Piano,Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1254029

Composed by Camille Saint-Saens. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. 19th Century,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Romantic Period. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #847642. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1254029).

Saint-Saëns: The Swan (Le Cygne) movement 13 from the Carnival of the Animals Suite. One of his most popular and widely recognized works, it is the only movement from the Carnival Suite that Saint-Saëns permitted to be performed publicly during his lifetime. This is an excellent recital encore to demonstrate melodic playing and strategic phrasing.

The Carnival of the Animals
The Carnival of the Animals is an entertaining musical suite of fourteen movements by Camille Saint-Saëns. The work was composed for private performance by an ensemble of two pianos and solo instruments. The Swan (No. 13) is among the fourteen most famous movements. In its entirety, it lasts about 25 minutes.

Saint-Saëns Background
Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns 1835 – 1921) was, by all means, in particular, a famous French composer, brilliant organist, and significant musical mastermind of the Romantic era. Indeed, his most famous compositions, in the long run, include his Piano Concerto No. 2 (1868), Cello Concerto No. 1 (1872), and the Danse macabre (1874). Notwithstanding, we must also add Violin Concerto No. 3 (1880), Symphony No. 3 (the Organ Symphony, 1886), and, it must be remembered, Carnival of the Animals (1886) to the list.

Childhood
It is essential to realize that Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly, in fact, a child musical prodigy. Consequently, with this in mind, he made his concert debut, albeit at ten years old. Another critical point to remember is that he expressly studied at the Paris Conservatoire, then, despite reality, conversely followed a traditional career path as a church organist. Nevertheless, twenty years later, on the other hand, he left to become a successful freelance pianist and composer despite, as has been noted, his former employment situation. Furthermore, his performances were, after all, markedly in demand - not only in Europe but, above all, in the Americas all in all as well.

Youth
A point often overlooked is that in his youth, Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly excited about the modern music of the day. He was, in essence, fond of the music of his contemporaries, particularly Schumann, Liszt, and, for the most part, Wagner. In contrast, however, his compositions seemed, in fact, primarily confined within the conservative classical tradition. Be that as it may, he was, at the same time, nevertheless, a scholar of musical history.

Criticism
On the whole, his conservatism, in fact, ultimately brought him into frequent conflict in his later years with composers of the impressionist and, in particular, the dodecaphonic schools of musical thought. A point often overlooked is that he included neoclassical elements in his music, contrary to some critics. Furthermore, in so doing, he provided the most compelling evidence that he predicted the techniques and works by Stravinsky and Les Six. To put it another way, given these points, he was regarded, perhaps for the most part unfairly, as a non-progressive reactionary henceforth around the time of his passing.

Legacy
Saint-Saëns taught briefly in Paris, where his students included Gabriel Fauré. Maurice Ravel later studied with Fauré. In conclusion, both Ravel and Fauré were powerfully influenced by Saint-Saëns, whom they respected as a musical mastermind.

Oboe,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1314269

Composed by Camille Saint-Saens. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. 19th Century,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Romantic Period. Score and part. 11 pages. Jmsgu3 #903011. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1314269).

Saint-Saëns: The Swan (Le Cygne) movement 13 from the Carnival of the Animals Suite. One of his most popular and widely recognized works, it is the only movement from the Carnival Suite that Saint-Saëns permitted to be performed publicly during his lifetime. This is an excellent recital encore to demonstrate melodic playing and strategic phrasing.

The Carnival of the Animals
The Carnival of the Animals is an entertaining musical suite of fourteen movements by Camille Saint-Saëns. The work was composed for private performance by an ensemble of two pianos and solo instruments. The Swan (No. 13) is among the fourteen most famous movements. In its entirety, it lasts about 25 minutes.

Saint-Saëns Background
Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns 1835 – 1921) was, by all means, in particular, a famous French composer, brilliant organist, and significant musical mastermind of the Romantic era. Indeed, his most famous compositions, in the long run, include his Piano Concerto No. 2 (1868), Cello Concerto No. 1 (1872), and the Danse macabre (1874). Notwithstanding, we must also add Violin Concerto No. 3 (1880), Symphony No. 3 (the Organ Symphony, 1886), and, it must be remembered, Carnival of the Animals (1886) to the list.

Childhood
It is essential to realize that Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly, in fact, a child musical prodigy. Consequently, with this in mind, he made his concert debut, albeit at ten years old. Another critical point to remember is that he expressly studied at the Paris Conservatoire, then, despite reality, conversely followed a traditional career path as a church organist. Nevertheless, twenty years later, on the other hand, he left to become a successful freelance pianist and composer despite, as has been noted, his former employment situation. Furthermore, his performances were, after all, markedly in demand - not only in Europe but, above all, in the Americas all in all as well.

