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A Midwest Fanfare

A Midwest Fanfare was commissioned by the Brass Band of Battle Creek and premiered by them during their appearance at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago on 20th December 2017 where this fanfare was the opening piece of the entire event. This piece is designed to be played with the cornets split into two teams either side of the band. It opens with the two groups answering each other antiphonally over a repeated figure in the lower band. A calmer central section introduces a euphonium solo which is then taken up by the whole ensemble. This leads back to a repeat of the opening fanfares over a rhythmic accompaniment and a short coda which brings the work to a close.A Midwest Fanfare was commissioned by the Brass Band of Battle Creek and premiered by them during their appearance at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago on 20th December 2017 where this fanfare was the opening piece of the entire event. This piece is designed to be played with the cornets split into two teams either side of the band. It opens with the two groups answering each other antiphonally over a repeated figure in the lower band. A calmer central section introduces a euphonium solo which is then taken up by the whole ensemble. This leads back to a repeat of the opening fanfares over a rhythmic accompaniment and a short coda which brings the work to a close.

A Midwest Fanfare

A Midwest Fanfare was commissioned by the Brass Band of Battle Creek and premiered by them during their appearance at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago on 20th December 2017 where this fanfare was the opening piece of the entire event. This piece is designed to be played with the cornets split into two teams either side of the band. It opens with the two groups answering each other antiphonally over a repeated figure in the lower band. A calmer central section introduces a euphonium solo which is then taken up by the whole ensemble. This leads back to a repeat of the opening fanfares over a rhythmic accompaniment and a short coda which brings the work to a close.A Midwest Fanfare was commissioned by the Brass Band of Battle Creek and premiered by them during their appearance at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago on 20th December 2017 where this fanfare was the opening piece of the entire event. This piece is designed to be played with the cornets split into two teams either side of the band. It opens with the two groups answering each other antiphonally over a repeated figure in the lower band. A calmer central section introduces a euphonium solo which is then taken up by the whole ensemble. This leads back to a repeat of the opening fanfares over a rhythmic accompaniment and a short coda which brings the work to a close.

Step by Step

Step by Step was commissioned by the Sony Concert Band to celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2018. Step by Step is an up-tempo concert march. The title was chosen as it has obvious associations with marching but also as a salute to the constant improvement and development that makes the products of Sony Corporation famous around the world. Step by Step was commissioned by the Sony Concert Band to celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2018. Step by Step is an up-tempo concert march. The title was chosen as it has obvious associations with marching but also as a salute to the constant improvement and development that makes the products of Sony Corporation famous around the world. Step by Step was commissioned by the Sony Concert Band to celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2018. Step by Step is an up-tempo concert march. The title was chosen as it has obvious associations with marching but also as a salute to the constant improvement and development that makes the products of Sony Corporationfamous around the world.

Step by Step

Step by Step was commissioned by the Sony Concert Band to celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2018. Step by Step is an up-tempo concert march. The title was chosen as it has obvious associations with marching but also as a salute to the constant improvement and development that makes the products of Sony Corporation famous around the world. Step by Step was commissioned by the Sony Concert Band to celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2018. Step by Step is an up-tempo concert march. The title was chosen as it has obvious associations with marching but also as a salute to the constant improvement and development that makes the products of Sony Corporation famous around the world.

Clarinet Concerto : Clarinet & Piano

This substantial new work is based on the standard three-movement format of a classical concerto, but this is where the similarity ends. The opening movement contains much syncopation and is in an almost rag-like style. The contrasting second movement is full of emotion with lush harmonies in the piano accompaniment. Jazz reappears in the final movement which is almost bee-bop in style and shows off the jazzier side of the clarinet. This fantastic new work is a must for any clarinet recital.

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 Walk by the River

A Road Less Travelled By

Philip Sparke: Salutation (Score/Parts)

Salutation was commissioned by Japanese conductor and broadcaster, Yutaka Nishida, a dear friend of the composer Philip Sparke . Salutation follows fairly conventional march form. A short fanfare introduces the main theme, played by Clarinets and Saxophones. A bridge passage, mainly in the brass, heralds a change of key and a legato second subject, again played initially by the Clarinets, which leads to the conventional trio theme, which is then repeated by the full band. Sections of the second subject lead back to thehome key and a return of the main theme, embellished with woodwinds.

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 .

Sparkling Brass

Sparkling Brass was commissioned by Osaka Concert Brass, one of Japan’s top brass bands, and premiered by them on 27th December 2018 during a concert which celebrated their 10th Anniversary. The work opens in lively mood with fanfare-style figures from the lower band which are answered by the cornets. This interplay intensifies until the mood calms suddenly to introduce a chorale which leads to a duet-cadenza for cornet and euphonium. The rhythmic mood of the opening soon returns and leads to the main theme of the work, a modal caccia which features various section of the band. A short bridge passage leads to a change of key and a new cantabile theme which isintroduced by euphoniums and baritone. This is taken up by the full band after another change of key and leads back to the caccia theme. A transformed version of the opening fanfare returns to close the work.

Sparkling Brass

Sparkling Brass was commissioned by Osaka Concert Brass, one of Japan’s top brass bands, and premiered by them on 27th December 2018 during a concert which celebrated their 10th Anniversary. The work opens in lively mood with fanfare-style figures from the lower band which are answered by the cornets. This interplay intensifies until the mood calms suddenly to introduce a chorale which leads to a duet-cadenza for cornet and euphonium. The rhythmic mood of the opening soon returns and leads to the main theme of the work, a modal caccia which features various section of the band. A short bridge passage leads to a change of key and a new cantabile theme which isintroduced by euphoniums and baritone. This is taken up by the full band after another change of key and leads back to the caccia theme. A transformed version of the opening fanfare returns to close the work.

Harlequin : for Euphonium and Piano

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.

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.

Three Norwegian Sketches

Three Norwegian Sketches was commissioned by Åndalsnes Musikkforening, Norway, who are conducted by John Hudson. The three contrasting movements - TROLLVEGGEN (The Troll Wall), RAUMA ELV (River Rauma) and RAUMABANEN (The Rauma Line) - describe life and scenery around the town of Åndalsnes on the beautiful west coast of Norway. This is a challenging, imaginative and versatile new work, ideal for a concert or a contest.

Three Norwegian Sketches

Three Norwegian Sketches was commissioned by Åndalsnes Musikkforening, Norway, who are conducted by John Hudson. The three contrasting movements - TROLLVEGGEN (The Troll Wall), RAUMA ELV (River Rauma) and RAUMABANEN (The Rauma Line) - describe life and scenery around the town of Åndalsnes on the beautiful west coast of Norway. This is a challenging, imaginative and versatile new work, ideal for a concert or a contest.

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!