Otto M. Schwarz is endeavoring to contribute new ideas to concert band literature. He has contributed in the field of multimedia (Asteroid) and with his many compositions in symphonic/modern arrangement (Jazz Waltz No 1 Fire and Ice or Band Fever). His new composition Funk Attack is as the name suggests a piece in funk style. Otto M. Schwarz first gained his experience in his style in the 8o?s transcribing numbers by famos Amerarican bands including Earth Wind and Fire Tower of Power and the British slap idol Mark King (Level 42). Funk attack is atypical of the concert band scene and requires absolute precision in phrasing and rhythm. Without the support of agreat percussion groove the orchestra plays an interlocked theme in the central section in style of recent American Big Bands. Otto M. Schwarz dedicated this work to Alexander Veit and Symphonic Winds.

In memoriam Anton Bruckner-The convent of St. Florian was the place of work of the upper Austrian composer Anton Bruckner. This convent with its marvellous church where many of his great symphonies were composed is situated in the middle of a rural idyll. St. Florian Choral is Thomas Doss’ modest and deep bow to this great master whose music has been very formative for the composer’s musical life.

A musical by Michael Kunze & Sylvester Levay-Mozart! is Wolfgang Wössners arrangement of melodies from the recent hit musical by Sylvester Levay and Michael Kunze which describes the turbulent and tragic life of the musical genius Mozart. Along with fragments of Mozart’s own music new melodies varying from classic musical-songs and ballads to rock-like hits alternate in this musical extravaganza.

Sketches from Nowhere is the second composition that Thomas Doss has written for brass band. The title was inspired by various images the composer saw in his mind’s eye while working on this piece: pictures of foreign places; pictures of the creation of our world. The main motif that weaves its way from the beginning to the end of the work is meant to parallel humanity’s great evolution: from its humble beginnings as mere stardust to the present day.

Sinfonia dall' opera- Tancredi composed in 1813 is rarely performed in today’s opera houses however its overture or Sinfonia as it was called at the time is well-liked and has received regular performances over the years. This arrangement for concert band has been written so as to retain the original spirit of this immortal short composition one of Rossini’s favourites.

In writing this piece Gino Bergamini was inspired by the figure of Davy Crockett hunter and pioneer in the colonisation of the western part of North America. The piece is built entirely on the smooth succession of intriguing themes and characterised by sharp rhythms. The themes after a short elaboration with an expressive and meaningful style return in a finale with rich sonority to recreate the fascinating atmosphere of that mythical hero Davy Crockett.

‘Saxpack’ was commissioned for the centenary of the Vienna Police Orchestra whose members include one of the most prolific Austrian saxophonists Gert Kolaja. The work is composed in a very modern style incorporating many contemporary saxophone techniques. This is definitely a piece that saxophonists band and listeners will enjoy.

The Waltz Joan of Arc-In 1981 the group OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) managed to turn the ancient legend of Joan of Arc into a modern electro-pop song-and thus leave a landmark in the landscape of pop themselves. The solemn melody over the steady drums in 4/4time creates an almost hypnotic effect that will charm anyone who hears this wind band arrangement.

The giant Haymon was a peaceful knight who lived in Inntal (Austria). One day the bloodthirsty giant Thyrsos came and destroyed Haymon’s castle. A horrible fight ensued and Haymon being the better armed was victorious and slew his adversary. But instead of rejoicing in his success Haymon felt deep remorse. This remorse led him to seek out a monk and become a Christian upon which he immediately started building a monastery. Once completed Haymon joined the monastic order. Two statues at the monastery’s entrance stand in remembrance of his victory. A colossal new work for concert band.

Life! est un medley original de trois succès planétaires. Sortie dans les années 1960 on compte d’innombrables reprises de la ballade For Once in My Life dont celle du grand Stevie Wonder. Avec Good Mornin’ Life de Dean Martin nous entrons dans l’ère du swing. Quant à The Good Life de Frank Sinatra il s’agit de la reprise de la chanson française La belle vie composée par Sacha Distel pour le segment L’orgueil réalisé par Roger Vadim pour le film Les sept péchés capitaux (1962). Laissez le charme opérer !

Music by James Last-German band leader composer arranger and music producer James Last has created many hits during his long career. Particularly memorable are the theme tunes and soundtracks that he composed for television programs and films. Gilbert Tinner has arranged Last’s award-winning melody from the 1968 TV-film Morgens um sieben (ist die Welt noch in Ordnung) for concert band.