Youth
A point often overlooked is that in his youth, Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly excited about the modern music of the day. He was, in essence, fond of the music of his contemporaries, particularly Schumann, Liszt, and, for the most part, Wagner. In contrast, however, his compositions seemed, in fact, primarily confined within the conservative classical tradition. Be that as it may, he was, at the same time, nevertheless, a scholar of musical history.

Criticism
On the whole, his conservatism, in fact, ultimately brought him into frequent conflict in his later years with composers of the impressionist and, in particular, the dodecaphonic schools of musical thought. A point often overlooked is that he included neoclassical elements in his music, contrary to some critics. Furthermore, in so doing, he provided the most compelling evidence that he predicted the techniques and works by Stravinsky and Les Six. To put it another way, given these points, he was regarded, perhaps for the most part unfairly, as a non-progressive reactionary henceforth around the time of his passing.

Legacy
Saint-Saëns taught briefly in Paris, where his students included Gabriel Fauré. Maurice Ravel later studied with Fauré. In conclusion, both Ravel and Fauré were powerfully influenced by Saint-Saëns, whom they respected as a musical mastermind.

Alto Saxophone,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1314328

Composed by Camille Saint-Saens. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. 19th Century,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Romantic Period. Score and part. 11 pages. Jmsgu3 #903072. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1314328).

Saint-Saëns: The Swan (Le Cygne) movement 13 from the Carnival of the Animals Suite. One of his most popular and widely recognized works, it is the only movement from the Carnival Suite that Saint-Saëns permitted to be performed publicly during his lifetime. This is an excellent recital encore to demonstrate melodic playing and strategic phrasing.

The Carnival of the Animals
The Carnival of the Animals is an entertaining musical suite of fourteen movements by Camille Saint-Saëns. The work was composed for private performance by an ensemble of two pianos and solo instruments. The Swan (No. 13) is among the fourteen most famous movements. In its entirety, it lasts about 25 minutes.

Saint-Saëns Background
Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns 1835 – 1921) was, by all means, in particular, a famous French composer, brilliant organist, and significant musical mastermind of the Romantic era. Indeed, his most famous compositions, in the long run, include his Piano Concerto No. 2 (1868), Cello Concerto No. 1 (1872), and the Danse macabre (1874). Notwithstanding, we must also add Violin Concerto No. 3 (1880), Symphony No. 3 (the Organ Symphony, 1886), and, it must be remembered, Carnival of the Animals (1886) to the list.

Childhood
It is essential to realize that Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly, in fact, a child musical prodigy. Consequently, with this in mind, he made his concert debut, albeit at ten years old. Another critical point to remember is that he expressly studied at the Paris Conservatoire, then, despite reality, conversely followed a traditional career path as a church organist. Nevertheless, twenty years later, on the other hand, he left to become a successful freelance pianist and composer despite, as has been noted, his former employment situation. Furthermore, his performances were, after all, markedly in demand - not only in Europe but, above all, in the Americas all in all as well.

Youth
A point often overlooked is that in his youth, Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly excited about the modern music of the day. He was, in essence, fond of the music of his contemporaries, particularly Schumann, Liszt, and, for the most part, Wagner. In contrast, however, his compositions seemed, in fact, primarily confined within the conservative classical tradition. Be that as it may, he was, at the same time, nevertheless, a scholar of musical history.

Criticism
On the whole, his conservatism, in fact, ultimately brought him into frequent conflict in his later years with composers of the impressionist and, in particular, the dodecaphonic schools of musical thought. A point often overlooked is that he included neoclassical elements in his music, contrary to some critics. Furthermore, in so doing, he provided the most compelling evidence that he predicted the techniques and works by Stravinsky and Les Six. To put it another way, given these points, he was regarded, perhaps for the most part unfairly, as a non-progressive reactionary henceforth around the time of his passing.

Legacy
Saint-Saëns taught briefly in Paris, where his students included Gabriel Fauré. Maurice Ravel later studied with Fauré. In conclusion, both Ravel and Fauré were powerfully influenced by Saint-Saëns, whom they respected as a musical mastermind.

Bass Clarinet,Instrumental Solo - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1314265

Composed by Camille Saint-Saens. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. 19th Century,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Wedding. Individual part. 11 pages. Jmsgu3 #903006. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1314265).

Saint-Saëns: The Swan (Le Cygne) movement 13 from the Carnival of the Animals Suite. One of his most popular and widely recognized works, it is the only movement from the Carnival Suite that Saint-Saëns permitted to be performed publicly during his lifetime. This is an excellent recital encore to demonstrate melodic playing and strategic phrasing.

The Carnival of the Animals
The Carnival of the Animals is an entertaining musical suite of fourteen movements by Camille Saint-Saëns. The work was composed for private performance by an ensemble of two pianos and solo instruments. The Swan (No. 13) is among the fourteen most famous movements. In its entirety, it lasts about 25 minutes.

