for Bassoon (or Baritone Saxophone) and Concert Band- Wind in the Reeds was commissioned by Deena Draycott in memory of John Watson an army bandsman teacher and bassoonist. Wind in the Reeds is both a tribute and lasting memorial to John. The piece is largely pastoral in nature evoking images conjured up by the ‘play on words’ in the title but includes a faster central section which exploits other aspects of the character of the bassoon. Transitions between the various sections of the piece are achieved through a series of accompanied cadenzas for the soloist.

In Letter from Home Philip Sparke portrays the many feelings and emotions that a letter from home can evoke. This intimate works opens with a gentle melody which gradually becomes more confused as new emotions are introduced. Finally resignation sets in but a sense of peace and balance is restored with the fi nal chorale. In this emotional work Philip Sparke truly captures the highs and lows of being away from home.

Blazon est une œuvre de commande pour l’Orchestre d’Harmonie de Niederbrechen en Allemagne. Elle fut offerte comme cadeau d’adieu à Michael Steiner le directeur musical qui quittait la formation en 2009 après onze années passées à sa tête. Sous son impulsion les musiciens ont accompli d’immenses progrès. Lui dédier une pièce en guise de remerciement s’imposait comme une évidence. La création de l’œuvre a eu lieu le 17 mai 2009. L’orchestre était dirigé pour la dernière fois par son chef. Blazon permet d’exploiter le talent des cuivres et des percussions. La pièce s’ouvre avec une grande fanfare pleine d’énergie qui chemine à travers les pupitresdes trompettes des cors et des cuivres graves. Un changement de tonalité fait apparaître un thème en legato joué d’abord par les bois puis repris par l’orchestre en entier. La fanfare initiale revient soulignée par des motifs ornementés dans les bois pour mener l’œuvre vers sa fin brillante.

for Euphonium and Brass Band- Dreamsong was commissioned by Geir Ulseth and the Nidaros Brass Band from Trondheim Norway. After a short introduction the soloist introduces a rather nostalgic melody accompanied by the lower brass parts. A fast central section is then played by the band which leads to a climax. Eventually the main melody played by the solo cornet and flugel horn returns overlaid with an ornamented counter-melody from the soloist who then closes the piece with a short cadenza.

August lebe lebe König from Cantata 207a-A Festive Tribute is an arrangement of a splendid chorus whichBach first used in the secular Cantata 207 of 1726 but is perhapsbetter known in its later version which appears in Cantata 207a thedescriptively titled Auf schmetternde Töne der muntern Trompeten which cannot be adequately translated but means something alongthe lines of ‘let the trumpets sound’. While the lyrics are perhaps alittle obsequious much of the music for this cantata is celebratoryand lushly scored for a large orchestra including trumpets oboesd’amore and flutes making it an ideal piece for a concert bandarrangement.

Fantasy on the canon Freu' dich des Lebens-L’année 2008 marque le 400e anniversaire de la fondation de la ville de Québec (1608-2008) au Canada. Pour célébrer cet événement la Musique des Voltigeurs de Québec une unité d’infanterie de la force terrestre des Forces canadiennes a fait appel au compositeur Philip Sparke pour l’écriture de deux œuvres de concert (disponibles sur un compact disc édité spécialement pour cette occasion). Philip Sparke a composé Sounds of the Saint Lawrence (Échos du Saint-Laurent) une suite de chants traditionnels québécois et cette fantaisie libre sur le canon Freu’ dich des Lebens de Ludwig van Beethoven. L’histoire de ce canon est absolument fascinante. En1822 Théodore Frédéric Molt un professeur auteur pianiste et organiste allemand - ancien soldat dans l'armée napoléonienne ayant combattu à Waterloo - arrive à Québec. En 1825 il retourne en Europe afin de parfaire sa formation. Au cours de son séjour il rend visite à Beethoven. Quelques jours plus tard il fait parvenir une lettre au compositeur sourd en incluant une feuille blanche sur laquelle il lui demande d'écrire « du fond de son grand cœur » un souvenir « qui restera pour moi à une distance qu'il me faudra presque 3000 heures pour parcourir un document éternellement précieux. »Beethoven accepte et le 16 décembre 1825 (jour de ses cinquante-cinq ans) il présente à Théodore Molt le canon Freu’ dich des Lebens Le manuscrit est actuellement conservé dans une collection canadienne. Beethoven’s Greeting (“La signature de Beethoven”) débute avec une introduction lente basée sur le canon. S’ensuit un Vivo qui sera repris ultérieurement sous la forme d’un déchant à la mélodie du canon. Le thème du canon est chanté par le chœur à quatre voix (SATB) optionnel (AMP 243-050) mais la mélodie est également présente dans l’orchestration.

