Skin and Bones : feature for Trombone Trio and Drum Kit

Skin and Bones : feature for Trombone Trio and Drum Kit

Sunday in the Park : for Eb Horn and Piano

White Light : for Oboe and Piano

White Light was commissioned by Fumiko Teramoto, oboist with the Musashino Grand Concert Band from Tokyo, Japan. The request was for a moderately slow piece, of intermediate difficulty, which included White in the title, as this is her lucky colour. Composer Philip Sparke decided to use this suggestion to write a piece that was bright and light in terms of harmony and colour, with much use of simple major and minor chords and an emphasis on pure and transparent timbres. He was also keen to capture the essence and history of the oboe as a solo instrument - the piece is pastoral in character and often almost baroque in style. Also available for oboe and concert band (AMP317-010/140).

Flourish for Fanfare

Flourish for Fanfare was commissioned by Fanfare CWO Groningen to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2018. It opens with a fanfare on flugel horns and trumpets under saxophone trills which gradually subside to introduce a trio for the trombones. This builds and leads back to the opening fanfare, which is interrupted by a slower, hymn-like passage on lower brass. A saxophone chorale follows and is repeated by the full band, leading to a dramatic molto vivo. The trombones then introduce a new theme, derived from their original trio, which is developed until the horns take centre stage and introduce a change of mood. This builds to a climax before a contrasting themeemerges on saxes and euphoniums. The trombone theme then returns to introduce a triumphant version of the saxophone chorale, which drives the work back to a coda based on the opening fanfare.

Flourish for Fanfare

Flourish for Fanfare was commissioned by Fanfare CWO Groningen to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2018. It opens with a fanfare on flugel horns and trumpets under saxophone trills which gradually subside to introduce a trio for the trombones. This builds and leads back to the opening fanfare, which is interrupted by a slower, hymn-like passage on lower brass. A saxophone chorale follows and is repeated by the full band, leading to a dramatic molto vivo. The trombones then introduce a new theme, derived from their original trio, which is developed until the horns take centre stage and introduce a change of mood. This builds to a climax before a contrasting themeemerges on saxes and euphoniums. The trombone theme then returns to introduce a triumphant version of the saxophone chorale, which drives the work back to a coda based on the opening fanfare.

Gemini Concerto : for Trumpet, Euphonium and Band

Gemini Concerto was commissioned by and written for Ryukoku University (Japan), André Henry and Shoichiro Hokazono. Set in three movements, the concerto aims to explore the close relationship, as solo instruments, between the trumpet and euphonium, exploiting the many common factors between the two as well as the subtly different characteristics they possess in terms of both lyrical and rhythmic playing. The first movement is a bustling toccata and the second movement is lyrical and improvisatory in nature. A fantastic piece and a great addition to the repertoire!Gemini Concerto was commissioned by and written for Ryukoku University (Japan), André Henry and Shoichiro Hokazono. Set in three movements, the concerto aims to explore the close relationship, as solo instruments, between the trumpet and euphonium, exploiting the many common factors between the two as well as the subtly different characteristics they possess in terms of both lyrical and rhythmic playing. The first movement is a bustling toccata and the second movement is lyrical and improvisatory in nature. A fantastic piece and a great addition to the repertoire!

Gemini Concerto : for Trumpet, Euphonium and Band

Gemini Concerto was commissioned by and written for Ryukoku University (Japan), André Henry and Shoichiro Hokazono. Set in three movements, the concerto aims to explore the close relationship, as solo instruments, between the trumpet and euphonium, exploiting the many common factors between the two as well as the subtly different characteristics they possess in terms of both lyrical and rhythmic playing. The first movement is a bustling toccata and the second movement is lyrical and improvisatory in nature. A fantastic piece and a great addition to the repertoire!Gemini Concerto was commissioned by and written for Ryukoku University (Japan), André Henry and Shoichiro Hokazono. Set in three movements, the concerto aims to explore the close relationship, as solo instruments, between the trumpet and euphonium, exploiting the many common factors between the two as well as the subtly different characteristics they possess in terms of both lyrical and rhythmic playing. The first movement is a bustling toccata and the second movement is lyrical and improvisatory in nature. A fantastic piece and a great addition to the repertoire!

Starter Solos For Flute : 20 Progressive pieces for Flute with Piano Accompaniment

Philip Sparke’s Starter Solos is the first volume of a progressive series of books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument, this collection of 20 solos starts with pieces based on only a handful of notes and carefully introduces new musical elements, such as articulation, dynamics and key signatures, in a structured progression to speed the learning process. The books provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method.

Euphonium Concerto No 2 : for Steven Mead

The original concept for this work was a suite of short movements, each with its own character, but by the time the first movement was complete it was clear that a conventional three-movement format was going to work out better. The opening movement contains much syncopation and is almost rag-like in style. The slower second movement explores the unsurpassable ability of the euphonium to play lyrically, with a theme that is later taken up by the band whilst the soloist weaves a filigree descant. This leads straight into the third movement, which is almost bebop in style and shows off the jazzier capabilities of the euphonium. The concerto was composed for the virtuoso soloist,Steven Mead. This version for euphonium and piano is sure to become a concert classic.

Wind in the Reeds : for Bassoon (or Baritone Saxophone) and Piano

Super Duets - 2 Horns : 15 Progressive Duets for Horns

Philip Sparke’s Super Duets is the third volume of a progressive series of duet books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first books in the series (Starter Duets, Skilful Duets) this collection contains longer pieces that are suitable for the more advanced player. Specifically tailored for each instrument, Super Duets takes the player into new keys, with new technical and musical challenges, and contains pieces suitable for concert or recital. The series provides invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method.