Saint-Saëns Background
Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns 1835 – 1921) was, by all means, in particular, a famous French composer, brilliant organist, and significant musical mastermind of the Romantic era. Indeed, his most famous compositions, in the long run, include his Piano Concerto No. 2 (1868), Cello Concerto No. 1 (1872), and the Danse macabre (1874). Notwithstanding, we must also add Violin Concerto No. 3 (1880), Symphony No. 3 (the Organ Symphony, 1886), and, it must be remembered, Carnival of the Animals (1886) to the list.

Childhood
It is essential to realize that Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly, in fact, a child musical prodigy. Consequently, with this in mind, he made his concert debut, albeit at ten years old. Another critical point to remember is that he expressly studied at the Paris Conservatoire, then, despite reality, conversely followed a traditional career path as a church organist. Nevertheless, twenty years later, on the other hand, he left to become a successful freelance pianist and composer despite, as has been noted, his former employment situation. Furthermore, his performances were, after all, markedly in demand - not only in Europe but, above all, in the Americas all in all as well.

Youth
A point often overlooked is that in his youth, Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly excited about the modern music of the day. He was, in essence, fond of the music of his contemporaries, particularly Schumann, Liszt, and, for the most part, Wagner. In contrast, however, his compositions seemed, in fact, primarily confined within the conservative classical tradition. Be that as it may, he was, at the same time, nevertheless, a scholar of musical history.

Criticism
On the whole, his conservatism, in fact, ultimately brought him into frequent conflict in his later years with composers of the impressionist and, in particular, the dodecaphonic schools of musical thought. A point often overlooked is that he included neoclassical elements in his music, contrary to some critics. Furthermore, in so doing, he provided the most compelling evidence that he predicted the techniques and works by Stravinsky and Les Six. To put it another way, given these points, he was regarded, perhaps for the most part unfairly, as a non-progressive reactionary henceforth around the time of his passing.

Legacy
Saint-Saëns taught briefly in Paris, where his students included Gabriel Fauré. Maurice Ravel later studied with Fauré. In conclusion, both Ravel and Fauré were powerfully influenced by Saint-Saëns, whom they respected as a musical mastermind.

French Horn,Piano - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1313124

Composed by Camille Saint-Saens. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. 19th Century,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Romantic Period,Wedding. Score and part. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #901955. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1313124).

Saint-Saëns: The Swan (Le Cygne) movement 13 from the Carnival of the Animals Suite. One of his most popular and widely recognized works, it is the only movement from the Carnival Suite that Saint-Saëns permitted to be performed publicly during his lifetime. This is an excellent recital encore to demonstrate melodic playing and strategic phrasing.

The Carnival of the Animals
The Carnival of the Animals is an entertaining musical suite of fourteen movements by Camille Saint-Saëns. The work was composed for private performance by an ensemble of two pianos and solo instruments. The Swan (No. 13) is among the fourteen most famous movements. In its entirety, it lasts about 25 minutes.

Saint-Saëns Background
Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns 1835 – 1921) was, by all means, in particular, a famous French composer, brilliant organist, and significant musical mastermind of the Romantic era. Indeed, his most famous compositions, in the long run, include his Piano Concerto No. 2 (1868), Cello Concerto No. 1 (1872), and the Danse macabre (1874). Notwithstanding, we must also add Violin Concerto No. 3 (1880), Symphony No. 3 (the Organ Symphony, 1886), and, it must be remembered, Carnival of the Animals (1886) to the list.

Childhood
It is essential to realize that Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly, in fact, a child musical prodigy. Consequently, with this in mind, he made his concert debut, albeit at ten years old. Another critical point to remember is that he expressly studied at the Paris Conservatoire, then, despite reality, conversely followed a traditional career path as a church organist. Nevertheless, twenty years later, on the other hand, he left to become a successful freelance pianist and composer despite, as has been noted, his former employment situation. Furthermore, his performances were, after all, markedly in demand - not only in Europe but, above all, in the Americas all in all as well.

Youth
A point often overlooked is that in his youth, Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly excited about the modern music of the day. He was, in essence, fond of the music of his contemporaries, particularly Schumann, Liszt, and, for the most part, Wagner. In contrast, however, his compositions seemed, in fact, primarily confined within the conservative classical tradition. Be that as it may, he was, at the same time, nevertheless, a scholar of musical history.

Criticism
On the whole, his conservatism, in fact, ultimately brought him into frequent conflict in his later years with composers of the impressionist and, in particular, the dodecaphonic schools of musical thought. A point often overlooked is that he included neoclassical elements in his music, contrary to some critics. Furthermore, in so doing, he provided the most compelling evidence that he predicted the techniques and works by Stravinsky and Les Six. To put it another way, given these points, he was regarded, perhaps for the most part unfairly, as a non-progressive reactionary henceforth around the time of his passing.

