This work was commissioned for The Berkshire Young Musicians Trust (England) who required a testing piece for the woodwind section of their concert band. The piece opens with a strong unison passage based on the interval of a fifth and develops with a passionate legato. This is followed by the main vivo section of the work based on the earlier 'fifth' figures. A bridge passage leads to a short chorale figure and a rhythmic climax which dissolves into a plaintive solo for oboe over staccato clarinets. Following a recapitulation of the main theme the oboe returns triumphantly before the opening unison passage reappears to provide a stirring coda.

Five Variations on the 'Brugg Song'-Kaleidoscope is a set of five variations of on the ‘Brugger Lied’ (Brugg Song) which is the traditional song of the town of Brugg. The lyrics tell of the geography people and traditions of this charming and historic town which is situated in the north of Switzerland near to the German border about halfway between Basel and Zurich.Each variation is based on tiny extracts of the theme the whole piece therefore resembling the effect of a kaleidoscope which juxtaposes small fragments of colour in a constantly changing pattern.

In Classic Hymns Philip Sparke has taken 10 of the best-loved hymn tunes popular around the world and used them as the basis of a collection of short recital pieces ranging from simple descant arrangements to a full-blown theme and variations. Ideal for concert or contest use these charming pieces range in mood from triumphal to reflective and can provide that ‘musical moment’ and a time for meditation in church services and religious occasions of all kinds.

This popular Christmas carol has been expertly arranged for concert band by Philip Sparke. A must for all Christmas concerts.

Flying the Breeze opens with three repeated B's (representing the initials of the Breeze Brass Band from Japan who commissioned this work). A short introduction leads to a robust theme from the baritones and euphoniums which is taken up by cornets and trombones. A restless bridge passage leads to a syncopated tune from the solo cornet and then to a third theme from a solo trombone. A graceful second subject leads back to a recall of the introductory material before a full-scale recapitulation. An intense allargando leads to a full-band version of the second subject under a running cornet passage which leads to a short coda.

To A New Dawn was commissioned by the United States Continental Army Band - Captain Timothy J. Holtan Commander and Conductor.The brief was for a piece to celebrate the 3rd Millennium and it was the composer’s aim to provide a work which as well as looking forward to the challenges of the new century also contained moments of reflection about the last one.After a bright introduction featuring the trumpets a perky theme passing quickly through several keys appears on the woodwinds. A solo trumpet takes up a new theme over bubbling quavers (eighth notes) and this leads to a rhythmic figure on low clarinets followed by the upper woodwinds. A brass interlude follows and after ashort bridge passage an oboe takes up a contrasting legato tune that builds to a climax.An andante section follows with solos for horn and flugel horn (or trumpet) and a florid flute cadenza. A passionate climax leads back to the faster music and eventually to a full recapitulation revisiting the earlier material before a lively coda close the work as it began.

Klezmer music originated in the ‘shtetl’ (villages) and the ghettos of Eastern Europe where itinerant Jewish troubadours known as ‘klezmorim’ had performed at celebrations particularly weddings since the early Middle Ages. Since the 16th century lyrics had been added to klezmer music due to the ‘badkhn’ (the master of ceremony at weddings) to the ‘Purimshpil’ (the play of Esther at Purim) and to traditions of the Yiddish theatre but the term gradually became synonymous with instrumental music particularly featuring the violin and clarinet. In recent years it has again become very popular and in A Klezmer Karnival Philip Sparke has used three contrastingtraditional tunes to form a suite that will bring a true karnival atmosphere to any concert.

From the Paramount and DreamWorks Motion Picture S- Saving Private Ryan is certainly one of Steven Spielberg's most powerful films. The brilliant John Williams score creates part of this power. Hymn to the Fallen one of the most powerful and emotional melodies which appears during the closing credits evokes a feeling of hope and strength amid the overall tone of reverence. Philip Sparke has transcribed this moving work for fanfare band using John Williams original orchestral score as the source. For added effect this work can also be performed with a wordless chorus with parts being available separately.

The sarabande originated in the early 17th century and is a stately dance in triple time. It was popular in France and Spain but as a dance it quickly spread throughout the courts of Europe and the style was soon adopted into instrumental music in dance suites for solo instruments as well as orchestra. Something of this style has influenced Simple Sarabande and although its harmonic language is perhaps more up-to-date it could be seen as a ‘period piece’.

This series aims to present the significant concert band works of Philip Sparke in a format that enables any player to study their music whether or not they get the chance to play these pieces with their own band.

The English king Henry VIII (1491-1547) is mainly remembered for disposing of his wives on a regular basis and breaking with the Catholic Church when the Pope Clement VII refused to grant him a divorce so he could marry Anne Boleyn.As a young man he was a gifted athlete dancer and composer writing many songs poems and consort pieces (though not Greensleeves as is often believed). Pastime with Good Company is undoubtedly the best-known of these written in the first years of the 16th century while he was still a handsome prince newly married to Catherine of Aragon and the envy of Europe. The lyrics tell of the joys of hunting dancing and singing and would have been sungas part of the court entertainment.This arrangement features a quartet of soloists and two solo drummers.

