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.

Whilst making no claims to be stylistically authentic this little piece aims to capture the infectious spirit of mariachi a word whose origins are lost in the mists of time but which describes not only the performers (on guitars vihuelas violins trumpets and harp) but also the music itself. Their music speaks of love passion politics life in the country and revolutionary heroes but is unerringly uplifting in style and immediately recognisable as the spirit of Mexico. A chance to add that Spanish flavour to your concerts.

from Symphony No 6-This beautiful melody is taken from the final movement of Beethoven's sixth symphony which has the title Shepherds' Song: grateful feelings towards God after the storm. Bring the classic period alive with this great arrangement by Philip Sparke.

The melodies harmonies moods and rhythms of Norwegian folk songs and dance (even the sounds of Norwegian folk instruments) permeate the music of Edvard Grieg (1843-1907). After studying in Leipzig and Copenhagen he returned to Norway and a chance meeting with Norwegian nationalist Rikard Nordraak ignited his interest in folk music and laid the foundation for his compositional style. His most famous orchestral works are the Piano Concerto (1868) and the incidental music to Ibsen’s play Peer Gynt (1875). He wrote many collections of folk music for piano and these two tunes come from his 25 Norwegian Folk Songs and Dances op. 17.

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.

from Hymn of the Highlands - Euphonium Solo-The Summer Isles are a group of islands located off the North West coast of Scotland which are famous for their wildlife. This piece written for solo euphonium and brass band reflects the natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere of the islands. The wonderful melodious nature of the euphonium is displayed in this piece and the opening theme is followed by melodic interplay between the soloist and cornets. This piece will surely be enjoyed by any audience. The Summer Isles are a group of islands located off the North West coast of Scotland which are famous for their wildlife. This piece written for solo Euphonium and Brass Band reflects the natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere of the islands. The wonderful melodious nature of the Euphonium is displayed in this piece and the opening theme is followed by melodic interplay between the soloist and cornets. This piece will surely be enjoyed by any audience.

Wachet auf ruft uns die Stimme-This enchanting melody is from the fourth movement of Bach’s Cantata 140 which was composed in 1731 using the parable of the wise and foolish virgins as the text. The work is beautiful in its simplicity with only three melodic lines demonstrating Bach’s counterpoint at its best. For greatest effect it is suggested that the cornets and trombones play behind the band or to the right and left of the stage.

Elegy for Band-The initial idea was for a millennium piece which it is but rather than add to the many celebratory pieces that have understandably been written to salute the 3rd millennium Philip Sparke thought it would perhaps be appropriate to think about the aspects of life that are constantly with us (such as faith and philosophy) rather than the exciting changes that the year 2000 has undeniably wrought. This calm meditative work will bring a moment of serenity and reflection to any concert.

from The Danserye-This sparkling dance from the 1500s will bring a unique musical quality to your concert programme. Ancient rhythmic and harmonic sounds will delight your audience as you perform this endearing outdoor piece to be played strong and full of life.

25 Famous Carols-Philip Sparke’s Classic Christmas brings together 25 of the most popular Christmas carols which can either be played with the CD accompaniments or with organ or piano using the separate accompaniment book which fits with all the instrumental books. They can be performed as solos and are all in suitable keys to accompany congregational singing. Twenty-five famous Christmas carols for Instrumental solos or Ensembles with the same instruments. Includes a Play along CD of accompaniments and demonstration tracks. This edition for Trombone or Euphonium Treble Clef.

from Hymn of the Highlands - Euphonium Solo-The Summer Isles are a group of islands located off the North West coast of Scotland which are famous for their wildlife. This piece written for solo euphonium and brass band reflects the natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere of the islands. The wonderful melodious nature of the euphonium is displayed in this piece and the opening theme is followed by melodic interplay between the soloist and cornets. This piece will surely be enjoyed by any audience.

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.

This piece was inspired by the composer watching his young son Benny playing ‘soldiers’ with his collection of teddy bears - how appropriate!But it made him think of the many character pieces which take the form of a ‘toy march’ the most notable examples being by Haydn Tchaikovsky and Leon Jessel. Parade of the Clockwork Soldiers is in the form of a ‘patrol’ (starting and ending quietly with a louder middle) and aims to represent a band marching past the listener. In fact where the hall layout permits it it could be possible to add a little choreography to the piece starting and ending with only a few instruments on stage.

Jesu bleibet meine Freude from Cantata 147-Bach’s appointment as the Cantor at Leipzig’s Thomaskirche in 1723 required him to produce a new cantata for every Sunday service. Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring is taken from his Cantata No.147 and is unusually elaborate treated more like an aria than a chorale. It is perhaps the best-loved cantata movement from Bach’s entire output and is a certain crowd pleaser for your concert programme.

Although Cesar Franck won many prizes during his student days his music was generally unrecognised by his contemporaries. His pieces were written in the romantic style whilst retaining a classical structure and his later compositions were referred to as 'cathedrals of sound'. Panis Angelicus is poetic and almost serene and this arrangement by Philip Sparke retains all of the beauty of the original.

Elegy for Band-The initial idea was for a millennium piece which it is but rather than add to the many celebratory pieces that have understandably been written to salute the 3rd millennium Philip Sparke thought it would perhaps be appropriate to think about the aspects of life that are constantly with us (such as faith and philosophy) rather than the exciting changes that the year 2000 has undeniably wrought. This calm meditative work will bring a moment of serenity and reflection to any concert.

MASQUERADE was commissioned by Stadtmusik Willisau from Switzerland (Reto Güdel conductor) to celebrate their 175th anniversary in 2003 and first performed by them in November that year. 1. OvertureThe first movement opens with a fanfare-like figure featuring the brass before the main them is introduced over staccato chords. After a short syncopated interlude a legato theme is introduced in the tenor register and material is developed until the music slows temporarily. The opening theme returns and the ‘tenor’ tune is taken up by the whole band until the opening fanfare returns to close the movement. 2. ElegyThe slow movement opens intensely with a bare two-part theme whichleads to a passionate chorale-style melody. A second theme is introduced and leads to a climax a return of the chorale theme and a pianissimo repeat which again leads to a full-band climax. The two-part theme returns quietly to create a peaceful close. 3 InterludeA short movement which changes the mood to introduce:- 4 FinaleThree violent chords preface a lively syncopated opening theme. The trumpets introduce a second idea which is treated fugally and this in turn leads to the main melodic idea of the movement over staccato chords. A contrasting subject is then introduced in the middle of the band followed by echoes of the first movement fanfare. The opening theme returns and material is revisited until the opening fanfare returns in full to end the work triumphantly.

Philip Sparke composed Processional as a wedding present for two of his friends. It is an extremely versatile piece as it can be played simply as a concert piece but has been designed specifically for occasions such as weddings or graduation ceremonies where it?s duration can be altered according to your needs.A must for any ceremonial occasion.

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.

from The Four Noble Truths- The Four Noble Truths was commissioned by the Dutch National Brass Band Championships for their 2003 competition. The Four Noble Truths are the most basic expression of the teaching of Buddha and therefore still form the guidelines for Buddhists to this day. They concern themselves with Dukkha which has no exact translation but can mean suffering stress or sadness etc. Magga is The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of Dukkha - the Fourth Noble Truth - which gives us a description of eight disciplines which can help us eliminate the origins of stress from our lives.