CD - Lyrical Virtuoso - Steven Mead and Brassband Buizingen (cond. Luc Vertommen)
	£12.00 - £6.00 Reference:  CDBOCC125 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Here is the album Lyrical Virtuoso, BOCC125, recorded by Steve and accompanied by Brassband Buizingen, conductor Luc Vertommen

You Tube demo

lyrical

adjective - (of literature, art, or music) expressing the writer's emotions in an imaginative and beautiful way.

 virtuoso

noun - a person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit.

 Steven Mead reunites with Brassband Buizingen and conductor Luc Vertommen, eleven years after they made their highly successful ‘Euphonium Virtuoso’ album.

As most euphonium enthusiasts know, Steve has recorded many CDs since his first official release, Rondo in 1991. If you include all his albums; solo albums, the education orientated CDs, those with the British Tuba Quartet, and guest appearances, the number is now in the mid-seventies!  For him, recording is a passion, and a mark of his true dedication to the euphonium.  Over the years he has recorded with various ensembles; brass and wind bands, chamber orchestra, wind quintet, trombone quintet, brass quintet, ten-piece brass ensemble, organ, piano, multitracked Mead and electronics. With each genre he has impressed with his musicality, unique rich sonority and virtuosity. For him this instrument has almost no limits.

In 1995 Steve recorded an album, Euphonium Virtuoso, with the outstanding Belgian ensemble Brassband Buizingen.  This album won several international awards that year. He also really enjoys the collaboration and friendship with their conductor Luc Vertommen who is a visionary arranger as well as fine conductor.  So it was decided to get back in the recording studio, eleven years on, and make a second album together. Reflecting on the literature to be recorded, the title Lyrical Virtuoso seems to be such an apt title.  It includes works from the present day, as well as the marvellous Euphonium Concerto No.1 by John Golland, and then looks back even further to virtuoso works from the nineteenth century, and especially recognises the influence and works of the legendary violinist composer Niccolò Paganini.  Six of the ten works are receiving their premiere recording with brass band, and all will be available shortly for performance by those brave enough (especially the highly virtuosic works) to take them on. At the heart of Steve’s musicianship is his singing tone, a feature of his entire career, and here his lyrical approach can be appreciated to the full in some simply breathtakingly-beautiful melodies. We hope you enjoy Lyrical Virtuoso.

Steven Mead – Euphonium

Brass Band Buizingen

conductor Luc Vertommen

1. La Corrida de Toros - David Bandman/Luc Vertommen*  5.20
2. Sérenade Napolitaine - Ruggero Leoncavallo/Vertommen*  2.14
3. Euphonium Concerto No.1 - John Golland  17.16
4. The Auld Noost - Ronald Jamieson/Anthony Swainson*  4.43
5. Capriccio di Niccolò - Frank Proto/Luc Vertommen*  16.10
6. Michelangelo - Sigvart Dagsland/Frode Rydland  5.09
7. Mayfly Blues - Stan Nieuwenhuis  7.42
8. In Gardens of Peace - Philip Harper   5.27
9. Rondo-La Campanella (from Violin Concerto No. 2) – Niccolò Paganini/Luc Vertommen*   6.27
10. Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen (I Am Lost To The World) - Gustav Mahler/Luc Vertommen*  6.26

Total time 79.37  *Premiere recording with brass band

Recorded in Stroming Hall, Berlare, Belgium, July 1-3, 2016

Producer/Sound Engineer: Richard Scott (with kind permission from World of Brass)

Production Assistant: Phil Hardman

Produced in the UK by Bocchino Music

Catalogue: BOCC125

A Review by Iwan Fox, 4Barsrest.com

Eleven years after he last linked up with conductor Luc Vertommen and Brass Band Buizingen, Steven Mead returned to the recording studio in 2016 for this thoughtful release.
 
Lyricism in brass playing is in danger of becoming an eroded art: The pursuit of ever more audacious technical brilliance has made it an increasingly difficult musical language to understand as well as master.

Polyglot

However, both elements can still be combined, and here the soloist states his case for appreciation with a cultured sense of authority. Mead is one of the last true polyglots.

The ten tracks are a series of mature performances of eclectic inspiration - from the bullish Iberian swagger of Bandman’s ‘La Corrida de Toros’ to the poetic resignation of Mahler’s ‘Ich bin der welt abhanden gekommen’.  In between we touch on elements of reflection as well as celebration, lasting delicacy to bluesy ephemera.

Expertly realised

The virtuosity on display is skilled and artistic; the lyricism imaginative and beautiful (essential characteristics he himself identifies in his perceptive sleeve notes). The performances are enhanced by equally considered accompaniment (including the use of a harp) and subtly coloured arrangements, expertly realised by Luc Vertommen.

Same coin

The centre-pieces are balanced counterpoints: Golland’s darkly hued ‘Concerto’ is a work of personal complexities hidden in plain view; layers of seeming transparency that still obscure a central core of troubled emotions.  In contrast, Proto’s fantasy on the famous ‘24th Caprice’ by Paganini lays all bare - sumptuous, rich, extrovert.  

They are still two sides of the same musical coin though. And it is a currency that Steven Mead shows throughout is still worth its weight in gold. 

Iwan Fox

Listening Post number 141, April 2017, Tim Mutum.

Eleven years after his first disc with Brass Band Buizingen, Steven teamed up again with the Belgian band and the result is an amazing program that really enables the soloist to demonstrate his talents. From the 10 solos, six premiered on this disc, four left me completely spellbound. The Rondo from Paganini's Violin Concerto No.2 is clearly a fiendishly difficult piece to master, but Steven's articulation is so precise that none of the immense detail is lost. A demonstration of the virtuoso half of the title. On the lyrical side, The Auld Noost is a gorgeous slow melody and its eloquence and charm really tugs at you. In Gardens of Peace is more sombre as Philip Harper's solo creates the aura and peacefulness of the Commonwealth War Graves Cemeteries on the Somme and the playing is beautiful. Luc Vertommen contributed most of the arrangements for the CD but he left the best to last with his arrangement of Mahler's highly emotional I Am Lost to the World, which uses harp, percussion and muted brass to create more distinctive colours. A blissful ending to an immensely musically satisfying CD of which Steven Mead is rightly proud

Steven Mead

Whether he’s playing his beloved euphonium on tour, or teaching at the RNCM, giving a masterclass to a band, designing and testing instruments and mouthpieces for Besson and Denis Wick, or even simply practicing, Steven Mead always does it with passion and the utmost dedication. It’s been like this for many many years. 

