported by a mysterious percussion accompaniment, slowly builds and leads to an enticing dance. This precedes the height of the ritual, the pagan sacrifice. Following the sacrifice the peace seems to be restored until suddenly a surp…

Hammerklavier. Par BEETHOVEN LUDWIG VAN. “Here’s a sonata that will challenge pianists and that one will be able to play in 50 years”: thus Beethoven is said to have written to his publisher Artaria regarding his mighty “Hammerklavier” Sonata Op. 106. Given its monumental scale and extreme musical and pianistic demands, the term “Grande Sonate” seems almost an understatement. Dedicated to Archduke…