Super Duets - 2 Oboes : 15 Progressive Duets for Oboes

Philip Sparke’s Super Duets is the third volume of a progressive series of duet books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first books in the series (Starter Duets, Skilful Duets) this collection contains longer pieces that are suitable for the more advanced player. Specifically tailored for each instrument, Super Duets takes the player into new keys, with new technical and musical challenges, and contains pieces suitable for concert or recital. The series provides invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method.

Super Duets - 2 Flutes : 15 Progressive Duets for Flutes

Philip Sparke’s Super Duets is the third volume of a progressive series of duet books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first books in the series (Starter Duets, Skilful Duets) this collection contains longer pieces that are suitable for the more advanced player. Specifically tailored for each instrument, Super Duets takes the player into new keys, with new technical and musical challenges, and contains pieces suitable for concert or recital. The series provides invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method.

Skilful Duets : 40 Progressive Duets for Clarinets

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.

Skilful Duets : 40 Progressive Duets for Saxophones

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.

Skilful Duets : 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.

Skilful Duets : 40 Progressive Duets for Oboes

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.

Flowerdale : for Soprano Cornet or Piccolo Trumpet and Piano

The seven-movement suite for brass band Hymn of the Highlands was commissioned by David King and the Yorkshire Building Society Band for first performance at the 2002 European Brass Band Championships Gala Concert in Brussels.David King’s imaginative programming had already led to the writing of three such ‘concept’ pieces for brass band - Cry of the Celts, Voice of the Vikings and Windows of the World. The idea was to produce an extended and themed piece, which can act as a half concert to feature a band’s soloists. One of the solo movements is Flowerdale, written for arguably the greatest soprano cornet player of all time, the legendary PeterRoberts.This solo is also available with brass band accompaniment, edition no. AMP 049.

Starter Solos For Clarinet : 20 Progressive pieces for Clarinet with Piano Accompaniment

Philip Sparke’s Starter Solos is the first volume of a progressive series of books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument, this collection of 20 solos starts with pieces based on only a handful of notes and carefully introduces new musical elements, such as articulation, dynamics and key signatures, in a structured progression to speed the learning process. The books provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method.Starter Solos comes with a play-along CD. The advantages of playing either with piano or CD accompaniment are that the beginning player can nowexperience 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 a factor when playing alone.

A Song for Susie

Harlequin was commissioned by, and is dedicated to, euphonium virtuoso David Childs. The piece takes as its inspiration the happy and sad masks which symbolise the Commedia dell'Arte (which features Harlequin as one of its main characters) and comprises two movements, a slow modal ballad followed by a frenetic faster movement. A fantastic showpiece for any euphonium player.

Pulcinella : for Euphonium and Concert Band

Pulcinella was commissioned by the Taiwanese euphonium player Tzu-Hsiang Lin. Lin is a renowned soloist and teacher and a Besson Euphonium Artist. He teaches euphonium at Taipei National University of the Arts, National Taiwan University of Arts, Shih Chien University and National Kaohsiung Normal University. Lin gave the premiere of Pulcinella in both its concert band and brass band versions in January 2021. Pulcinella continues Sparke’s series of euphonium solos named after characters of the Italian commedia dell’arte and opens with a long and expressive minor melody for the soloist over a brooding accompaniment. This is taken up briefly by the full band and is extended by the soloist after a change of key. A cadenza, accompanied by fragments of the main melody leads to a complete change of mood, tempo and tonality, introducing a Vivo section starting with a perky syncopated tune for the soloist. The band then uses elements of this new tune to introduce a change of key, where the soloist introduces a more lyrical second subject over a pulsing accompaniment. The band then takes this up and changes key to reintroduce the original Vivo melody, which leads to a short and acrobatic coda to bring the work to a spectacular close.

Pulcinella : for Euphonium and Concert Band

Pulcinella was commissioned by the Taiwanese euphonium player Tzu-Hsiang Lin. Lin is a renowned soloist and teacher and a Besson Euphonium Artist. He teaches euphonium at Taipei National University of the Arts, National Taiwan University of Arts, Shih Chien University and National Kaohsiung Normal University. Lin gave the premiere of Pulcinella in both its concert band and brass band versions in January 2021. Pulcinella continues Sparke’s series of euphonium solos named after characters of the Italian commedia dell’arte and opens with a long and expressive minor melody for the soloist over a brooding accompaniment. This is taken up briefly by the full band and is extended by the soloist after a change of key. A cadenza, accompanied by fragments of the main melody leads to a complete change of mood, tempo and tonality, introducing a Vivo section starting with a perky syncopated tune for the soloist. The band then uses elements of this new tune to introduce a change of key, where the soloist introduces a more lyrical second subject over a pulsing accompaniment. The band then takes this up and changes key to reintroduce the original Vivo melody, which leads to a short and acrobatic coda to bring the work to a spectacular close.

Starter Duets : 60 Progressive Duets for Flutes

The early stages of learning any instrument are undoubtedly the most important. A good teacher is of course essential but it is also vital to have stimulating pieces to play, which complement your choice of teaching method, and are carefully tailored to introduce learning and playing skills in a structured manner. As in the book of Starter Studies, the duets in Starter Duets introduce new musical elements in a logical order to facilitate the speedy growth of the „complete musician“, with the obvious benefit of allowing teacher and student (or two students) to play together and therefore experience the benefits of ensemble playing in the learning process.