Sacred Music

JM45589 1861 - Parts & Score

Categories: Wind Band Catalogue - Slow Tunes, Wind Band Catalogue - Sacred Music
Composer: Jonathan Newman

1861
1861 is a lyric hymn/fantasia for young concert bands, based on the beautiful 19th century Anglican hymn “Lead Me, Lord” (written in 1861 by Charles Sebastian Wesley). The hymn itself features a gorgeous melodic line over biting harmonies and striking counterpoint, and provides the pillars for this work. First is a soloistic treatment, followed with a dramatic full band tutti, and finally a section of evocative humming. Throughout are unique textures and colorful improvisitory accompaniments.

JM44984 AVE MARIA

Categories: Wind Band Catalogue - Sacred Music, Wind Band Catalogue - Slow Tunes
Composer: Schuman
Composer / arranger: Frank Ticheli

Grade 3.
With the possible exception of Mozart, no other composer in the history of music ever surpassed Franz Schubert's genius for melodic writing. His lieder (art songs for voice and piano) were composed at an astonishing rate, and number in the hundreds. Some of Vienna's greatest singers were his closest friends, and he took pleasure in creating his songs for them. One of his most well-known songs, "Ave Maria," was composed in 1825 when he was 28 years old.

In my setting, I considered carefully the problem of translating piano music to the wind medium without compromising the dignity and beauty of the original. To have simply transferred the piano part literally to the winds would have resulted in a timid and thin sound. For me, the solution was to find and connect the multiple melodic layers implied by the piano figurations, creating a richer, more polyphonic texture suitable to the winds. I had lots of fun dissecting and re-assembling the piece, and I took occasional liberties in the process, but I never strayed far from the basic harmonic structure of the original, and I strove hard to preserve a Schubertian elegance and grace.

There are other differences between the two versions. In Schubert's setting, three verses of text are set to the same music. With the absence of the text in my version, it seemed sufficient to state the verse only twice, and it seemed necessary to find other ways to control and vary the dramatic flow. I took liberties with the octave placement of the melody, and rather than repeat the second verse literally, I constructed it as a subtle variation of the first. Finally, and perhaps most obviously, I changed the basic pulse of the original from the eighth-note to the quarter for greater ease on the eye.

Even without its text, Schubert's song sounds more devotional than virtually anything he ever composed. I kept this at the front of my mind throughout the creative process. Above all, I hope my setting reflects the profound sense of reverence and humility expressed in the original.

JM45478 BE THOU MY VISION - Parts & Score

Categories: Wind Band Catalogue - Slow Tunes, Wind Band Catalogue - Sacred Music
Composer: Travis Cross

Windependence – Master Level (Grade 4)
The well-known traditional Irish hymn is here thoughtfully arranged for wind band and optional vocal/choral part. The setting captures the humble, yet majestic, simplicity and deep faith represented by the hymn text, while providing an exceptional opportunity for combining band and chorus. (3:45)

JM49595 DAVID of the WHITE ROCK - Parts & Score

Categories: Wind Band Catalogue - Slow Tunes, Wind Band Catalogue - Sacred Music
Composer: Traditional
Arranger: Philip Sparke

Grade 3.0
This is an ancient Welsh air that was first published in Relics of the Welsh Bards in 1794. Dafydd (David) Owain was a famous Welsh bard who lived on a farm called Gareg Wen (The White Rock) in Eifionydd, Carnarnvonshire, North Wales. Tradition has it that on his deathbed he called for his harp and composed this lovely melody, requesting that it be played at his funeral. Accordingly, it was later played at the parish church of Ynys-Cynhaiarn. Lyrics were later added by Ceiriog Hughes, which describe the melody's inspiration. This version for concert band retains all the beauty and simplicity of the original.

Duration 2.45

JM45487 PSALM 42 - Parts & Score

Categories: Wind Band Catalogue - Slow Tunes, Wind Band Catalogue - Sacred Music
Arranger: Samuel Hazo

Windependence – Apprentice, Advanced (Grade 2-3)
This graceful arrangement of the traditional four-part English chorale is perfect for teacing clear tone concepts to your band. The work is scored for beginning band or beginning string orchestra, allowing for the combination of the two ensembles for a tour-de-force year-end concert. (2:20)

JM47230 REPTON FANTASY - Parts & Score

Category: Wind Band Catalogue - Sacred Music
Composer: Philip Sparke

Sir Hubert Parry (1848-1918) is mostly remembered for the marvellous melodies of his hymn tunes, such as Jerusalem and Repton. The latter first appeared in Parry’s oratorio Judith and was adapted as a hymn tune after the composer’s death.

JM44975 SHINE AS THE LIGHT - Parts & Score

Categories: Wind Band Catalogue - Entertainment - Light Concert Works, Wind Band Catalogue - Sacred Music
Composer: Peter Graham

Already a classic of the British Brass band Repertoire, this version is designed to become a favourite of religious or secular programs. "Shine As the Light" was written for the composers visit to the Salvation Arm's Star lake Music Camp, and is dedicated to the memory of captain All Honsberger. It features three church songs (i) It's A Great Day, the beautiful (ii) Candle of the Lord, and the blazing finale (iii) The Light Has Come. Grade 4.

JM45134 SLEEP of the IMMORTAL ONE, The

Category: Wind Band Catalogue - Sacred Music
Composer: Clark McAlister

Meditation on a Russian Chant for Symphonic Brass & Tam-tam

Specially adapted for members of the US Air Force Band from his monumental symphony Pascha, this is a brief but moving study in brass sonority. Exploiting the sustaining qualities of the instruments, it builds from a contemplative opening to an eloquent climax of restrained power drawing material from a traditional Russian Passiontide Hymn. A fine choice for your Easter concert, it would also be appropriate for any solemn occasion.
7 minutes