 Since his early days in Bournemouth, he’s been passionate about performing music, initially as a young boy soprano, and into his teenage years as a euphonium soloist.  He has become a worldwide ambassador for the instrument, travelling the world constantly, introducing audiences to this instrument year after year, constantly inspiring the next generation of young brass musicians to greatness. Full details of Steve’s career and history can be found on his popular website www.euphonium.net. Follow him on media sites Facebook and Twitter (meadeuph). His online webstore www.euphoniumstore.net caters for the specialist needs of many enthusiasts too.

Brassband Buizingen

The band was founded in 1879 as a fanfare band by workers of the local porcelain factory.  In 1975 it was amongst the first Belgian bands to convert to the traditional British-style brass band instrumentation.  Since then, the band has played a leading role in the Belgian band world, gaining prizes at competitions and recognition for its musical approach both at home and abroad.  Over the years it has given notable concerts and contest performances, released numerous CDs and, in 1997, had the particular honour conferred on it of being named ‘Cultural Ambassador of Flanders’. 

More recently, BBU won the Belgian National Championships three times, in 2009, 2012 and 2015 and represented Belgium at the European Championships in Stavanger, Linz, Oslo and Lille.  In 2011 BBU was runner-up at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade and in 2012 the band was runner-up at the All England Masters.  Brassband Buizingen won the Flemish Open Brass Band Championships VOBK) three times.  The band was honoured by SABAM (the Belgian Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers) with the prestigious Fugue-Trophy for their contribution to Flemish band music and received the title of Cultural Ambassador of their hometown, Halle which is based in the South of Brussels.

Brassband Buizingen had the honour to play in concert with Steven Mead several times and record the highly acclaimed Euphonium Virtuoso CD in 2005 with Steven Mead and team up with him again 11 years later for his latest solo album.  You can find more information on their website http://www.brassbandbuizingen.be.

Conductor Luc Vertommen

 Dr. Luc Vertommen was born in Leest (Mechelen) where he made his first acquaintance with wind music through the local fanfare band.  He studied cornet, music theory and piano at the music academies in Mechelen and Willebroek.  Further musical studies were completed with a triple diploma in trumpet, music history and band conducting at the Lemmensinstitute in Louvain.  He also obtained a first prize in chamber music at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels, a master degree for conducting and Doctor of Musical Arts (2011) at Salford University, Manchester, (UK).  He has immersed himself full-time in the world of band music as a brass teacher, player, conductor, arranger and writer. 

He conducts Brass Band Buizingen (Belgium), Brass Band Nord-pas de Calais (France) and is head of music school in Deurne (Antwerp).

He can be heard on more than 25 highly acclaimed CD recordings and is editor and artistic director of Band Press VOF.  He regularly is invited to conduct or adjudicate around Europe and obtained the International Buma Brass Award 2014 for his international work within the band movement.

His interest for the past and for band history started a series of books and CD recordings.  For this Anthology of Flemish Band Music, he received the Fugue-Trophy by Sabam (the Belgian authors right association) in 2011.  He unearthed many pages and hours of original music by Belgian composers and his interest for the future is shown in his collaboration with many contemporary composers.

As an arranger some of his arrangements (especially those made for fanfare band and brass band) are played worldwide.

	CD - Dream Times - Steven Mead
	£12.50 - £9.50 Reference:  CDBOCC124 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Here is the fabulous new album from Steven Mead, his first for two years.

Dream Times has been in the planning for several years and many of the works are brand-new compositions, receiving their first performances, and new arrangements.

It has a theme of music and dreams, giving a fascinating feel to the CD. The Rhapsodia suite which ends the album, comes from a fashion show in which Steve was the guest soloist, in Milan in September 2007. With this we hear some funky variations on Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, that were arranged at the request of the Roberto Di Camerino fashion house! This is a brand new realisation of all the solo parts, 8 individual works, which will no doubt amaze all those who hear it !

The title track, Dream Times (anagram of Mister Mead), is a delightful light and at times highly virtuosic work, composed for euphonium and small wind/brass ensemble. With these two pieces we are in the lightest of moods, carefree and joyous.

With the three works by Piazzolla accompanied by string quartet, we delve into more deep human emotions and states, Anxiety, Sleep and Fear. The sound of the euphonium and strings has long been a dream for Steve, and here it is finally realised.

There are two brand-new works for brass ensemble, Aces, by Frank Gulino and Concertino by the young Singaporean composer Lee Jinjun, for brass quintet and brass sextet respectively. These highly optimistic works, with some exquisite lyrical moments, are sure to find their way into mainstream literature in the years to come. 

Perhaps the darkest and most sinister 'dream' on the album is iPhonium by Roderick Skipp. With this work and most of the others there is a strong connection with the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester where Steve is Professor of Euphonium. All the accompanying musicians are current leading performers at this school. The second piece with electronics, Set Adrift by Thomas Kelly was compose one of Steve students at the RNCM, Carina Lam.

When you listen to Ave Maria by Piazzolla we recoomend you pour yourself a glass of your favourite tipple and enjoy the sensuos 6 minutes of Steve playing his euphonium, accompanied by a large brass ensemble.

We hope you enjoy this stunning new album, and to all those of you who enjoy Steve's recording ...be sure to get this!!

It is released on the Bocchino Music label, catalogue BOCC124. Playing time 79 minutes

The presentation of this album is quite superb, with six panel digipak, complete with 16 page full-colour booklet, with lots of information on all the works.

Enjoy!

You tube demo video: 

Review from Chris Thomas, Brass band World Magazine July/August 2016:

“If there is a solo performer in the brass band world that can be relied upon not to repeat himself musically, it is Steven Mead. His never-ending quest to innovate and expand the repertoire of the euphonium is, once again, at the heart of this enterprising and beautifully packaged new solo release.

Steven Mead’s playing is an unalloyed pleasure throughout; technically astounding as we have come to expect, but perhaps more importantly exhibiting a musicality in which every note is produced and placed with loving care;  the melodies and phrasing being given both space and an unerring sense of line and shape.” 

