for Eb Horn and Brass Band- Sunday in the Park was written for tenor horn virtuoso Sheona White and commissioned by her partner Matt Wade as a Christmas present. Composer Philip Sparke had known and admired Sheona’s playing for many years having produced her firstsolo CD and written pieces for her previously. Both composer and performer are huge fans of the late Karen Carpenter Sheona in part modelling her sound on the singer’s sultry voice; so it was decided that this new solo would be a piece which whilstnot being a ‘Carpenters’ pastiche paid tribute to their relaxed style and rich harmonic language. Sunday in the Park opens with an accompanied cadenza for the soloist which leads to a gentle rhythmic melody with a laid-back feel. This istaken up by the band but the soloist sparks a change of mood by introducing a faster light rock interlude. This reaches a climax at which point the music unwinds until the original mood returns. A variation on the original melody leads to a shortcadenza from the soloist which brings the work to a peaceful close. Sunday in the Park was written for tenor horn virtuoso Sheona White and commissioned by her partner Matt Wade as a Christmas present. Composer Philip Sparke had known and admired Sheona's playing for many years having produced her first solo CD and written pieces for her previously. Both composer and performer are huge fans of the late Karen Carpenter Sheona in part modelling her sound on the singer's sultry voice; so it was decided that this new solo would be a piece which whilst not being a Carpenters' pastiche paid tribute to their relaxed style and rich harmonic language. Sunday in the Park openswith an accompanied cadenza for the soloist which leads to a gentle rhythmic melody with a laid-back feel. This is taken up by the band but the soloist sparks a change of mood by introducing a faster light rock interlude. This reaches a climax at which point the music unwinds until the original mood returns. A variation on the original melody leads to a short cadenza from the soloist which brings the work to a peaceful close.

Sinfonietta: The Town Beneath the Cliff was commissioned by Holmestrand Ungdomskorps from Vestfold in Norway. The work is in four movements: a spectacular fanfare followed by a ‘moto perpetuo’-like toccata. The third movement Hymn is a beautiful piece of music allowing the band to show its musicality and sound. The last movement Scherzo Finale opens with a short phrase from Holmestrand’s own ‘town song’ – Holmestrandsangen which comes again in full at the end of the piece accompanied by a florid passage based on the opening theme.

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.

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 arethat 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.

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

40 Progressive Duets for Flutes-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.

Jubiloso s’inscrit dans la lignée des marches Slipstream et The Bandwagon : un style « broadwayien » des mélodies fortement syncopées un trio cantabile assez conventionnel et quelques surprenantes mesures irrégulières qui viennent troubler le rythme régulièrement cadencé de la marche. Une marche idéale pour une ouverture de concert.

Everyone will instantly recognize this great patriotic hymn that is often thought of as the second English national anthem. This fanfare band arrangement by Philip Sparke is sure to be used over and over again at your band’s performances. Your audience will not be able to help themselves from joining in with this rousing song everytime you use it as the final item in any concert.

A feature for flugel and tenor horns based on the Passion Chorale-This timeless melody by Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612) is now chiefly remembered because of its inclusion in J S Bach’s St. Matthew Passion (hence its title) where it is treated to a variety of rich harmonisations. It is mostly sung to Paulus Gerhardt’s words O Sacred head! sore wounded .This setting features the flugel and horns who first play a lyrical descant to the famous hymn tune and then the melody itself against a Bach-like obbligato in the accompaniment.

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.

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 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 havebeen sung as part of the court entertainment.This arrangement features a quartet of soloists and two solo drummers.

from Cantata No 208 'The Hunt Cantata'-The Hunt Cantata (No 208) is one of more than 20 secular cantatas. It contains the famous aria ‘Sheep May Safely Graze’ originally written for a rather large orchestra and mixed choir. Bring a little of the Baroque era to your concert with this first class arrangement by Philip Sparke.

The Latin American mood of the piece is a salute to the population of California a state which many feel still clearly displays its Mexican roots. The melody and intoxicating rhythm of the music oozes excitement thus ensuring every single member of your audience will go home in a joyous mood!

During his short lifetime Max Reger (1873-1916) was a prolific composer with many of his best known works being composed for organ. The ten chorale preludes in this selection are from his set of Thirty Short Chorale Preludes Op.135a composed as short voluntaries for liturgical use rather than for recitals in these arrangements Philip Sparke has kept this in mind and each prelude can be performed with minimal instrumentation for those occasions where a small band is needed. They also make great pieces for band warm-ups or studies in intonation sound and balance.

from Hymn of the Highlands - for Bb Piccolo Trumpet (or Eb Cornet/Trumpet) Solo-The seven-movement suite for brass band Hymn of the Highlands was commissioned by David King and the Yorkshire Building Society Band and provides a series of themed movements which can act as a half-concert featuring a band’s soloists. Flowerdale is one of the solo movements. This solo is also available with piano accompaniment edition no. AMP 285.

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 contrasting traditionaltunes to form a suite that will bring a true karnival atmosphere to any concert.

Le Midwest est une vaste région du centre des États-Unis entre la Côte Est et l'Ouest américain. Fondé le 19 septembre 1857 l’Orchestre d’Harmonie Municipal de Decatur (Illinois États-Unis) est une des plus anciennes formations civiles américaines. Depuis sa création l’orchestre n’a jamais cessé de participer activement à la vie florissante de la cité se produisant lors de concerts en intérieur ou en plein air de parades ou de certains événements spéciaux.À la demande de Jim Culbertson directeur musical de l’orchestre Philip Sparke fut chargé d’écrire une pièce qui illustre la longue et riche histoire de la formation à travers un répertoire varié qui s’étend de l’universclassique avec ses ouvertures et marches jusqu’aux œuvres originales et arrangements d’œuvres récents. A Midwest Celebration s’inspire de quelques célèbres ouvertures orchestrales du XIXe siècle écrites par de grands compositeurs tels que Berlioz Verdi et Suppé. L’introduction est florissante. Tout s’apaise lorsqu’apparaît une mélodie aux courbes harmonieuses jouée par les cors les clarinettes et les saxophones. Mais à peine commence-t-il à se développer que le thème est brutalement interrompu par l’intervention des trompettes qui ouvrent un vertigineux passage Vivace illuminé par des fanfares brillantes (cuivres) et une profusion d’éléments d’ornementation (bois). Les cors reprennent l’exposition de la mélodie initiale soutenus par la douceur ondulante des flûtes. Soudain les lignes mélodiques du Vivace resurgissent et balayent la musique pour progresser vers leur intensité maximale point de rencontre entre les deux thématiques qui mènent le composition vers sa conclusion.

This piece depicts the refined beauty of the Grand Canyon at sunrise and sunset. These are the best times to view the Canyon with the sun low in the sky casting shadows that give depth and form to the vast panorama. Angel’s Gate is one of the many named rock formations in the canyon. The composer has tried to depict the sights and sounds of dawn birdsong in the early morning sky and the gradual revelation of the Canyon itself as sunlight reaches into its rocky depths.Towards the end of the piece to the sound of a tolling bell we are however reminded of the dangers that the beauty of the Grand Canyon so cleverly hides.

Philip Sparke 's A Quiet Moment for Brass Band. Score and parts.