Part of Maecenas Music's "Genesis" series, which provides original music by quality composers in a variety of styles for beginner bands, which even the least experienced or technically accomplished can perform. Nothing is above grade 3; much is considerably easier and scored so that novices can make a valuable contribution. No arrangements, no transcriptions, no excerpts, only complete original compositions with genuine musical content conceived specially for the series.
Memorable tunes, robust, colourful scoring and a satisfying structure are the features of this brief and cheerful concert march in the great tradition. Binney’s masterly scoring allows directors to combine upper middle, tenor and bottom-end instrumental voices from almost any available assortment of players. Everything is covered and everyone has something worth playing, often in a choice of clef.
INSTRUMENTATION The emphasis is on practicality and flexibility. Extensive cross cueing, musically sensitive doubling of instrumental lines and generous quantities of parts in sets will allow players in almost any combination, numbers and ability range to share a real musical experience, both in rehearsal and in concert. Grade 2.
Categories: Entertainment - Light Concert Works, OPENERS Composer: Ronald Hanmer
Grade 3.5
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A striking concert overture displaying Binney’s clean, idiomatic scoring, fertile melodic imagination, and his ability to provide music to stimulate both player and audience alike. A piece to extend the techniques of reasonable players without alienating the good ones.
6 minutes
Categories: BIGGIES - MAJOR WORKS, OPENERS Composer: Nigel Clarke
Prestige Series - Grade 5.0 Performance time 6.39
Inspired by themes based on ‘100’ this work is broadly described as a ‘Dance Overture’. It is a ‘moto perpetuo’ with its energy maintained throughout by a fast ‘allegro’ tempo.
(Recorded on QPRM138D BREAKING THE CENTURY, Central Band of the Royal Air Force)
Categories: BIGGIES - MAJOR WORKS, OPENERS Composer: Edward Gregson
Praeludium for Wind, Brass, Percussion, Harp & Piano.
Commissioned to mark the 150th anniversary of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, first performed at their Gala Concert in the presence of H.M. The Queen, Celebration is a miniature Concerto for Orchestra without strings. It gives players the chance to demonstrate their capacity for sustained, sensitive playing as well as their virtuosity. Gregson’s command of the medium is everywhere to be seen in this dazzling showpiece.
6-7 minutes.
Scored for brass and percussion, here is an impressive and regal-sounding piece perfect for use as a concert opener. The “de Meij touch” is evident in the powerful scoring and well thought-out pacing, as themes are developed using a full range of dynamics and harmonic colors.
Categories: BIGGIES - MAJOR WORKS, OPENERS Composer: Martin Ellerby
Progress Series – Grade 4.0
Performance time 8.0
This joie de vivre overture is cast in the manner of an imaginary “whistle stop” journey through Europe, though takes time in the central section to reflect on other, somewhat more pastorale, qualities observed on such a trip.
Grade 4-5
The Continental Overture was commissioned by the California Band Directors Association [CBDA] and was premiered in 1997 at the 40th annual CBDA Conference in Bakersfield, CA by the California All State Symphonic Band, conducted by de Meij. It is a short, dynamic work full of energy and spirit, with a melodic middle section and a spectacular ending. The composer does not try to hide his continental roots: several influences by some of the great European composers can be recognized.
Categories: BIGGIES - MAJOR WORKS, OPENERS Composer: Johann de Meij
Grade 4-5
The Continental Overture was commissioned by the California Band Directors Association [CBDA] and was premiered in 1997 at the 40th annual CBDA Conference in Bakersfield, CA by the California All State Symphonic Band, conducted by de Meij. It is a short, dynamic work full of energy and spirit, with a melodic middle section and a spectacular ending. The composer does not try to hide his continental roots: several influences by some of the great European composers can be recognized.
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