 

Repertoire

Aces for Solo Euphonium and Brass Quintet* – Frank Gulino                      

 Three Tango Sensations – Astor Piazzolla Arr. Matt Krening

i.   Anxiety   ii.  Asleep    iii. Fear                                                                                                                        

Set Adrift  for Solo Euphonium and Electronics* – Thomas Kelly     

Concertino for Euphonium and Brass Sextet* – Lee Jinjun        

iPhonium for Euphonium and Electronic Sounds* – Roderick Skipp 

Dream Times* – Hiroki Takahashi        

Ave Maria – Astor Piazzolla Arr. Ioan Dobrinescu                                     

Rhapsodia, Milan Fashion Show 2007* - Arr. Ray Knight

i,ii,iii,iv,v,vi,vii,viii

 

Recording in Studio 7, RNCM March 22-24 2016

Accompanying musicians from RNCM

String Quartet –Tango Sensations (Piazzolla)

Violin - Andra Vornicu

Violin - Megan Collis

Viola - Joseph Lenehan

Cello - Talulah Yunkers

 

Brass Ensembles – Aces (Gulino), Concertino (Jinjun), Ave Maria (Piazzolla)

Trumpet - Chris Clark, Hannah Mackenzie

Flugel Horn – Louise Franks

Tenor Horn - Jonathan Bates, Bobby Corkish

Baritone – Mike Cavanagh

Trombone - Chris Binns

Bass Trombone/Euphonium – Christopher Robertson

Tuba - Harry Cunningham

 

Wind/Brass Ensemble - Dream Times (Takahashi)

Flute - Hannah Clark

Clarinet - Qiran Chan

Soprano Saxophone - Isobel Williams

Alto Saxophone - Gillian Blair

Tenor horn - Jonathan Bates

Euphonium - Chris Robertson

Tuba - Harry Cunningham

Piano - Ruth Webb

Please note from June 1 it will also be available for digital download from iTunes, CD Baby etc

	CD - Mists of the Mountains - A4 Brass Quartet - shipping NOW!!
	£12.95 Reference:  CDA41 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Here is the brand new debut CD release from perhaps the 'hottest' new brass ensemble in the UK today.

The ensemble consists of :

Jamie Smith - Cornet (Co-Principal Cornet, Grimethorpe Colliery)

Jonathan Bates - Tenor Horn (Principal Horn, Black Dyke)

Michael Cavanagh - Baritone (Solo Baritone, Grimethorpe Colliery)

Chris Robertson - Euphonium (Solo Euphonium, Wingates)

Welcome to the debut CD of the award-winning A4 Brass Quartet.

Formed in October 2013, the quartet members have roots in British brass banding, with all players holding principal seats in some of the country’s top bands. Whilst adhering to these original roots, as a group they continue to develop and commission new repertoire. The quartet has a unique blend of instruments, with a cornet, tenor horn, baritone and euphonium creating a distinctive sound that stands out from the standard brass quartet.

This CD features original music by some of the leading composers in the UK and Europe, who have written works specifically for A4 Brass. These composers include Martin Ellerby, Edward Gregson, Oliver Waespi and Nigel Clarke to name a few. Mists of the Mountains by the quartet’s very own Jonathan Bates is the piece that the group won the Christopher Rowland Ensemble of the Year Award with, so poignantly features as the title track of this debut CD.

Based at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England, A4 Brass is comprised of principal players from some of the UK’s leading brass bands, including the world famous Black Dyke, Grimethorpe Colliery, and Wingates bands. The quartet has a unique blend of instruments, with a cornet, tenor horn, baritone and euphonium creating a distinctive sound that stands out from the standard brass quartet. The great technical capability and musical versatility of the quartet was recognised by the Royal Northern College of Music in the group’s first year together. Firstly, the quartet won the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble of the Year prize and after consequently being invited to represent the brass department at the overall prize, went on to win the Christopher Rowland Ensemble of the Year Award, claiming both the judge’s and audience vote.

This CD features original music by some of the leading composers in the UK and Europe, who have written works specifically for A4 Brass. These composers include Martin Ellerby, Edward Gregson, Oliver Waespi and Nigel Clarke to name a few. Mists of the Mountains by the quartet’s very own Jonathan Bates is the piece that the group won the Christopher Rowland Ensemble of the Year Award with, so poignantly features as the title track of this debut CD.

The quartet perform concerts and masterclasses all over the UK, and 2015 saw the first mainland European excursion for A4 Brass as they accepted the invitation to perform in the Trakai Fanfare Week in Lithuania. The quartet has also featured on national television and radio, most recently for ITV’s 2015 Christmas Carol concert and live on BBC Radio 3 for their ‘In Tune’ broadcast in December 2015. Further performances have taken the quartet to the Isle of Man; St John’s Smith Square, London, as part of the Philip Jones Celebration of Brass and the Lake District Summer Music Festival.

A4 Brass Quartet perform exclusively on Besson Musical Instruments and are kindly sponsored by Chalker’s.

Repertoire:

1. Toccata - Jonathan Bates 2:07

2. South Uist Variations - Oliver Waespi 11:37

3. A Musical Murder Mystery at the Bates Motel - Nigel Clarke 2:47

 4. Quartet No. 2 - Edward Gregson 6:27

 5. Craze - Tom Harrold 5:32

6-8. Electra Dances - Martin Ellerby

i. Vendetta 2:17  ii. Threnodies 3:59 iii. Nemesis 2:20

9. ‘...and has forgotten the gift.’ - Robert Bushnell 5:19

10. Moskito - Thomas Doss 4:14

11-14. Mists of the Mountains - Jonathan Bates

i. Gagaku 1:46   ii. Trans-Siberian Express 1:34 iii. Requiem from the Tuvan Hills 3:48 iv. A Tale of Two Peaks 9:05

Producer,Engineer & Post-Production: Adam Goldsmith  Artwork and Design: Mango Graphic Design

Recorded by World of Sound at The Royal Northern College of Music, Studio 7, 3/4 November 2015

	CD - Journey - Misa Mea & Tomoko Sawano (piano)
	£12.50 - £8.50 Reference:  CDBM123 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Here is the stunning debut CD from Misa.