Legacy
Saint-Saëns taught briefly in Paris, where his students included Gabriel Fauré. Maurice Ravel later studied with Fauré. In conclusion, both Ravel and Fauré were powerfully influenced by Saint-Saëns, whom they respected as a musical mastermind.

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1254033

Composed by Camille Saint-Saens. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. 19th Century,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Romantic Period. Score and part. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #847646. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1254033).

Saint-Saëns: The Swan (Le Cygne) movement 13 from the Carnival of the Animals Suite. One of his most popular and widely recognized works, it is the only movement from the Carnival Suite that Saint-Saëns permitted to be performed publicly during his lifetime. This is an excellent recital encore to demonstrate melodic playing and strategic phrasing.

The Carnival of the Animals
The Carnival of the Animals is an entertaining musical suite of fourteen movements by Camille Saint-Saëns. The work was composed for private performance by an ensemble of two pianos and solo instruments. The Swan (No. 13) is among the fourteen most famous movements. In its entirety, it lasts about 25 minutes.

Saint-Saëns Background
Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns 1835 – 1921) was, by all means, in particular, a famous French composer, brilliant organist, and significant musical mastermind of the Romantic era. Indeed, his most famous compositions, in the long run, include his Piano Concerto No. 2 (1868), Cello Concerto No. 1 (1872), and the Danse macabre (1874). Notwithstanding, we must also add Violin Concerto No. 3 (1880), Symphony No. 3 (the Organ Symphony, 1886), and, it must be remembered, Carnival of the Animals (1886) to the list.

Childhood
It is essential to realize that Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly, in fact, a child musical prodigy. Consequently, with this in mind, he made his concert debut, albeit at ten years old. Another critical point to remember is that he expressly studied at the Paris Conservatoire, then, despite reality, conversely followed a traditional career path as a church organist. Nevertheless, twenty years later, on the other hand, he left to become a successful freelance pianist and composer despite, as has been noted, his former employment situation. Furthermore, his performances were, after all, markedly in demand - not only in Europe but, above all, in the Americas all in all as well.

Youth
A point often overlooked is that in his youth, Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly excited about the modern music of the day. He was, in essence, fond of the music of his contemporaries, particularly Schumann, Liszt, and, for the most part, Wagner. In contrast, however, his compositions seemed, in fact, primarily confined within the conservative classical tradition. Be that as it may, he was, at the same time, nevertheless, a scholar of musical history.

Criticism
On the whole, his conservatism, in fact, ultimately brought him into frequent conflict in his later years with composers of the impressionist and, in particular, the dodecaphonic schools of musical thought. A point often overlooked is that he included neoclassical elements in his music, contrary to some critics. Furthermore, in so doing, he provided the most compelling evidence that he predicted the techniques and works by Stravinsky and Les Six. To put it another way, given these points, he was regarded, perhaps for the most part unfairly, as a non-progressive reactionary henceforth around the time of his passing.

Legacy
Saint-Saëns taught briefly in Paris, where his students included Gabriel Fauré. Maurice Ravel later studied with Fauré. In conclusion, both Ravel and Fauré were powerfully influenced by Saint-Saëns, whom they respected as a musical mastermind.

Piano,Soprano Flute - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1314255

Composed by Camille Saint-Saens. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. 19th Century,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Romantic Period. Score and part. 11 pages. Jmsgu3 #902996. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1314255).

Saint-Saëns: The Swan (Le Cygne) movement 13 from the Carnival of the Animals Suite. One of his most popular and widely recognized works, it is the only movement from the Carnival Suite that Saint-Saëns permitted to be performed publicly during his lifetime. This is an excellent recital encore to demonstrate melodic playing and strategic phrasing.

The Carnival of the Animals
The Carnival of the Animals is an entertaining musical suite of fourteen movements by Camille Saint-Saëns. The work was composed for private performance by an ensemble of two pianos and solo instruments. The Swan (No. 13) is among the fourteen most famous movements. In its entirety, it lasts about 25 minutes.

Saint-Saëns Background
Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns 1835 – 1921) was, by all means, in particular, a famous French composer, brilliant organist, and significant musical mastermind of the Romantic era. Indeed, his most famous compositions, in the long run, include his Piano Concerto No. 2 (1868), Cello Concerto No. 1 (1872), and the Danse macabre (1874). Notwithstanding, we must also add Violin Concerto No. 3 (1880), Symphony No. 3 (the Organ Symphony, 1886), and, it must be remembered, Carnival of the Animals (1886) to the list.

