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A Road Less Travelled By

A Road Less Travelled By was commissioned by Palangos Orkestras for the Championship Section of the 2020 European Brass Band Championships held in Palanga, Lithuania. The title alludes to a poem by American author, Robert Frost, which appeared in his 1916 collection, Mountain Intervals. In common with most of the composer’s larger works, the piece is not programmatic, but purely abstract. The choice of title shares Sparke’s view of how composers can often develop. There can be no ‘destination’ in a composer’s career, but rather a continuing journey to an unknown place. Set in three movements, which play without a break, A Road Less Travelled By opens with a Moto Perpetuo firmly rooted in classical language, form and syntax. A continuous river of semiquavers, veering from melody to accompaniment and back again, adds drive, energy and motion. The second movement, Nocturne, is in the form of a free fantasia; solos for vibraphone, flugel horn and euphonium set the stage for a central cornet solo, quietly echoed by the full band. A triumphal climax is reached before the movement dissolves into a Scherzo Finale. A brief coda based on earlier material drives the piece to a close.

A Walk by the River

A Road Less Travelled By

A Road Less Travelled By

A Walk by the River

March of the Robot Army

March of the Robot Army was commissioned by Linda Anzolin & Giordano-Bruno Tedeschi for Campobanda 2019, with funds made available by JUST ITALIA. Campobanda is an Italian summer music camp for 8- to 18-year-olds (held inCamposilvano in 2019) which has a different theme every year. The theme for 2019 was ‘science fiction’, so composer Philip Sparke chose to write a robot march. After a quirky introduction featuring trumpet calls and chromaticfigures, the main theme appears in a minor mode on clarinet and tenor sax and is then taken up by the full band. A change of key heralds a new theme, led by the trumpet and again repeated by the full ensemble. A further change ofkey introduces a legato ‘trio’ melody over a rather robotic accompaniment: instruments are added bit by bit until a climax is reached. Small motifs from the introduction then lead back to a full recapitulation, revisiting thefirst two themes in new guises before finishing the march with a flourish.

March of the Robot Army

March of the Robot Army was commissioned by Linda Anzolin & Giordano-Bruno Tedeschi for Campobanda 2019, with funds made available by JUST ITALIA. Campobanda is an Italian summer music camp for 8- to 18-year-olds (held inCamposilvano in 2019) which has a different theme every year. The theme for 2019 was ‘science fiction’, so composer Philip Sparke chose to write a robot march. After a quirky introduction featuring trumpet calls and chromaticfigures, the main theme appears in a minor mode on clarinet and tenor sax and is then taken up by the full band. A change of key heralds a new theme, led by the trumpet and again repeated by the full ensemble. A further change ofkey introduces a legato ‘trio’ melody over a rather robotic accompaniment: instruments are added bit by bit until a climax is reached. Small motifs from the introduction then lead back to a full recapitulation, revisiting thefirst two themes in new guises before finishing the march with a flourish.

The Greatest Show (From 'The Greatest Showman') (Arr. Sparke) (Score/Parts)

The Greatest Showman is definitely one of the most popular movie musicals of recent years. The film's stunning lead performance by Hugh Jackman and its touching score have made this picture an instant classic. The mind-blowing theme song “The Greatest Show” is here arranged for Concert Band by Philip Sparke .

A Song for Susie

Harlequin was commissioned by, and is dedicated to, euphonium virtuoso David Childs. The piece takes as its inspiration the happy and sad masks which symbolise the Commedia dell'Arte (which features Harlequin as one of its main characters) and comprises two movements, a slow modal ballad followed by a frenetic faster movement. A fantastic showpiece for any euphonium player.

Guardians of the Waves

Guardians of the Waves was commissioned by the Japan Coast Guard Band to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2018. They gave the premiere as part of a 30th anniversary concert on November 8th that year. Set in traditionalmarch form, Guardians of the Waves opens with a short introduction, which leads to the main theme, played initially by the brass and then repeated with a florid woodwind descant. The theme is extended and morphs into asecond theme, first played tutti and then quietly repeated by bassoon, tenor sax and euphonium. This leads to a conventional ‘bass strain’, played twice with varying accompaniments. A quieter trio section follows, delicatelyscored and featuring the tenor instruments of the band. Taken up by the full band, this leads back to a recall of the introduction and a return to the main two themes, which lead to a triumphal close.

Guardians of the Waves

Guardians of the Waves was commissioned by the Japan Coast Guard Band to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2018. They gave the premiere as part of a 30th anniversary concert on November 8th that year. Set in traditionalmarch form, Guardians of the Waves opens with a short introduction, which leads to the main theme, played initially by the brass and then repeated with a florid woodwind descant. The theme is extended and morphs into asecond theme, first played tutti and then quietly repeated by bassoon, tenor sax and euphonium. This leads to a conventional ‘bass strain’, played twice with varying accompaniments. A quieter trio section follows, delicatelyscored and featuring the tenor instruments of the band. Taken up by the full band, this leads back to a recall of the introduction and a return to the main two themes, which lead to a triumphal close.

