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.

Christina Rossetti wrote the words to this famous Christmas carol in 1872 in response to a request from the magazine Scribner's Monthly for a Christmas poem. They were set to music by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) for inclusion in the first edition (1906) of The English Hymnal edited by his life-long friend Ralph Vaughan Williams. Philip Sparke has carefully arranged the beautiful melody into this delightful version for concert band. A must for any Christmas concert.

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 Four Seasons)-Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) stands with Handel and J.S. Bach as one of the titanic figures of late Baroque composition. Not only was he lauded as a composer of vocal and instrumental works both sacred and secular he was without serious competition the most prolific composer of his age. In addition to hundreds of vocal works includingforty-nine operas he composed five hundred concertos. The Four Seasons are probably the best known of his concerti with the second movement

40 Progressive Studies-Following on from Starter Studies this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument Skilful Studies introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrumental ranges. New notes are introduced in a gradual and logical manner; woodwind players are taken into their second octave learning to cross the ‘break’ as smoothly as possible.Longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Skilful Studies introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrumental ranges. new notes are introduced in a gradual and logical manner. Woodwind players are taken into their second octave learning to cross the break as smoothly as possible and brass players have their range extended both upwards and downwards.

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 Camelot Chronicles is a series of contrasting musical tableaux each describing the famous characters from the Arthurian legend. Noone knows exactly where Camelot was situated (favourite choices areTintagel and Glastonbury) but the story has passed into legend and isthe subject of many poems and novels each of which have cloudedthe truth and added to the mystery. Let Philip Sparke?s music inspireyour band with this magical tale.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

...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 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.

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 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’.

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.