Childhood
It is essential to realize that Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly, in fact, a child musical prodigy. Consequently, with this in mind, he made his concert debut, albeit at ten years old. Another critical point to remember is that he expressly studied at the Paris Conservatoire, then, despite reality, conversely followed a traditional career path as a church organist. Nevertheless, twenty years later, on the other hand, he left to become a successful freelance pianist and composer despite, as has been noted, his former employment situation. Furthermore, his performances were, after all, markedly in demand - not only in Europe but, above all, in the Americas all in all as well.

Youth
A point often overlooked is that in his youth, Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly excited about the modern music of the day. He was, in essence, fond of the music of his contemporaries, particularly Schumann, Liszt, and, for the most part, Wagner. In contrast, however, his compositions seemed, in fact, primarily confined within the conservative classical tradition. Be that as it may, he was, at the same time, nevertheless, a scholar of musical history.

Criticism
On the whole, his conservatism, in fact, ultimately brought him into frequent conflict in his later years with composers of the impressionist and, in particular, the dodecaphonic schools of musical thought. A point often overlooked is that he included neoclassical elements in his music, contrary to some critics. Furthermore, in so doing, he provided the most compelling evidence that he predicted the techniques and works by Stravinsky and Les Six. To put it another way, given these points, he was regarded, perhaps for the most part unfairly, as a non-progressive reactionary henceforth around the time of his passing.

Legacy
Saint-Saëns taught briefly in Paris, where his students included Gabriel Fauré. Maurice Ravel later studied with Fauré. In conclusion, both Ravel and Fauré were powerfully influenced by Saint-Saëns, whom they respected as a musical mastermind.

Full Orchestra - Level 5 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1081697

Composed by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber. Arranged by Joshua Choe. Baroque,Classical,Easter,Sacred. Score and parts. 95 pages. JMJ Arrangements #685818. Published by JMJ Arrangements (A0.1081697).

[S]tanding by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!' And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the scripture), 'I thirst.' A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, 'It is finished'; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the sabbath (for that sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him; but when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth—that you also may believe. For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled, 'Not a bone of him shall be broken.' And again another scripture says, 'They shall look on him whom they have pierced.' --John 19:25-37.

Full Orchestra - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.976734

Composed by Robert Myers. 20th Century,Christmas,Contemporary. Score and parts. 99 pages. WheatMyer Music #6496769. Published by WheatMyer Music (A0.976734).

CONJUNCTION interprets the convergence of Jupiter and Saturn near the end of the year 2020 as a celestial metaphor for the good news of Christ's birth in a replay of the Star of Bethlehem. Hence, its subtitle of The Christmas Star of 2020. The music, along with narration from selected Old and New Testament scriptures, delivers a message of hope amid the turmoil and chaos of current times.

It's written for smaller concert bands hungry for challenging music. Ample cues and doubling allow for flexible instrumentation while mixed meters, varying tempos and textures, and interesting solo lines provide opportunities for strong players to shine. CONJUNCTION is also available with strings for orchestra.

PROGRAM NOTES:

2020 is widely characterized for its maladies: murders, burning cities, riots, a pandemic, economic shocks, and political turmoil. For some of us, it also held personal tragedy such as my brother’s passing from COVID. But, 2020 also brought a sign of hope, namely the celestial phenomenon known as the Great Conjunction of 2020. For earth-bound observers, this was the closest approach of Jupiter and Saturn in almost 400 years as they appeared to almost touch in the early evening sky to produce the most brilliant evening star of our lifetimes. The occurrence of the event in November-December neatly coincided with the Advent season, peaking just before Christmas Day. One could hardly fail to note the parallels with the Christmas star of Matthew’s gospel which gave the conjunction its alternate name, the Christmas Star of 2020. Thus, this star spoke, to those with ears to hear, the same message the prophet Isaiah wrote about the coming Messiah, The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. This star thus served to remind us that the LORD has not rejected us; He will show His favor again; His love has not vanished; His promises have not failed; He has not forgotten to be merciful or compassionate; and we are called to remember His mighty deeds (Psalm 77). CONJUNCTION: The Christmas Star of 2020 is inspired by these particulars.

For the music, I looked to Gustav Holst’s The Planets for themes that would portray Jupiter and Saturn’s pas de deux. I selected several motives from the corresponding movements mixed and matched in sometimes easily recognized quotations and other times in heavily camouflaged derivations. An exuberant polyphonic passage recaps themes from both Jupiter and Saturn when the music resolves from uncertainty into hopefulness. While Holst’s motives provide CONJUNCTION’s foundation I also used Handel’s Messiah for transitory and climactic material. You will hear his The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light in transitions and a short trombone solo. And a re-harmonization of the opening line from For unto us a child is born brings the music to a joyous climax.