Elegy: Echoes of Lives Past

Elegy: Echoes of Lives Past is one of a pair of pieces which were commissioned by Koninklijke Fanfare Kempenbloei Achel - Ivan Meylemans, conductor - as part of their programme for the 2022 World Music Contest, held in Kerkrade, The Netherlands. The orchestra emerged victorious winners of the „Fanfare Concert Division“. It opens with a sombre chorale for saxophone quintet (optionally played offstage) which is interspersed with expressive solos from flugel horn and baritone. A short brass interlude leads to a second, more optimistic chorale for the full saxophone section, accompanied by arpeggios. This is taken up by the brass, underneath florid sax figurations, until a dramatic climax is reached, which is interrupted by an abrupt change of mood recalling the opening flugel horn and baritone solos. Two possible endings are provided, depending on whether or not the opening sax quintet was played offstage. This piece can be programmed to be played immediately after its partner piece, Not Before Time (AMP 505-020), which shares the same chorale material.

Elegy: Echoes of Lives Past

Elegy: Echoes of Lives Past is one of a pair of pieces which were commissioned by Koninklijke Fanfare Kempenbloei Achel - Ivan Meylemans, conductor - as part of their programme for the 2022 World Music Contest, held in Kerkrade, The Netherlands. The orchestra emerged victorious winners of the „Fanfare Concert Division“. It opens with a sombre chorale for saxophone quintet (optionally played offstage) which is interspersed with expressive solos from flugel horn and baritone. A short brass interlude leads to a second, more optimistic chorale for the full saxophone section, accompanied by arpeggios. This is taken up by the brass, underneath florid sax figurations, until a dramatic climax is reached, which is interrupted by an abrupt change of mood recalling the opening flugel horn and baritone solos. Two possible endings are provided, depending on whether or not the opening sax quintet was played offstage. This piece can be programmed to be played immediately after its partner piece, Not Before Time (AMP 505-020), which shares the same chorale material.

Fair Field Festival

Fair Field Festival opens with a brass fanfare under florid woodwind figuration. A noble chorale leads to a lively allegro vivo, which centres around a majestic horn and euphonium melody under chattering woodwinds. A second theme is first stated by trumpets and this leads to a central legato theme on horns and saxes, repeated by the trumpets. A brief allusion to the opening section leads to a full recapitulation and an energetic coda. A work filled with vitality!

Pulcinella : for Euphonium and Concert Band

Pulcinella was commissioned by the Taiwanese euphonium player Tzu-Hsiang Lin. Lin is a renowned soloist and teacher and a Besson Euphonium Artist. He teaches euphonium at Taipei National University of the Arts, National Taiwan University of Arts, Shih Chien University and National Kaohsiung Normal University. Lin gave the premiere of Pulcinella in both its concert band and brass band versions in January 2021. Pulcinella continues Sparke’s series of euphonium solos named after characters of the Italian commedia dell’arte and opens with a long and expressive minor melody for the soloist over a brooding accompaniment. This is taken up briefly by the full band and is extended by the soloist after a change of key. A cadenza, accompanied by fragments of the main melody leads to a complete change of mood, tempo and tonality, introducing a Vivo section starting with a perky syncopated tune for the soloist. The band then uses elements of this new tune to introduce a change of key, where the soloist introduces a more lyrical second subject over a pulsing accompaniment. The band then takes this up and changes key to reintroduce the original Vivo melody, which leads to a short and acrobatic coda to bring the work to a spectacular close.

Pulcinella : for Euphonium and Concert Band

Pulcinella was commissioned by the Taiwanese euphonium player Tzu-Hsiang Lin. Lin is a renowned soloist and teacher and a Besson Euphonium Artist. He teaches euphonium at Taipei National University of the Arts, National Taiwan University of Arts, Shih Chien University and National Kaohsiung Normal University. Lin gave the premiere of Pulcinella in both its concert band and brass band versions in January 2021. Pulcinella continues Sparke’s series of euphonium solos named after characters of the Italian commedia dell’arte and opens with a long and expressive minor melody for the soloist over a brooding accompaniment. This is taken up briefly by the full band and is extended by the soloist after a change of key. A cadenza, accompanied by fragments of the main melody leads to a complete change of mood, tempo and tonality, introducing a Vivo section starting with a perky syncopated tune for the soloist. The band then uses elements of this new tune to introduce a change of key, where the soloist introduces a more lyrical second subject over a pulsing accompaniment. The band then takes this up and changes key to reintroduce the original Vivo melody, which leads to a short and acrobatic coda to bring the work to a spectacular close.

Moon Song, Sun Dance

MOON SONG, SUN DANCE was scored originally for flugel horn and brass band. The transcription for piano accompaniment has been written by the composer. The work is in two contrasting movements, which can be performed separately or together.

