This piece, as the title suggests, is the second Epitaph I have written, the first being Epitaph (for Hillsborough). ’2nd Epitaph – Across the Water’ was written for the Fountain City Brass Band, who are from the USA, to perform on D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, France.
The title has a double reference point – the water between the UK and France, across which many troops (from the UK and the USA amongst others) travelled in the Normandy invasions, and also the water between the UK (the home of the composer) and the USA (the home of the band).
This piece, as the title suggests, is the second Epitaph I have written, the first being Epitaph (for Hillsborough). ’2nd Epitaph – Across the Water’ was written for the Fountain City Brass Band, who are from the USA, to perform on D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, France.
The title has a double reference point – the water between the UK and France, across which many troops (from the UK and the USA amongst others) travelled in the Normandy invasions, and also the water between the UK (the home of the composer) and the USA (the home of the band).
Categories: SLOW TUNES, NEW & RECENT Publications Composer: Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Section 4+
Aureum: Aureum was composed to celebrate the Golden Wedding Anniversary of John and Jennifer Ward on December 7th 2018. This composition is based on a beautiful 10-bar melody that grows and develops throughout the piece.
The melody enters in the Euphonium after the gentle introduction from the upper brass, then develops as it is taken over by the solo cornet. After a short bridging section led by the solo cornets Aureum changes key and builds as our main theme returns. It is performed by the cornets and flugel horns with counter-melodies from the lower brass and celebratory wedding bells from the percussion.
The music then builds to a huge climax before disappearing, leaving a lone mark tree and solo cornet as it brings the piece to a peaceful close. The title is Latin and has been perfectly chosen by John and Jennifers family as it means "Golden". I hope you enjoy performing and listening to Aureum.
This magnificent choral from Bert Appermont begins very slow. The different groups of instruments play the same theme and lead to a big climax. After that, the instrumentation gets smaller to end in a silent way.
Categories: SLOW TUNES, NEW & RECENT Publications Composer: Paul Lovatt-Cooper
"Lullaby" was commissioned by Adie & Chrissy, for the first birthday of their beautiful daughter Elizabeth Rose.
When we discussed what sort of piece they wanted, we talked about the possibility of a solo for a specific instruument or a general piece for the ensemble. Both Adie and Chrissy wanted a lyrical piece featuring different soloists so that it was accessible for all ensembles. So I set about composing and creating a melody line that reflected Elizabeth's beauty and her gentle nature. Featuring a variety soloists and sections within the ensemble "Lullaby" takes you on a lovely musical journey. Hope you enjoy.
The Latin word Momentum has come to mean many different things in our language: a short period of time, a force, or a speed of movement. In our current times of around-the-clock high speed and energy, the composer wanted to write a reflective and meditative piece that focuses on the moment at hand.
The 'Enigma Variations' by Elgar are musical portraits of his friends and family. The best of these 14 variations is by far, number 9 entitled 'Nimrod'. The variation has become a piece in its own right and is common at funerals and other solemn occasions. Remembrance Day in particular would not be complete without hearing the work and is always performed at the Cenotaph in London on this day. Now, this arrangement by Gavin Somerset remains faithful to the original and with careful scoring throughout, it allows bands of most standards to play this gorgeous piece and still obtain those hair raising moments the audiences have come to expect. A must for every bands library.
Category: SLOW TUNES Composer: Edward Elgar Arranger: Philip Littlemore
Duration 4.00
Elgar wrote his Enigma Variations between 1898 and 1899. It is without a doubt Elgar’s best-known large scale composition, and is dedicated to ‘my friends within’, as each variation is an affectionate portrayal of one of his circle of close acquaintances. The ninth variation, Nimrod, is dedicated to Augustus J. Jaeger, Elgar’s publisher at Novello & Co. and also his editor and close friend. The name of the variation refers to ‘the mighty hunter before the Lord’ and can be found in the Book of Genesis. The name Jäger is German for hunter. Often used for solemn occasions, it is the most poignant and beautiful pieces of British music.
Categories: SLOW TUNES, NEW & RECENT Publications Composer: Eric Whitacre Arranger: Philip Sparke
Grade 4.0 Duration 07.30
The continuing popularity of Eric Whitacre's dramatic and evocative music is evident in concert programming everywhere, with his symphonic, choral and operatic works. October is arguably his most notable symphonic work, now adapted in this stunning version for brass band.
Categories: SLOW TUNES, NEW & RECENT Publications Composer: Eric Whitacre Arranger: Philip Sparke
Duration 7.30
The continuing popularity of Eric Whitacre's dramatic and evocative music is evident in concert programming everywhere, with his symphonic, choral and operatic works. October is arguably his most notable symphonic work, now adapted in this stunning version for brass band.
Category: SLOW TUNES Composer: Gabriel Faure Arranger: Philip Littlemore
Duration : 5.50
It is believed that Gabriel Faure wrote his Pavane as a piano piece in 1887, describing it as 'elegant, but not otherwise important'. He began work on the orchestral version a few months later, and scored it for modest forces, with the intention of performing it at a series of light Summer concerts that same year. At the behest of his benefactor, Elisabeth Greffulhe, he added a four-part choir, but it is rarely heard with the chorus these days. From the outset, the Pavane enjoyed great popularity. The music flows delicately and gracefully. A pulse beats gently and constantly beneath the arching melody lines, with elegant harmonic shifts and turns before the briefest of dramatic episodes. Calm is restored and the work draws to a tranquil conclusion.
Composed in memory of Becky Wilmot, who passed away in May 2014 following a battle with cancer aged only 18. Becky was a percussionist with the Tewkesbury Town Band, where her family are a major part of the community. She was also the partner of my closest friend, I felt writing a piece in her memory, with proceeds from the sales of the music going to the 2 charities, ]osie's Dragonfly Trust and CLIC Sargent, was the least I could do.
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