Cornet Solo-The lyrics to Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes can be traced to English poet Ben Jonson a contemporary of Shakespeare. The melody’s origin on the other hand is not certain. In this three- movement arrangement Philip Sparke provides the soloist with plenty of substance while respecting the beautiful simplicity of the original tune.

Hava Nagila (the title means ‘let us rejoice’) is perhaps the best known example of a style of Jewish music called ‘klezmer’. 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.‘Klezmer’ is a Yiddish term combining the Hebrew words ‘kley’ (instrument) and ‘zemer’ (song) and the roots of the style are found in secular melodies popular dances Jewish ‘hazanut’ (cantorial music) and also the ‘nigunim’ the wordless melodies intoned by the ‘Hasidim’ (orthodox Jews).Since the 16th century lyrics hadbeen 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. The melody of Hava Nagila was adapted from a folk dance from the Romanian district of Bucovina. The commonly used text is taken from Psalm 118 of the Hebrew bible.

Three Slavonic Dances for Woodwind Ensemble- Slavonica! was commissioned by the Bloomsbury Music Group for the Bloomsbury Woodwind Ensemble. The composer wanted to create a set of three modern ‘Slavonic Dances’ which are strongly influenced by Dvo ák’s famous examples: an opening dance a ‘sousedská’ and a lively ‘sko ná’ accelerating to a whirlwind coda. These dances can be played either by a group with one player per part or by a full concert band wind section.

Concerto No 3 for Euphonium and Band- Diamond Concerto was commissioned by Musikverein Mörschied from Germany - Dr. Eric Grandjean conductor - for a special concert featuring Steven Mead as guest soloist. Together they gave the world premiere on 28th April 2012 in the town theatre of Idar-Oberstein.The commission is a highlight in the 30-year friendship between composer and soloist which has included many mutual CD projects and concerts and now a concerto. Sparke had Steven Mead’s special euphonium sound in his head throughout the composition process and made free use of the variety of styles which the world-renowned virtuoso has made his own during his highly successful solo career.The village ofMörschied lies to the west of Frankfurt am Main in the area known as the German Road of Precious Stones which is famous for its thriving gem industry. Because of this it was decided to give the commission a local connection by choosing the title Diamond Concerto . Each of the three movements is named after a famous diamond:1 EARTH STARis rather stern in mood opening with a free fantasy for the soloist over a static chord from the band. This leads to an Allegro Moderato in minor mode where small motives are gradually repeated and developed by both band and soloist.2 OCEAN DREAMuses a varied quote from the composer’s Music for Battle Creek including a melting slow melody that was originally written with Steven Mead in mind.3 BLUE HEARTwas written at Steven Mead’s suggestion in bebop style and takes the form of a jazz waltz. The quasi-improvisatory central section features a call-and-response passage for the soloist and upper woodwinds.Soloist: Difficulty 6 Diamond Concerto is available for euphonium and piano (AMP 374-401) as well as for euphonium and concert band (AMP 354-010).

Part of the Anglo Music Play-along Series Philip Sparke’s 15 Easy Classical Solos is aimed at the young instrumentalist who can play just over an octave. Specifically tailored to suit the individual instrument this book introduces the beginning player to the world of the classics by using simple yet attractive melodies that fit their limited range. The carefully selected pieces include music from the 16th to the 20th century and cover a wide variety of styles from Bach to Grieg and from Purcell to Satie. This book will provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method and includes both piano accompaniment and a demo/play-along CD. Part of the Anglo Music Play-along Series Philip Sparke's 15 Easy Classical Solos is aimed at the young instrumentalist who can play just over an octave. Specifically tailored to suit the individual instrument this book introduces the beginning player to the world of the classics by using simple yet attractive melodies that fit their limited range. The carefully selected pieces include music from the 16th to the 20th century and cover a wide variety of styles from Bach to Grieg and from Purcell to Satie. This book will provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method and includes both piano accompaniment and a demo/play-along CD.

Between 1905 and 1934 Gustav Holst was Director of Music at St Paul’s Girls School in Brook Green London. St Paul’s Suite written for the school’s string orchestra was premiered there in 1913 and consists of four movements: an energetic Jig in 6/8 and 9/8 Ostinato based on a simple 4-note theme Intermezzo an energetic and rhythmic dance and Finale adapted from the Second Suite in F in which Holst brilliantly combines The Dargason and The English Dancing Master with the traditional melody Greensleeves .

