Band

Starflash describes a celestial phenomenon that the composer witnessed in the smmer of 2005 gazing at the night sky over the Greek island of Kos. He saw two shooting stars coming from different directions, approaching each other and burning up. This piece begins with a fanfare representing the vastness of space, followed by the flight of the shooting stars. Characteristic Greek dance elements are interwoven with themes in the style of film music. In the middle section, a bolero with an oriental flair sets in, symbolising the nearby mainland of Turket with the lights shining at night. Your players will be 'over the moon' with this celestial masterpiece.

The music society, Melodia Goldach from Switzerland, commissioned Gilbert Tinner to write Start Up the Band, an ideal opening piece for any concert. Following a lively, fanfare-like brass introduction, high-spirited woodwind phrases and powerful bass and timpani lines, the theme is heard in a rock style. The middle section, if played softly, can also be used as background music for presentation and announcements.

This piece attempts to portray atmospheric pictures through music. The opening section evokes the somewhat misty and hazy early morning atmosphere surrounding the ancient monument. When the band reaches its first dynamic climax it is as if the massive boulders are audible, even touchable through the use of minor 3rd chords. The main theme, constructed on the notes CAFBG, symbolises the arrangement of the central boulders in the shape of a horseshoe, which forms the focal point of this huge collection of stones. Towards the end of the work you will experience a fantastic effect when five soloists play a five part hymn whilst other members of the band create a special atmosphere by imitating a choir of monks and druids. A fantastic major new concert work for advanced bands.

Strathcarron is a movement from Philip Sparke's Hymn of the Highlands, in which each movement reflects a different location in the beautiful Scottish highlands. Strathcarron, named after a village at the head of Loch Carron, near the Isle of Skye, takes the form of a sword dance which alternates between fast and slow tempi.

This stately opening work begins in the low register with a broad main theme from the low brass immediately setting the tone. Gradually other sections and registers enter and despite retaining a majestic character the rhythmic element becomes more active. This work makes truly creative use of sound, without great virtuosity or complexity, but maintains a good balance between static and dynamic elements.