Although the music stands firmly on its own, I elected to incorporate some narrative to make the musical sentiment explicit. In a commentary on 2020’s grim events, I took adaptations of Habakkuk 1:2-4 and 2 Tim 3:1-4 and set them over Saturn’s plodding and ominous harmonies. Contrasting replies shimmer with hope as the narration melds Isaiah 9:2 and Luke 1:78-79 over another Saturn motive set against pitch sets from Jupiter’s main hymn theme. Still, it’s the music that tells the story of the Christmas Star of 2020.

Please visit my website for a complete score preview: https://wheatmyermusic.com/conjunction-the-christmas-star-of-2020

I feel somewhat guilty making claim to this music as almost all the building blocks are taken from other composers. But the end result is neither a medley, nor an arrangement, rather it is something clearly new, so I call it my own with deep respect to those giants on whose shoulders I stand.

Robert Myers
S.D.G.

Piano Trio,String Ensemble - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1004152

Composed by Matthew Scott Phillips. Contemporary. Score and parts. 98 pages. Matthew Scott Phillips #5800833. Published by Matthew Scott Phillips (A0.1004152).

Throughout the centuries, civilizations have used sundials to tell time. This instrument consists of a gnomon (Greek for knower), a long pole or incline, whose shadow is cast onto a flat stone or metal plate, that either lies on the ground or is erected onto a wall. This plate is marked with the hours of the day, and the gnomon's shadow passes over the marks. More than just an ancient timepiece, these instruments are doorways to the eternal past, and prophets of the eternal future. They bare witness to the infinite fleeting-ness of the lives of human beings. Unlike a modern watch or digital clock, in which every second enjoys its own momentary significance, the hours as marked by the sundial flow into one another in a continuous stream, that is ultimately timeless. The final hour of any mortal creature is, in this way, no more significant than the first, and all our hours seem insignificant in the context of the cosmos' grandness.  Etched upon a great many sundials, in Greek, Latin, English, German, or French, is a motto designed to inspire human beings to consider these truths. Why so many sundial makers felt the need to inscribe on their creations their own philosophies and musings is unclear. Yet, each of these mottos seems contrived to express the contemplations of time and eternity so integral to the sundials' existence. Mottos such as umbra sumus (we amount to shadow) often hold multiple meanings. The we referred to can be the hours, which seem extant only because of the shadow passing over them. Or it can refer to the ephemeral nature of our lives, which on the grand calendar of eternity are so short as to be nothing. Or perhaps it warns that time itself is no more than an illusion; a shadow. Whether they are existential, humorous (I only count the sunny hours), or offer advice (use the hours, don't count them), these mottos are intended to give us pause: to compel us to look for a moment, not at the fleeting significance of our mundane lives, ticked away as they are in tiny hours, but to consider the eternal time that lies beyond us, and to therefore be briefly in contact with it.  This composition, approximately an hour long and written for piano trio (Piano, Violin, and Cello), intends as its goal the same purpose as the mottos that inspired it. To transport those who listen to it (listen not merely hear) away from the earthly, and into the cosmic. Each movement is named after a different motto. The mottos, their English translations and the locations of the sundials that bare (or once bore) them is listed at the front. This is one hour, hopefully, that will not simply fade away, but rather will be one spent in the company of the eternal.  .

Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1133711

By Various. By Anonymous, Giorgio Mainerio, Michael Praetorius, Pierre Attaignant, Pierre Certon, Pierre Phalese, and Tielman Susato. Arranged by Alastair Lodge. Early Music,Folk,Historic,Medieval,Renaissance. 50 pages. Wold Meridian #733808. Published by Wold Meridian (A0.1133711).

This is a companion to my earlier volume Chording to the Dance Masters which presented 44 of my favourite Renaissance Dance band tunes and arranged them as a single melody line with chords derived from the original harmony lines. In this volume I have reunited 22 of the pieces with the lower parts in the score, so that with more collaborators, the fullness of the original arrangement can be heard. The chords are still present, so if the ensemble is short handed, and lines are missing, the arrangements will still work. What is more, by contrasting the melody and chords with the full scoring, it should be possible to work some light and shade into performances.  You can hear all the pieces and their chords on YouTube together with contemporary art and historical background material:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYRWH2nycMkMoIoEYEMVPa_EXY6NVDpNS

As a help to those less confident in playing harmony lines, I have provided links to playlists of videos online for each part of each piece. You will hear the selected line on its own with chords and percussion, with the melody line added on repeats. The final repeat includes the other harmony lines, but the featured line is slightly louder in the mix. The performance starts with a percussion beat introduction to set the tempo.