Journey is an album that captures her superb musicianship, virtuosity and control. The repertoire includes several works either composed or arranged by Misa. It was recorded in January 2014 in Studio 7 at the RNCM, Manchester.

The pianist is the superb Tomoko Sawano.

Here is the Youtube appetiser of the CD: http://youtu.be/s3X5opTzCog

The repertoire:

1. Fantasy Rondo - Robert Schumann Arr. Pierre Cambourian

2. Otemoyan Fantasy - Misa Mead

3. Hummingbrrd - Steven Bryant

4. Journey - Misa Mead

5. Waltz Op.39 No.15 - Johannes Brahms Arr. Misa Mead

6. Fantasy Rondo for Two Euphonium (duet with Steven Mead) - Derek Bourgeois

7. Concerto for Euphonium, Wind & Percussion (Summer of 2008) - David Gillingham

8. GAME - Suite for Euphonium and CD - Misa Mead

Misa Mead

 Misa was born in the city of Kumamoto, in the south west of Japan.

She graduated from Tokyo College of Music in 2008.

At both high school and university she was a scholarship student. 

Misa won the unanimous Gold Medal at the European Solo Competition for Young Soloists in Luxembourg 2011, as well winning the first prize at the 4th All-Japan Junior High and Senior High School Students Wind Instruments Solo Contest, 2000, and the 25th All-Kyushu Music Competition Gold Award 2001. 

At the highly prestigious 7th Jeju International Wind and Percussion Solo Competition 2012, South Korea, she won third prize and was the highest placed Asian performer.

Misa graduated with Honours at the Paris Conservatory in 2012.

She appeared as a guest soloist in March 2013 at the TubaMania Festival in Bangkok, Thailand and is set to return there in March 2014.

She also appeared as a guest artist in May 2013 at the South West Region Tuba Euphonium Conference (SWRTEC) in California, USA, performing her own compositions. In 2013 she was appointed High School Performance Assistant at the Tokyo College of Music. She also works closely with the Tokyo-based Spiel Kammerensemble.

Misa is an active as freelance composer and orchestrator.  Many of her works are published by ASKS Winds (Japan) and distributed world-wide.

Since July 2013, Misa has moved to the UK, and performed many concerts in Europe including in France, Italy, Germany, Canada, and Lithuania . She married the famous British euphonium artist Steven Mead in March 2014, and changed her name from Misa Akahoshi to Misa Mead and with this, her debut album Journey, her recording career has also begun. Forthcoming appearances include the ITEC2014 in Bloomington, Indiana and the Sydney International Brass Festival.

Misa was recently appointed as a Besson Euphonium Artist and will represent the Buffet Group around the world with her solo and duet activities.

 Tomoko Sawano

 Born in Tokyo in 1969, Tomoko began playing the piano at the age of three. She studied at the Tokyo College of Music High School and Tokyo College of Music under Katsuko Miura and Kazune Shimizu, winning Third Prize in the Special Grade of the PTNA Piano Competition in 1992.

In 1993 Tomoko moved to Germany to study at the University of the Arts, Berlin under Professor Rainer Becker. In 1995, during her studies in Germany, she was awarded a Diploma at the International Music Competition Maria Canals of Barcelona.
Since high school Tomoko has been dedicated to ensemble performance. She places importance not just acting as an accompanist, but on serving as an essential partner during performances. With flexibility and a resolute musical sense she possesses great ensemble abilities that allow her to become one with her co-performers. She is highly regarded for her ability to draw out the musicianship of her collaborators. As a result she receives offers from musicians all over the world for CD recordings, concert tours, and recitals.
Additionally, Tomoko has served as an official pianist at competitions and workshops across the globe, including the International Instrumental Competition Markneukirchen (Germany), ARD International Music Competition (Germany), Philip Jones International Competition (France), International Trombone Festival (Denmark), Pacific Music Festival (Sapporo), Mondoñedo Workshop (Spain), and TubaMania International Festival, Thailand. She has won many best pianist awards at these events.
From 1998 Tomoko has served as brass and wind répétiteur at both the University of the Arts, Berlin and the Franz Liszt college of Music, Weimar. She receives extremely high praise for her work in these schools and many of her students have won prizes at international competitions.
Tomoko currently lives in Berlin, Germany.

	Dutch Variations - Euphonium Multitrack CD - Jorijn Van Hese
	£11.75 Reference:  CDJH2014-01 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

The young Dutch euphonium virtuoso performer Jorijn van Hese has for some time been fascinated by the challenge, not to mention the wonderful sonic possibilities of multitracked euphoniums. This great new album, very much in the style of Steven Mead's Euphonium Magic albums (vol.1.2.3) explores an array of literature, with a leaning towards towards Salvation Army repertoire.

It's very well done and is sure to be of interest to anyone who's enjoyed the Euphonium Magic albums.

Track listing

01 – Red Shield -  Harry Goffin, arr. Ian Jones
02 – My All is on the Altar – Morley Calvert, arr. Michael Babb
03 – Rhapsody for Euphonium – James Curnow, arr, Jorijn van Hese
04 – Under His Wings – Cornelis Tj. Ros
05 – Star Lake – Eric Ball, arr. Sam Creamer
06 – Festivity – Leslie Condon
07 – In Perfect Peace – Kenneth Downie, arr. Edwin Outhuijse
08 – Withness of Faith – Henk Klaucke
09 – The Old Rugged Cross – George Bennard, arr. Jörgen Bootsma
10 – Dances – John Stevens
11 – Vivacity – Martin Cordner
12 – Londonderry Air -  Traditional, arr. Martin Cordner
13 – Victory – Jörgen Bootsma
14 – Dutch Variations – Ralph E. Pearce
15 – Absent Illusion   Marcus Venables
16 – Mighty to Save – George Marshall, arr. Michael Babb
 Bonus Track
17 – Hungarian Dance No. 5 – Johannes Brahms, arr. Jorijn van Hese

Here are some examples :  http://www.youtube.com/user/BrassMultiTrack

We think you'll enjoy this innovative CD.

