for baritone and piano. Par DAVIES PETER MAXWELL. Opening simply with a solo voice, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies' Italian settings of eight poems by Renaissance artist Michelangelo for baritone and piano take both the performers and audience on a striking journey through Michelangelo’s tortured and knotty Tuscan poetry. The piano is introduced in the second of the eight settings punctuating the vocal …

Par HANNICKEL MIKE. Modal harmonies evoke images of America as far back as the 1700’s. The influence of the Native American tribes in the area is felt in this powerful overture. Rhythmic and contrapuntal action stake a claim to the audience’s attention from the opening notes. This one is perfect for festival or concert. Commissioned for massed Middle School band concert, it works great with groups…

Par RIEDEMANN PETER. Paso Bella is full of the typical fiery and melodic characteristics of the paso doble. The hot Spanish temperament can be heard from the opening themes in the minor key, as is usual in a paso doble, to the last bars of the trio. The trio is followed by an exuberant closing which will reverberate in the ears of both musicians and audience for a long time. / Niveau : 2.5 / Pas…

Par SPARKE PHILIP. The idea behind this work was to create an opening piece, something to start a concert in an unusual way. The title is a portmanteau word derived from madrigal. The work indeed begins in Renaissance mood however gradually tries to shake of its modal start and, by contrasting different instrumental families, the work changes into modern clothes. Why not add a little Renaissance s…

This work will become a permanent fixture not only in church services, but also as grand opening piece of a sacred concert. The piece is not overly difficult and mostly in four parts while nevertheless bringing out the full sound of a women's choir. / Choeur SSAA A Cappella

Par MIER MARTHA. Due to numerous piano teacher and student requests, Martha Mier has written Book 5 in her best-selling Jazz, Rags and Blues series. Titles: Blue Interlude * Hot Potato Rag * Jazz Finale * Memphis Blues * Opening Night Jazz * Persnickety Rag * River City Blues * Steamboat Jazz. \'This is a great way for students that aren\'t keen on classical music to discover an appreciation for …

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. Condacum’ was composed on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Arts Council in the Belgian district of Kontich, the home town of the composer Jan Van der Roost. It is an interesting composition in which the history of this Belgian community is depicted in sound. The opening reminds one of the advance of the Roman army, whilst the dynamic development is full of vitaliy…

A jubilee means 'a special anniversary' and this original concert or contest composition fills the bill for any joyous occasion. Opening with a bold and alluring fanfare, it continues with an upbeat dance-style statement, then moves to a delightful ballad with a variety of stylist variations. (5:15) / Orchestre D'Harmonie

Cantata for the Feast of Reformation. Par BACH JOHANN SEBASTIAN. Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott BWV 80 (A Mighty Fortress is our God) Cantata for the Feast of Reformation There are practically no surviving original sources for Bach's great Reformation Cantata 'Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott'. It is possible that the original form of the Cantata was written in Weimar in 1715 to which Bach later made …

Nothing says Noel better than a 16th century courtly dance. Also known as 'Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabelle,' this piece was originally performed for the French nobility. The variations in this new setting by Vince Gassi will lift your spirits as they pass from a joyous opening, through a brief moment of reflection, and on to a jubilant ending. This little bit of effervescence is a great addition t…

From the original Broadway opening in 1972 to the 2013 Tony for Best Musical Revival, the story of the young prince Pippin has delighted audiences around the world. Based on the recent revival, this five-minute medley captures all the joy, wonder, and excitement of the stage. / Choeur Mixte (SATB)

Himmelfahrtsoratorium. Par BACH JOHANN SEBASTIAN. Besides the Weihnachtsoratorium BVW 248, Bach composed an additional work for the feast days of the church year 1734/35: The Himmelfahrtsoratorium BWV 11 (Ascension Oratorio). Although in its dimensions and character the oratorio is akin to his cantatas, it occupies a special position as a result of the epic text on which it is based; the text incl…

Par KIDD BRYAN. This is one to get excited about! In the style of a “patrol” march, THE ROAD TO CHANCELLORSVILLE takes us back to that pivotal point in history, the American Civil War. The Battle of Chancellorsville is regarded as Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s most brilliant victory, but the cost was so high that the Secessionist forces never really recovered. They were forced to surrender l…

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. This short opening music was composed on commission of the symphonic band of Jan Van der Roost's village (= Kontich near Antwerp / Belgium). In 1991, this community band celebrated its 100th anniversary. After composing commissioned pieces from different countries (even from Japan), this was the most 'near' commission he ever received indeed!It is a short but varied piece, f…

Fassung Ii. Par BACH JOHANN SEBASTIAN. The St. John Passion ranks alongside the St. Matthew Passion, the Christmas Oratorio, the Magnificat and the B minor Mass as one of the great vocal works from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Leipzig years. In contrast to his other large-scale choral works, however, Bach never gave this work a definitive final form. Rather, for every performance he substantially revis…