Who were the Publishers and the Dance Masters? What did they do? Sometime around the 1500s, the popularity of dance music exploded in Europe. Dance Masters were collecting chansons and dance tunes from courts and rural parts and were teaching these to new audiences, spreading their arrangements and reflecting the performance styles of the areas from which they had collected the tunes. Publishers were able to take these tunes that were becoming known across the regions and nations and spread them even more widely, thanks to technological innovations in music printing which made it quicker and therefore cheaper to produce collections of these dances in four or more parts. These publishers were often highly accomplished composers in their own right, who were both able to provide distinctive harmony lines and compose new tunes in the style of their sources, feeding the courts with enduring tunes.

Composers and printers of this time would often use note values that are double the length of those we would be used to seeing today, and so to make this version more readable, breves have become semibreves or whole notes, semibreves have become minims or half notes and so on.

Working with this publication

For those just starting out in Early Music, the volume is an ideal introduction, since the ensemble can build from a soloist with accompaniment with the chords alone, and parts can be added in as additional musicians become available. Instrumentation for these pieces was not specified in the original prints. The range of each part is quite limited, and though the harmonies may seem strange at times, key signatures are kind to the less experienced musician. If enthusiasm takes hold, then reproductions of early music instruments are sold by some very talented makers, as well as coming up on auction sites. Otherwise, it is possible to put together a fairly convincing ensemble with recorders, violins, a cello and mandolins, bouzoukis, flutes or guitars and gradually introduce the authentic instruments as they become available.

Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1133721

By Various. By Anonymous, Claude Gervaise, Claudin de Sermisy, Erasmus Widmann, Giorgio Mainerio, Henry VIII, Juan Del Encina, Michael Praetorius, Pierre Attaignant, Pierre Phalese, Thoinot Arbeau, Tielman Susato, and William Cornysh. Arranged by Alastair Lodge. Early Music,Folk,Historic,Medieval,Renaissance. 50 pages. Wold Meridian #733832. Published by Wold Meridian (A0.1133721).

This is a companion to my earlier volume Chording to the Dance Masters which presented 44 of my favourite Renaissance Dance band tunes and arranged them as a single melody line with chords derived from the original harmony lines. In this volume I have reunited 22 of the pieces with the lower parts in the score, so that with more collaborators, the fullness of the original arrangement can be heard. The chords are still present, so if the ensemble is short handed, and lines are missing, the arrangements will still work. What is more, by contrasting the melody and chords with the full scoring, it should be possible to work some light and shade into performances.  You can hear all the pieces and their chords on YouTube together with contemporary art and historical background material:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYRWH2nycMkMoIoEYEMVPa_EXY6NVDpNS

As a help to those less confident in playing harmony lines, I have provided links to playlists of videos online for each part of each piece. You will hear the selected line on its own with chords and percussion, with the melody line added on repeats. The final repeat includes the other harmony lines, but the featured line is slightly louder in the mix. The performance starts with a percussion beat introduction to set the tempo.

Who were the Publishers and the Dance Masters? What did they do? Sometime around the 1500s, the popularity of dance music exploded in Europe. Dance Masters were collecting chansons and dance tunes from courts and rural parts and were teaching these to new audiences, spreading their arrangements and reflecting the performance styles of the areas from which they had collected the tunes. Publishers were able to take these tunes that were becoming known across the regions and nations and spread them even more widely, thanks to technological innovations in music printing which made it quicker and therefore cheaper to produce collections of these dances in four or more parts. These publishers were often highly accomplished composers in their own right, who were both able to provide distinctive harmony lines and compose new tunes in the style of their sources, feeding the courts with enduring tunes. 

Composers and printers of this time would often use note values that are double the length of those we would be used to seeing today, and so to make this version more readable, breves have become semibreves or whole notes, semibreves have become minims or half notes and so on. 

Working with this publication 

For those just starting out in Early Music, the volume is an ideal introduction, since the ensemble can build from a soloist with accompaniment with the chords alone, and parts can be added in as additional musicians become available. Instrumentation for these pieces was not specified in the original prints. The range of each part is quite limited, and though the harmonies may seem strange at times, key signatures are kind to the less experienced musician. If enthusiasm takes hold, then reproductions of early music instruments are sold by some very talented makers, as well as coming up on auction sites. Otherwise, it is possible to put together a fairly convincing ensemble with recorders, violins, a cello and mandolins, bouzoukis, flutes or guitars and gradually introduce the authentic instruments as they become available.

Piano - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1069993

Composed by Steven H. Boothe. Arranged by Ashley Ivers. Christian,Pop,Sacred. Accompaniment. Duration 255. Boothe Publishing #4737123. Published by Boothe Publishing (A0.1069993).