	CD- HOSANNA - Steven Mead (Euphonium) & Lidia Ksiazkiewicz (Organ)
	£12.50 - £10.50 Reference:  CDBM121 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Here is the  CD release from Steve, accompanied by the talented Polish organist, now living in France, Lidia Ksiazkiewicz. It was recorded in Laon Cathedral and the Church of St Pierre, Guignicourt, France at the end of August 2013.

The first 100 CDs ordered will be autographed by Steve

Take two of the most impressive and sonorous instruments from the world of music, played by two of the leading exponents, and put them together. This sublime new album has a cross section of beautiful music that will thrill audiences the word over.

Sonata in Bb Major – Alessandro Besozzi **

1.                     Andante       2:07

2.                     Allegro       2:03

3.                     Larghetto       2:10

4.                     Allegretto       1:38

5.         Duet for Trombone and Organ – Gustav Holst       9.08 

6.         Ave Maria – Franz Schubert       4.22    

7.         Chants Russes – Eduoard Lalo       5.09

8.         Lacrimae Lacrimae – Jan Sandström       4.33

9.         Romance Op. 36 – Camille Saint-Saëns       3.44

10.       Concerto for Oboe in D Minor, Op.9 no.2       3.40

                   1st Movement – Tomaso Albinoni **

11.       Sicilienne – Maria Theresia Paradis       3.11

12.       Invocation  Op.135 – Gardner Read       7.23

13.       Poem – Zdenek Fibich       2.39

Sonata in A Major – Francesco Geminiani  **

14.                   Andante       2.16

15.                   Allegro       1.52

16.                   Andante       1.00

17.                   Allegro       2.03

18.       Pie Jesu – Andrew Lloyd Webber +       3.10

19.       Hosanna – Franz Liszt       4.48  

20.       Ave Maria – Guilio Caccini  +       4.15

 TOTAL: 74.37minutes

 + duet with Misa Akahoshi

Recorded in France in Laon Cathedral, and the Church of St.Pierre, Guignicourt ** 

 

The story behind Hosanna

 A chance meeting with the wonderful Polish organist Lidia Książkiewicz in France some nine months ago awakened my curiosity of how it would be to record an album with euphonium and organ. I have made many recordings over the years, variously with brass band, piano, brass quintet, brass ensembles and multitrack for example, and with each of these the outcomes were all quite predictable, and in many cases the repertoire quite bountiful.

 In my head I could imagine the rich sound of the euphonium set against the resonant sound of a cathedral organ, two mighty voices playing in harmony!

 I set about looking for suitable repertoire and spent a few weeks searching music libraries and online resources. It immediately became clear that there was almost no original literature for this combination and not put off by this,  I sought out a balance of other works for brass and organ, classical arrangements and songs that might create not only a musical balance, but would allow a chance to show off the potential of this combination. During a very brief visit to the Strasbourg Conservatory where Lidia is also a professional piano accompanist, we took the occasion to try out some of the repertoire. We recognised instantly that this combination had so much potential. The CD project therefore became inevitable.

The logistics were quite quickly worked out and Lidia made enquiries whether we could use Laon Cathedral for the recording. Lidia is the resident organist there knew the full potential of this great organ. As we discussed the repertoire we also were discussing some Baroque works and perhaps using a second organ that was more suitable for this music. About 25 km from Laon is the town of Guignicourt and the organ there was absolutely suitable for a couple of pieces from all that. All the other pieces of jigsaw felt together relatively easily in place.

We hope you enjoy Hosanna as much as we did recording it!

If you'd prefer to digitally download this album, click here

	Pierce plays Bach - Ben Pierce (tuba and euphonium)
	£10.50 Reference:  CDBP04 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

American virtuoso soloist Ben Pierce takes on what is arguably the hardest musical challenge for today's brass performer, the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. In this oustanding album recorded in 2009,  you can hear 24 outstanding tracks by one of today's leading performers:

1.Three Cello Suite Preludes – No1 in G Major, BWV 1007
2. Three Cello Suite Preludes – No2 in D Minor, BWV 1008
3. Three Cello Suite Preludes – No3 In C Major, BWV 1009
4.Sonata In G Minor, BWV 1020 – I Allegro
5. Sonata In G Minor, BWV 1020 – II Adagio
6.Sonata In G Minor, BWV 1020 – III Allegro
7. Partita In A Minor, BWV 1013 – Allemande
8. Partita In A Minor, BWV 1013 – Corrente
9.Partita In A Minor, BWV 1013 – Sarabande
10. Partita In A Minor, BWV 1013 – Bourree Anglaise
11.Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565
12. Partita In E Major, BWV 1006 – Preludio
13. Six 2-Part Inventions – Invention No1 in C Major BWV 772
14. Six 2-Part Inventions – Invention No4 in D Minor, BWV 775
15. Six 2-Part Inventions – Invention No8 in F Major, BWV 779
16.Six 2-Part Inventions – Invention No9 in F Minor, BWV 780
17.Six 2-Part Inventions – Invention No13 in A Minor, BWV 784
18. Six 2-Part Inventions – Invention No14 in B Flat Major, BWV 785
19. Six 3-Part Inventions (Sinfonias) – Sinfonia No2 in C Minor, BWV 788
20. Six 3-Part Inventions (Sinfonias) – Sinfonia No8 in F Major, BWV 794
21. Six 3-Part Inventions (Sinfonias) – Sinfonia No9 in F Minor, BWV 795
22. Six 3-Part Inventions (Sinfonias) – Sinfonia No11 in G Minor, BWV 797
23. Six 3-Part Inventions (Sinfonias) – Sinfonia No13 in A Minor, BWV 799
24.Six 3-Part Inventions (Sinfonias) – Sinfonia No14 in B Flat Major, BWV 800

	Cheers - Ben Pierce (euphonium) and Jun Okada (piano)
	£10.50 Reference:  CDBP03 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

This is simply a GREAT show album, featuring 15 stunning tracks, displaying the full technical wizardry of the leading  American soloist, Ben Pierce.

