Description
Performance Notes from Andrew Duncan:
This arrangement is fairly difficult for inexperienced players and is without doubt one of the most difficult in the Flexi-Collection Popular Classics Series. But, as it is such a popular piece there is normally a great incentive from the players to learn the piece, despite the difficulties.
The accelerando and gradual increases in tempo which are integral to this piece are in themselves very important musical ideas for new players to grasp, and these will be better understood as a result of playing and learning this arrangement.
Other features found in this arrangement which may be new to some inexperienced players are the use of tin mutes in the 1st Cornet/Trumpet part, and the falling chromatic notes (accidentals) found in the melody line. Also, the wide range of dynamics, pp – ff , may be new to some players.
I have deliberately not suggested any specific metronome markings as this is very much up to the conductor and is dependant on the players’ abilities. However, as the arrangement becomes more familiar, the tempo could no doubt be speeded up adding to the excitement of future performances.
The Flexi-Collection Approach
Flexible scoring tailored to your needs – A perfect solution for expanding the repertoire of training and junior brass bands. The Flexi-Collection currently offers two series – Popular Classics and World Tour. Based on four-part harmony, these collections provide groups with the advantage of complete flexibility when they may not be balanced. If players or instruments are missing, the show can still go on!
The Flexi-Collection – Popular Classics Series, encapsulates all that is great about the wonderful range of musical styles produced by Holst, Elgar, Handel, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Grieg, Bizet and Parry.
The thoughtful scoring and arranging by Andrew Duncan now means that groups of all abilities have access to a truly flexible set of music for their needs. With world parts, rudimentary theory, terminology translations and large format typesetting, The Flexi-Collection ticks all the boxes when it comes to bringing interesting music to the training and junior band/brass group environment.
Available individually or as part of the money-saving Flexi-Collection Popular Classics Album. Scored for Brass Band and supplied with additional Easy Bb, Easy Eb and world parts – The Flexi-Collection offers flexibility in every sense of the word.