Sinfonia-This attractive overture by Saverio Mercadante is an important example of original composition for band from the 19th century. Mercadante was inspired by themes by Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835) from his most famous operas such as Norma and La Sonnambula . Mercadante’s method of composing was similar to Verdi’s who wrote overtures using themes from his operas (such as the overtures to Nabucco and La Forza del Destino for example). The result is a fascinating alternation of lyric and dramatic moments ending in a fast and enthralling finale. This arrangement offers contemporary concert bands access to a composition otherwise forgotten due to itsobsolete instrumentation which differs dramatically from the present one. The original instrumentation included the following instruments: Flute Eb Clarinet Bb Clarinets 1-2-3-4- Eb Horns 1-2-3-4 Bb Flugel Horn Bb Cornets 1-2 Trombones 1-2-3 Bb Bass Flugel Horn Bb Tenor Horn “Pelittoni” (Contrabass Flugel Horns) 1-2 Snare Drum Bass Drum Cymbals. The adaptation to a contemporary instrumentation has been accomplished by taking into account the original ideas so as to maintain the authentic character of the composition.

The Giant Snake-This spectacular work is based on the legend of La Vouivre - the giant snake. Suitable as a contest or concert piece La Vouivre is full of sounds effects such as the sound of a snake as well as short vocal tutti segments. Due to itsexpressive and dramatic nature this musical symphonic poem is a true masterwork.

(1929-1945)-The impressive musical images created by Otto M. Schwarz tell the story of the German girl Anne Frank who lived in hidden rooms of an Amsterdam town house until her family was betrayed and deported to Auschwitz where they all - apart from her father - went to their deaths. The composer who himself is the father of two daughters has illustrated various scenes from this young girl’s short life in a dramatic and cinematic style.

Fanfare for the Champions was commissioned by the municipal concert band of Landeck under the direction of Helmut Schmid on the occasion of the 375th anniversary of the band. The orchestra which premiered Nostradamus (a key work of the composer) and which also commissioned Mantua - Freedom of the Eagle has forged a friendship with the composer over a period of many years. This orchestra has participated in the major European competitions and has always performed with distinction—thus the title of the work Fanfare for the Champions .The fanfare which is written in a style typical for the composer should convey a feeling ofhappiness: the feeling to have created or accomplished something special. Don’t resist that feeling!

for Eb Alto Saxophone and Concert Band-Ive been arguably credited with having written some 300 songs 299 of which enjoyed a rather bumpy ride from relative obscurity to total oblivion. Heres the other one. These are the words of the great Jazz pianist and composer George Shearing about his hit of the century Lullaby of Birdland . The list of famous artists who performed this Jazz standard runs from From Ella Fitzgerald to Amy Winehouse. Gilbert Tinner wrote this arrangement for Concert Band preserving the distinctive George Shearing Sound.

The Discovery of the New World- Mundus Novus (‘New World’ ) is a travelogue in the form of letters sent by the sailor and explorer Amerigo Vespucci in 1502 to the Florentine nobleman Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco di Medici. Vespucci is credited with four journeys to America eventually leading to Martin Waldseemüller’s map ‘Cosmographiae Introductio' in which the name ‘America’ first appeared.

Lullaby-The composer dedicated Goodnight to his two youngest daughters Teresa and Sarah creating another addition to his series of children’s pieces which includes Powerplay and Romantic Ballad . The intimate atmosphere created by the music reflects the unique and precious connection between a father and his daughters. As the name implies Goodnight was conceived as a lullaby making it a perfect encore to end an evening concert.

Firework is a composition commissioned by Musikkapellen Energie-AG and Magistratskapelle Stadt Linz.This sparkling work shows that from time to time Thomas Doss is happy to produce music of sheer entertainment.Fireworks are always joyful and festive. Whether big or small we all love watching fireworks. In this piece of music the audience experiences not so much a visual feast as a spectacle in sound—a star-burst of colourful melody and rhythm that guarantees high spirits and a good mood.

The Imperial Royal State Railways was the first rail company in the Austro-Hungarian empire. Imperial Overture tells the tale of a tourist who visits Austria and travels by rail across Austria. During his journey the train passes through the Vienna Woods and the beautiful scenery of Lower and Upper Austria stopping for a short while in Wels before reaching Salzburg Mozart’s home town.