Repertoire, with sound clips:

1.Philip Wilby
Concert Gallop
© Comus Edition 1991
2.JB Arban
Brilliant Fantasy
3.Antonio Bazzini/Benjamin Pierce
The Dance of the Goblins
4.Herman Bellstedt
Napoli
5.Ionel Dumitru
Rumanian Dance No. 2
© Editions BIM 1996
6.Herbert L. Clarke
The Southern Cross
7.Maurice Ravel
Piece in the form of an Habanera
8.Jean-Baptiste Arban
Variations on a Tyrolienne
9.Peter Graham
Cyberspace
© DeHaske 1999
10.Herbert L. Clarke
Showers of Gold
11.Niccolo Paganini/Donald Hunsberger
Moto Perpetuo
© Donald Hunsberger 1990
12.J.B. Arban/Yasuhide Ito
Variations on the Carnival of Venice
© TOA Music International 1989
13.Johannes Brahms/Benjamin Pierce
Hungarian Dance No. 5
14.Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov/Benjamin Pierce
The Flight of the Bumblebee
15.Robert Schumann
Abendlied

	Wheels of Life - Ben Pierce - Euphonium and Tuba
	£10.50 Reference:  CDBP02 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

The highly acclaimed American  virtuoso performer on both tuba and euphonium,  Dr Ben Pierce  has produced several outstanding recordings in recent years. Hear him now on his first release, 'Wheels of Life', recorded in 2006 accompanied by the outstanding Japanese pianist Jun Okada.  It features  popular and important tuba and euphonium works in addition to the title composition and other rarities.

Arthur Butterworth (b. 1923)
Partita, op. 89
1. Prelude (1:21)
2. Capriccio (1:18)
3. Sarabande (2:25)
4. Bourrée (1:28)
5. Scherzo (2:04)
© 1991 Comus Edition
Penderecki, Krzysztof (b.1933)
6. Capriccio (4:44)
© 1987 Schott Musik International
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Fantasiestücke, op. 73
7. Zart und mit Ausdruck (3:32)
8. Lebhaft, leicht (3:50)
9. Rasch und mit Feuer (4:05)
Kenyon Wilson (b. 1970)
10. Tubaku (3:56)
© 2002 Kenyon Wilson
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
Concerto for Bass Tuba
11. Prelude (4:49)
12. Romanza (4:34)
13. Finale- Rondo alla Tedesca (3:12)
© 1955 Oxford University Press
Marcel Bitsch (b. 1921)
14. Intermezzo (5:08)
© 1968 Alphonse Leduc
Eugene Bozza (1905-1991)
Concertino for Tuba and Piano
15. Allegro vivo (3:50)
16. Andante ma non troppo (4:27)
17. Allegro vivo (2:52)
© 1967 Alphonse-Leduc
Stevens, John (b. 1951)
18. Triumph of the Demon Gods (5:26)
© 1981 Manduca Music
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
19. Prelude, op. 2 No. 1 (3:55)
Wendy Wan-Ki Lee (b. 1977)
Wheels of Life: In Reminiscence
20. Pensiero (4:33)
21. Affannoso (2:07)
22. Doloroso (3:09)
© 2003 Wendy Wan-Ki Lee

	Notes from the Underground - CD - Ben Pierce (euph&tuba)/Kristy Mezines (piano)
	£12.25 - £9.25 Reference:  CDBP01 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

The fabulous new solo CD from the American euphonium and tuba virtuoso Ben Pierce.

You can listen to many of the sound clips below !! an

1.    Petar Christoskov (b. 1917), arr. Benjamin Pierce- Moto Perpetuo, op. 2 and
Henry Eccles (1670-1742)- Sonata in G minor
2.    I Largo
3.    II Courante- Allegro con spirito
4.    III Adagio
5.    IV Presto
Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908), arr. Benjamin Pierce- Three Spanish Dances
6.    Jota navarra
7.    Romanza andaluza
8.    Zapateado
Áron Romhányi (b. 1974)- Parallels
9.    Allegro
10.    Andante, rubato
11.    Vivo, very rhythmical
12.    Joachim Raff (1822-1882)- Cavatina
13.    Joseph Suk (1874-1935), arr. Benjamin Pierce- Burleska
Allen Vizzutti (b. 1952)- Cityscape
14.    Uptown
15.    Midtown
16.    Downtown
Robert Mueller (b. 1958)- Notes from the Underground
17.    Existential Ballade
18.    Elegy for Nothingness
19.    The Inevitable Moto Perpetuo
Elena Lebedeva (b. 1957)- Insects
20.    Fly
21.    Butterfly
22.    Grasshopper
23.    Dragonfly
24.    Beetle

 

Ben's achievements as a soloist are quite astonishing, and when you see this list and you don't already know his playing, your attention must be aroused!! 

-Winner, “Citta di Porcia” International Tuba Competition (2008)

-Winner, Grand Prize, Jeju International Brass Competition (2008)

-Winner, Markneukirchen International Tuba Competition (2008)

-Winner, Lieksa Brass Week Euphonium Competition (2004)

-Winner, ITEC Solo Tuba Artist Competition (2002)

-Winner, University of Michigan Graduate Concerto Competition (2002)

-Grand Prize, Japan Wind and Percussion Competition: Tuba (2001)

-Winner, Leonard Falcone International Tuba Artist Competition (2001)

-Winner, Lansing Matinee Musicale Orchestral Brass Competition (2001)

-Winner, International Women’s Brass Conference Euphonium Competition (2000)

-Winner, Royal Northern College of Music International Open Euphonium Competition (2000)

-Winner, Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Artist Competition (1998)

-Winner, ITEC Solo Euphonium Artist Competition (1998)

- Winner, ITEC Mock Band Audition Competition: Euphonium (1998)

- Grand Prize, Music Teachers National Association Competition for Brass (1998)

	CDs - Beautiful Sounds (2-disc) - Steven Mead
	£13.00 - £7.00 Reference:  CDBM16 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