Not Before Time

Not Before Time is one of a pair of pieces which were commissioned by Koninklijke Fanfare Kempenbloei Achel - Ivan Meylemans, conductor - as part of their programme for the 2022 World Music Contest, held in Kerkrade, The Netherlands. The orchestra emerged victorious winners of the „Fanfare Concert Division“. The piece is a cousin of the composer’s Music of the Spheres (which opens ‘before time’ when t=0) and begins with chaotic scales and dense chord clusters reminiscent of the earlier work. After a rhythmic, multi-metric passage, a ‘diabolic’ 7/8 tune appears in the saxes, which is taken up by the full orchestra. The texture suddenly dissipates to introduce a series of building flugel horn clusters under a rapid sax ostinato. Interruptions by the lower brass build into new material which leads to a minor-key chorale with florid sax decorations. Opening passages are then reintroduced until the chorale reappears with the full orchestra, leading to a triumphal coda. This piece can be programmed to be played immediately before its partner piece, Elegy: Echoes of Lives Past (AMP 506-020), which shares the same chorale material.

Not Before Time

Not Before Time is one of a pair of pieces which were commissioned by Koninklijke Fanfare Kempenbloei Achel - Ivan Meylemans, conductor - as part of their programme for the 2022 World Music Contest, held in Kerkrade, The Netherlands. The orchestra emerged victorious winners of the „Fanfare Concert Division“. The piece is a cousin of the composer’s Music of the Spheres (which opens ‘before time’ when t=0) and begins with chaotic scales and dense chord clusters reminiscent of the earlier work. After a rhythmic, multi-metric passage, a ‘diabolic’ 7/8 tune appears in the saxes, which is taken up by the full orchestra. The texture suddenly dissipates to introduce a series of building flugel horn clusters under a rapid sax ostinato. Interruptions by the lower brass build into new material which leads to a minor-key chorale with florid sax decorations. Opening passages are then reintroduced until the chorale reappears with the full orchestra, leading to a triumphal coda. This piece can be programmed to be played immediately before its partner piece, Elegy: Echoes of Lives Past (AMP 506-020), which shares the same chorale material.

Euphonium Concerto No 2 : for Steven Mead

The original concept for this work was a suite of short movements, each with its own character, but by the time the first movement was complete it was clear that a conventional three-movement format was going to work out better. The opening movement contains much syncopation and is almost rag-like in style. The slower second movement explores the unsurpassable ability of the euphonium to play lyrically, with a theme that is later taken up by the band whilst the soloist weaves a filigree descant. This leads straight into the third movement, which is almost bebop in style and shows off the jazzier capabilities of the euphonium. The concerto was composed for the virtuoso soloist,Steven Mead. This version for euphonium and piano is sure to become a concert classic.

Rockin' Trumpets : Trumpet feature with optional Percussion

The history of rock and roll can be traced back as far as the musical influence of the first African slaves to arrive in North America, but the term was not used until 1951, when Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed coined the namefrom the song "My Baby Rocks Me with a Steady Roll" and launched a radio programme called Moondog Rock'n'Roll Party. The style borrows heavily from rhythm and blues and early rocks stars such as Ike Turner, Bill Haley,Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley had a huge influence through the newly-invented juke box and liberated the youth of the day by giving them a music of their own. Rockin’ Trumpets gives your brass ensemble thechance to revisit the rock and roll years by featuring the trumpet section.

Rockin' Reeds : feature for Alto and Tenor Saxophones with opt. Percussion

The history of rock and roll can be traced back as far as the musical influence of the first African slaves to arrive in North America, but the term was not used until 1951, when Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed coined the namefrom the song "My Baby Rocks Me with a Steady Roll" and launched a radio programme called Moondog Rock'n'Roll Party. The style borrows heavily from rhythm and blues and early rocks stars such as Ike Turner, Bill Haley,Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley had a huge influence through the newly-invented juke box and liberated the youth of the day by giving them a music of their own. Rockin’ Reeds gives your woodwind ensemble thechance to revisit the rock and roll years by featuring the sax section.

15 Easy Christmas Carols

Part of the Anglo Music Play-Along Series, Philip Sparke’s 15 Easy Christmas Carols is aimed at the young instrumentalist who can play just over an octave. Specifically tailored to suit the individual instrument, this book introducesthe beginning player to the world’s most popular Christmas tunes by selecting simple yet attractive melodies that fit their limited range. This book will provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method and includes both pianoaccompaniment and a demo/play-along CD.

15 Easy Christmas Carols

Part of the Anglo Music Play-Along Series, Philip Sparke’s 15 Easy Christmas Carols is aimed at the young instrumentalist who can play just over an octave. Specifically tailored to suit the individual instrument, this book introducesthe beginning player to the world’s most popular Christmas tunes by selecting simple yet attractive melodies that fit their limited range. This book will provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method and includes both pianoaccompaniment and a demo/play-along CD.

15 Easy Christmas Carols

Part of the Anglo Music Play-Along Series, Philip Sparke’s 15 Easy Christmas Carols is aimed at the young instrumentalist who can play just over an octave. Specifically tailored to suit the individual instrument, this book introducesthe beginning player to the world’s most popular Christmas tunes by selecting simple yet attractive melodies that fit their limited range. This book will provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method and includes both pianoaccompaniment and a demo/play-along CD.