...the quest for peace... is a tribute to the politician Adlai E.Stevenson (1900-1965) a former Governor of Illinois who spent much of his working life striving for peace during the ominous and troubled years of the Cold War.This majestic and noble work portrays the strength of character with which Stevenson dealt with the crisis between the USA and the USSR during this troubled time.A truly fitting tribute to this great man.

The Irish folk tune which appears towards the end of the piece is Slane a hymn tune version of the much older folk melody The Banks of the Bann . In Prelude on an Irish Folk Tune fragments of the folk tune hint at what is to come later in the piece but another folk-like tune is predominant. This later acts as a descant to Slane when it finally appears. Add a little Sparke sparkle to any concert with this lovely interlude.

This collection will provide fanfares for any occasion: concert opener presentation ceremony or celebrations of all kinds. The variety of styles and durations (from ten seconds to two minutes) will ensure you will always find the right fanfare for the right moment.

Edward MacDowell can be regarded as the first great American composer although he disliked the idea of being classified as any sort of musical nationalist. He composed a large number of orchestral works but it is the charming and unpretentious suite of musical miniatures Woodland Sketches that has survived as his best-known work with To a Wild Rose being the most popular. Philip Sparke has expertly arranged this simple work for concert band.

Earth Water Sun Wind is a four movement work with the unifying theme of these four elements. The music varies from being purely descriptive of the movements’ titles to specific sound painting - Earth for example is pure music and non programmatic whereas Sun attempts to paint a specific sound picture. The Symphony as a whole concerns itself with man’s relationship with these monumental aspects of nature.

20 Progressive pieces with Piano Accompaniment-Philip Sparke’s Skilful Solos is the second volume of a progressive series of solo books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first book in the series Starter Solos this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument Skilful Solos introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrumental ranges new notes being introduced in a gradual and logical manner. Skilful Solos comes with a play-along CD. The advantages of playing eitherwith piano or CD accompaniment are that the beginning player can now experience the important aspects of ensemble playing from their earliest lessons thus developing the essential skills of listening while they play and maintaining strict tempo which is not always achieved when playing alone. Philip Sparke ’s Skilful Solos is the second volume of a progressive series of solo books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first book in the series Starter Solos this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument Skilful Solos introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrumental ranges new notes being introduced in a gradual and logical manner. Skilful Solos comes with a play-along CD.The advantages of playing either with Piano or CD accompaniment are that the beginning player can now experience the important aspects of ensemble playing from their earliest lessons thus developing the essential skills of listening while they play and maintaining strict tempo which is not always achieved when playing alone.

Although Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) is best known for his collaboration with W.S. Gilbert on their famous operettas he also wrote much instrumental chamber and orchestral music church anthems and around 20 secular part songs. One such song was The Long Day Closes which has remained in the popular repertoire of many male voice and mixed choirs. The melody is a combination of hushed hymn-like reverence and emotional intensity which provides the young band the opportunity to work on dynamics ensemble intonation and balance in ?chorale? style.

Elgar’s five Pomp and Circumstance Marches were written between 1901 and 1930 with number 1 undoubtedly being the most popular of the five. King Edward VII told Elgar that the tune would ‘go round the world’ if words were fitted to it. Elgar took the hint and included it (with slight rhythmic changes) in his Coronation Ode of 1902 with words by A. C. Benson. Thus was born Land of Hope and Glory which is now of course an integral part of the annual Last Night of the Proms when the audience (with varying degrees of success!) sing the words along to the original march. Now your fanfare band can enjoy all the pomp and ceremony of the proms with this arrangement by Philip Sparke.

Eb Horn Solo-Aria was commissioned by and written for the remarkable tenor horn player Sheona White. The work opens with an accompanied recitative which leads to a change of key where the main melody is presented. This in turn serves as an introduction to another melodic idea marked calmato. The band takes up this theme and then takes centre stage with a passionate repeat of the main theme which is completed by the soloist. A cornet then plays the calmato theme against which the soloist plays a counter melody. This leads to a return of the opening recitative which brings the work to a peaceful close. A fantastic new addition to the solo repertoire for this much neglected soloinstrument. Aria was commissioned by and written for the remarkable Tenor Horn player Sheona White. The work opens with an accompanied recitative which leads to a change of key where the main melody is presented. This in turn serves as an introduction to another melodic idea marked calmato. The band takes up this theme and then takes centre stage with a passionate repeat of the main theme which is completed by the soloist. A Cornet then plays the calmato theme against which the soloist plays a counter melody. This leads to a return of the opening recitative which brings the work to a peaceful close. A fantastic new addition to the solo repertoire for this much neglectedsolo instrument.