All Creatures of our God and King-This arrangement presents three contrasting verses of the ancienthymn tune Let Us Rejoice! which in the English-speaking worldis usually sung to the hymn All creatures of our God and King. Itis effective as a concert piece as well as an instrumental interludeduring a church service particularly at Easter or Whitsun.

Part of the Anglo Music Play-along Series Philip Sparke’s 15 Easy Classical Solos is aimed at the young instrumentalist who can play just over an octave. Specifically tailored to suit the individual instrument this book introduces the beginning player to the world of the classics by using simple yet attractive melodies that fit their limited range. The carefully selected pieces include music from the 16th to the 20th century and cover a wide variety of styles from Bach to Grieg and from Purcell to Satie. This book will provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method and includes both piano accompaniment and a demo/play-along CD. Part of the Anglo Music Play-along Series Philip Sparke's 15 Easy Classical Solos is aimed at the young instrumentalist who can play just over an octave. Specifically tailored to suit the individual instrument this book introduces the beginning player to the world of the classics by using simple yet attractive melodies that fit their limited range. The carefully selected pieces include music from the 16th to the 20th century and cover a wide variety of styles from Bach to Grieg and from Purcell to Satie. This book will provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method and includes both piano accompaniment and a demo/play-along CD.

Five States of Change was commissioned by Kunstfactor for the 4th section of the Dutch National Brass Band Championships (NBK) 2011. It is dedicated to Jappie Dijkstra and the Music Information Centre (MUI) Arnhem Holland in acknowledgement of their outstanding work in developing band repertoire.The composer writes: The idea for the piece came when I was reading an article about a branch of Chinese philosophy which is abbreviated as Wu Xing* which has no exact translation but can mean for example five elements five phases or five states of change . It is central to all elements of Chinese thought including science philosophy medicine andastrology and in simple terms tries to create various cyclic relationships between five elements in all walks of life.An example is: Earth - Metal - Water - Wood - Fire - (Earth) etc. where (in one cycle) earth bears metal metal changes to liquid (water) when heated water helps trees grow wood burns to create fire fire produces ash (earth) and the cycle continues.I was particularly interested in the cycle of emotions:- Meditation - Sorrow - Fear - Anger - Joy - (Meditation) etc. and thought this cyclic principle would provide an effective emotional journey for a piece of music. So Five States of Change has five equal sections which loosely characterise this emotional cycle. I have tried to make the music grow organically with minimal repetition and each movement evolves from the musical elements at the end of the previous one with the opening material appearing transformed at the end of the piece to complete the cycle. *in full Wu zhong liu xing zhi chi or the five types of chi dominating at different times

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.

A collection of 19th century Shaker melodies-The Shakers were a sect who in the 18th Century sailed out from England to America. Right into the late 19th Century the numerous songs of this community were handed down orally until they were written down in various volumes of song collections. Philip Sparke’s fantasy for wind band is based on a selection of these beautiful captivatingly simple songs.

Contest March-This fantastic contest march was composed for the Alexander Brass Band from Stavanger Norway who wanted a brand new march to play when they took part in the world-renowned Whit Friday March Contest. In the march Philip Sparke has followed the traditional brass band contest march format and it is named as a tribute to Alexander the Great rather than the Alexander brass band who were actually named after their local pub!

40 Progressive Duets for Trumpets Cornets or Flugel Horns-Philip Sparke’s Skilful Duets is the second volume of a progressive series of duet books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first book in the series ( Starter Duets ) this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument Skilful Duets introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrument ranges; the concept of tempo and style indications is also introduced. Skilful Duets provides invaluable additional material to complement anyteaching method. Philip Sparke’s Skilful Duets is the second volume of a progressive series of duet books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first book in the series (Starter Duets) this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument Skilful Duets introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrument ranges; the concept of tempo and style indications is also introduced. Skilful Duets provides invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method.

Quelle est cette odeur agreable-‘Whence is that Goodly Fragrance Flowing?’ is the first line of an old French Christmas song that originated in the 17th century. In 1728 John Gay used this joyous and markedly festive melody that honours Jesus Christ and His miraculous birth in his Beggar’s Opera . Philip Sparke has given this melody a new lease of life with his charming and imaginative arrangement for the Christmas season.