DISC 1

1. Serenade (Schubert Arr. Wilkinson)                                  4.13

2. The Last Sleep of the Virgin (Massenet Arr. Vertommen)    4.14

3. Carrickfergus  (Trad. Irish Arr. Roberts)                           3.45

4. Estrellita (Ponce Arr. Bennett)                                        3.38

5. Vaga Luna (Bellini Arr.Creux)                                        3.33

6.  Serenade (Drigo Arr.Stephens)                                       4.07

7. The Girl With The Flaxen Hair (Debussy Arr.Bale)           2.03

8. Largo Elegiaco, from Euphonium Concerto No.2 (Golland) 9.09

9. Peace  (Golland)                                                           4.08

10. Midnight Euphonium  (Richards)                                   5.14

11. When He Cometh (Evans)                                            4.51

12. On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss (Holsinger Arr. Stuckemeyer) 4.04

13. Barcarolle (Offenbach Arr. Mead)                                 2.39

14. Aria (Bozza Arr. Van der Woude)                                4.03

DISC 2

1. Apres un Reve (Faure Arr. Mead)                                   2.48

2. 2nd Mov. Concertino (Wilhelm Arr.Viet))                         3.08

3. A Night in June ... Karl King                                             5.35

4. Serenata (Toselli Arr. Ruedi)                                           3.53

5. Shenandoah (Trad. Arr. Olcott)                                        2.52

6. Vissi D'Arte (Puccini Arr.Mead)                                         3.23

7. Notturno (Rimsky Korsakov Arr. Mead)                             2.29

8. Adagio from Clarinet Concerto (Mozart Arr.Bale)             6.50

9. Pokarekare Ana (Trad. Arr. Vertommen)                           4.07

10. Scarborough Fair (Garfunkel. Arr. Reichenbach)               1.54

11. The Holy Well (Graham)                                              3.52

12. Adagio from the Cello Concerto (Elgar Arr. Bourgeois)    4.58

13. Di Provenza  (Verdi Arr. Creux)                                     3.47

14. Quiet Place (Carmichael Arr.Robertson)                         2.51

15. David of the White Rock (Trad. Arr. Bale)                      2.43

16. Pilatus (Richards)                                                         7.08

Additional Information

 This collection of some of my favourite recording moments spanning twenty years will I hope bring the listener a few hours of relaxation, away from the hectic stress of modern living, and show off the sound of the musical instrument I enjoy playing so much!

The recording industry has changed over the last twenty years but the desire of people to listen to music, thankfully remains undiminished. The way we listen maybe changing, moving from LP to CD to digital downloading but one thing is for sure, for a performing musician it remains perhaps the ultimate challenge to create, often in the rather sterile conditions of a recording studio, something that will give pleasure to not only students and specialists in the music world, but also the general public, who enjoy the enrichment that music brings to their lives.

Over the years I've recorded a lot of very difficult music, first performances of new works and commissions. This has been central to my life as a soloist. But with an instrument like the euphonium, capable of such beautiful ethereal sounds the universal appeal of this instrument must be it's ability to deliver melodies with a human appeal which audiences find quite captivating. It has been this characteristic I have observed so clearly in over thirty years of travelling. It crosses language and cultural borders with consummate ease, creating a bond of human emotion that is genuine and that stays in the memory long after the ‘live' moment has ended.

As a boy I was equally known in my home town of Bournemouth for my angelic (!) soprano voice and, as I've told many times, the euphonium became my second and real voice after my first voice descended in pitch. Selecting the melodies for this collection of previous recordings was difficult but I hope you enjoy the variety of accompaniments and melodies from around the world. For me, this creates a self-revelatory feeling, as I have since earliest memory ‘sang' from the heart. For me every note in a melody has value and meaning, always going somewhere and always carrying an emotion that I hope to convey to the listener.

So, I hope you enjoy this twenty-year collection of recorded melodies that will soothe and calm, and continue to show off the extraordinary instrument that is the euphonium. 

Steven Mead

	20 Supreme Years - Eikanger-Bjørsvik
	£13.00 - £4.00 Reference:  CDBM06 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Additional Info

When an extraordinary brass band, crammed with fine musicians, celebrates a successful 20-year relationship by recording a carefully chosen programme of cutting edge compositions and arrangements, all under the masterly direction of one of the greatest influences on modern brass band repertoire and performance, then the listener can expect to be in for a treat. 

When that combination is Eikanger-Bjørsvik and Howard Snell, then that expectation further heightens. Add to the mix the groundbreaking recording and editing techniques employed by Steven Mead and the final product allows us to sit back and enjoy, at a level of detail never previously experienced in the genre, the wonderful musical journey that makes this a milestone in brass band recording history.

Kenneth Crookston - Editor, British Bandsman.

Repertoire

1. Bank Holiday, Howard Snell, 2.19 
2. Concerto, Bellini arr.Snell, 6.17
Soloist: Martin Winter 
3. Adagio, Beethoven arr.Snell, 5.53 
4. Cossack Dance from Mazeppa, Tchaikovsky arr.Snell, 3.38
5-8. Irving Berlin Suite Arr.Snell 
5. Anything You Can Do, 1.42 
6. A Pretty Girl is Like A Melody, 4.22
Soloist: Gyda Matland 
7. It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow, 3.08
Soloist: Jane Westervik 
8. Puttin' on the Ritz, 2.29 
9. Finale Act 1 Lohengrin, Wagner arr.Snell, 3.22 
10. The Flower Song, Bizet arr.Snell, 4.32
Soloist: Tormod Flaten 
11. The Clock with the Dresden Figures, Ketelby arr.Snell, 3.33 
12. Adagio, Albinoni arr.Snell, 6.49 
13. Tango, Albeniz arr. Snell, 2.40 
14. Londonderry Air, Trad. arr.Snell, 3.35
Soloist: Grethe Tonheim 
15. Daphnis and Chloé (Finale 2nd Suite), Ravel arr.Snell, 4.54 
16. Scaramouche Brasiliera, Milhaud arr. Snell, 2.27 
17. Russian Dance, Khatachurian arr.Snell, 4.02 
18. Passacaglia in C Minor, Bach arr.Snell, 12.30

	CD - 4 Valves 4 Slides - Steven Mead and Trombonisti Italiani (trombone quartet led by Lito Fontana)
	£13.00 - £9.50 Reference:  CDRCR02 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Back in stock - and highly valued by enthusiasts of Steve's recording catalogue, recorded in Rome in 2004!