Just one person doing what he knows is right will set off a chain reaction for the good that will go on and on. Before I arrived at mission age I had to make a lot of decisions about whether or not I wanted to go on a mission. There were so many voices calling out to me. The voices promised me scholarships and fame. The voices questioned my logic. The voices tried to make me doubt my motives and character. The voices ridiculed me and my desires to do good. The voices told me that they loved me, but wouldn't wait for me if I went on a mission. All of those voices were demeaning of me if I went on a mission. They also promised me joy, but only if I decided not to go on a mission. I ultimately decided to go on a mission. By going on a mission I was put in a situation where I could testify of God's gospel truths. Those people hearing the truths had the opportunity to pray to God to find out for themselves if what they had been taught was true. Those people that talked to God in prayer joined the church. Why? Because God answered their prayers. Some of those new members went on missions to other lands converting through the spirit of the Holy Ghost others, who in turn went on missions to other lands. The cycle continues. Just one person doing what he knows is right can set off a chain reaction for the good that will go on and on.

Piano,Vocal,Voice - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.984012

Composed by Steven H. Boothe. Arranged by Ashley Ivers. Christian,Pop,Sacred. Score. 9 pages. Boothe Publishing #4360949. Published by Boothe Publishing (A0.984012).

Just one person doing what he knows is right will set off a chain reaction for the good that will go on and on. Before I arrived at mission age I had to make a lot of decisions about whether or not I wanted to go on a mission. There were so many voices calling out to me. The voices promised me scholarships and fame. The voices questioned my logic. The voices tried to make me doubt my motives and character. The voices ridiculed me and my desires to do good. The voices told me that they loved me, but wouldn't wait for me if I went on a mission. All of those voices were demeaning of me if I went on a mission. They also promised me joy, but only if I decided not to go on a mission. I ultimately decided to go on a mission. By going on a mission I was put in a situation where I could testify of God's gospel truths. Those people hearing the truths had the opportunity to pray to God to find out for themselves if what they had been taught was true. Those people that talked to God in prayer joined the church. Why? Because God answered their prayers. Some of those new members went on missions to other lands converting through the spirit of the Holy Ghost others, who in turn went on missions to other lands. The cycle continues. Just one person doing what he knows is right can set off a chain reaction for the good that will go on and on.

Instrumental Duet,Keyboard - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1497852

Composed by Jenni Roditi. 21st Century,Classical,Contemporary. 17 pages. Jenni Roditi #1074264. Published by Jenni Roditi (A0.1497852).

Piano Duo 2 pianos/4 hands. Curve, Between the Octaves points to a fugal past, where lines enter and build in stately flow. It invites lines to intermingle, without assuming they will all arrive somewhere, or at the same time. A certain intensity builds, then scales, both up and down, free themselves from the discussion of the interleaving lines. The chromaticism suggests curving between harmonies, and is nearly always ambivalent. An assertive chordal climax intervenes to shake off the tensions, yet this peels away into further curvatures that twist and twirl, until a final resting point agrees to present itself.  
Names of all the movements in the suite Between the Octaves in the right order are Initiate, Surrender, Thread, Curve, Encircle, Ritualise, Ignite. The whole suite follows a long line from movement 1 to movement 7. However, individual pieces are well suited to be played alone too. Piano Duo is ideally two Steinway grands, otherwise, whatever is available. An enjoyment of the tensions and relationships generated between the two instruments: grand-upright, upright-electronic keyboard is to be explored as a positive. Each piece creates its own world in the suite and can be part of smaller subgroups taken from the suite, in any combination, but the order of the pieces needs to be maintained if more than one is played. 
Here is a taste of the background to the musical world of this 53 minute compositional suite. During a reflective time I read the following: The whole philosophy of dharma art (Buddhist art) is that you don't try to be artistic, but you just approach objects as they are, and the message comes through automatically. (Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, from 'True Perception The Path of Dharma Art.' Shambhala 2008, p.133.) The 'objects as they are' became the 'octaves as they are'. As the pieces were composed the octaves had a centring and clarifying role that allowed other material to circulate around or play against them. They acted as pivots, repetitions, drones, ostinati, pointillist nodes, pedals, melodic features, struts, harmonic turnpikes, breathing spaces, bass lines: musical imperatives. The octaves called the musical shots most of the time. When the music pulled a semitone up or down and away from the octaves (as it did quite often) it was especially telling in the context of the ringing spaces the octaves were creating. I became interested in the subtle dislocation that two pianos could provide. By dislocation I mean a degree of tension between the natural acoustics of the two instruments in the room and the players idiosyncrasies as musicians.  The whole point of this work was to examine the nature of my syntax, grammar, and compositional thinking. The title demanded one thing above all: what notes am I going to use between these octaves?? My choice of notes was derived in most instances from the tempo, pitch, and rhythm of the initial octaves at the beginning of each piece alongside the individual word titles that I set out to explore as musical images. The audio was developed from Sibelius software, via MIDI to Logic samples of a Steinway grand piano.