Repertoire

1. Gypsy Dance .. Bizet/Mendez/Bale
2. Girl with the Flaxen Hair .. Debussy /Bale
3. Napoli Variations .. Bellstedt/Hunsberger/Bale
4. Recondita Armonia from Tosca .. Puccini/Bale
5. Fly Me to the Moon .. Howard/Hughes
6. Grand Russian Fantasia .. Levy/Bale
7. One Note Samba .. Jobim/Dittmar
8. Flight of the Bumble Bee .. Rimsky Korsakov/H.James/Bale
9. My Funny Valentine .. Arr.Pipone
10. Au Privave .. Charlie Parker
11. Pcelinka .. Hungarian trad. arr. Stueckelschweiger

Additional Info

The musical arrangements for the CD were nearly all specially made, 5 of them by the amazing Maurice Bale who provided most of the arrangements for Steve’s Euphonium Magic multi-track CD. Others were made by arrangers associated with Lito Fontana. The styles reflect the huge potential of such a combination and the combined virtuoso talents of Steve and the trombone quartet. Lito is a famous jazz musician who has encouraged Steve to jam with him on a few tracks!

	Bella Italia - Steven Mead
	£13.00 - £5.95 Reference:  CDBM02 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

 

1. Dulcamarata (Donizetti Variations) for Euphonium and Symph Band K.H. Koper
2. Caro mio ben G. Giordani Arr. A. Bona
3. Aria di chiesa "Pietà Signore" A. Stradella Arr. A. Barbagallo
4. Vaga luna che inargenti V. Bellini Arr. A. Bona
5. Vi ravviso, o luoghi ameni V. Bellini Arr. A. Bona
6. Ah, non credea mirarti V. Bellini Arr. A. Bona
7. Ah, non giunge V.Bellini Arr. A. Bona
8. A fors' è lui G. Verdi Arr. F. Creux
9. Di Provenza il mar, il suol G. Verdi Arr. F. Creux
10. Ave Maria G. Verdi Arr. F. Creux
11. Vissi d'arte G. Puccini Arr. A. Bona
12. Serenata E. Toselli Arr. T. Ruedi
13. Preghiera F. Feliciangeli Arr. F. Creux
14. Alla Czardas G. Orsomando Arr. F. Creux
15. Variations on "Carnival of Venice" J.B. Arban Arr. D. Hunsberger

Additional Info

Steven Mead has for some years visited Italy regularly, bringing his instrument to this country of music lovers who, it must be said, seem to have fallen in love with the sound of the euphonium. Thanks to his numerous visits to Italy (including Aosta, Milan, Trento, Bolzano, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Ancona, Bari, Calabria and Sicily), he has developed a musical affinity with the country, the people and their music. This unique CD is another landmark in the relationship between Mead and this country and for the growth of the popularity of the euphonium in Italy.

 

It has always been part of the Italian band music tradition to play pieces from the operatic repertoire using instruments, especially those of the saxhorn family, to "imitate" the human voice. This tradition began in the nineteenth century when, given the lack of radio and records, the band was the medium of broadcasting the fashionable melodies of operatic music in the town squares. Today Italian bands are following many different musical paths, including the current extensive repertoire of original pieces. Dedicating almost an entire CD to operatic Romances and Arias therefore has a double meaning: on the one hand it pays homage to this genre, whose intrinsic beauty defies description and on the other hand it does that which virtuosi and instrumental soloists all over the world have always done, that is to give a ‘voice' to these immortal works through their instruments. Please enjoy the unique, inimitable sound of Steven Mead, who for the first time has recorded a CD with an Italian military band on this stunning album of Italian classics!

	Brass and Wines - Steven Mead and Spanish Brass Quintet
	£13.00 - £4.75 Reference:  CDBM13 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

Brass and Wines - José Rafael Pascual-Vilaplana Muro.

1. Expectative
2. Almoroig
3. Albir

Concerto for Oboe in C Minor - Philipp Telemann

4. Grave 5. Allegro 6. Andante 7. Vivace

8. Elegie - Peter Meechan
9. Lisonjas de la alcahueta - Juan J. Colomer
10. Bravura Variations on a Theme by Mozart - Adolphe Adam Arr. Henry Howey
11. Kaleidoscopic Overdrive - Ben McMillan
12. Canción de cuna para dormir un negrito - Xavier Montsalvatge
13. Innuendo - Queen Arr.Roland Szentpali
14. Finale from Concerto for Violin Peter Iliich Tchaikovsky Arr. Henry Howey

 

Additional Info

Take the worlds best known euphonium solo artist and Europe's finest brass quintet Spanish Brass Luur Metalls, you have a the possibility for a truly vintage recording and Brass and Wines is just that. With several specially commissioned original works and some stunning arrangements here is a a showcase album for the euphonium enthusiasts, fans of brass ensembles and music lovers to savour.

Enjoy this truly wonderful combination of euphonium and brass quintet in a programme that will thrill and entertain. Another great release from Steve's own award winning label, Bocchino Music!

The original works are major contribution to the euphonium repertoire, challenging and wonderful in their innovation. The lighter works are a true delight. The finale of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, that concludes the CD has left many with their jaws wide open. Simply incredible.

This is one of Steve's all time favourite recordings !!! 

tags spanish brass quintet

	Brassin' Mozart 2006
	£13.00 - £12.00 Reference:  CDBM05 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Overture - Marriage of Figaro . . Mozart Arr.Hubert Gurtner 4.31

2. Theme and Variations from Andantino con Variazioni (Sinfonia Concertante) K.297B . . Mozart Arr. Maurice Bale 8.28

3. Aria - Zaide . . Mozart Arr.Hubert Gurtner 5.46*

   Bassoon Concerto K.191 . Mozart Arr. Maurice Bale

4. Allegro 7.17

5. Andante ma adagio 6.41

6. Minuet 3.54

7. Exultate Jubilate . . Mozart Arr.F.Polak 2.42* 

8. Overture - The Impressario . . Mozart Arr.Hubert Gurtner 3.59

9. Sub Tuum Praesidium . . Mozart Arr.Hubert Gurtner 4.34*

10. Requiem Paraphrases on a Theme of Mozart . . Peter Meechan 9.53

11. Adagio (from Clarinet Concerto) .. Mozart Arr. Maurice Bale 6.53

12. Moz! ... Peter Meechan 2.36

    *CHARLOTTE PISTOR, soprano

Additional Info

Steven is once again joined by the extremely talented Austrian 12-piece Sound Inn Brass for an album of brand new Mozart arrangements! This disc also includes two original compositions to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of W. A. Mozart. 

Proved to be a really popular disc, despite the wacky cover !! 

tags sound inn brass

	CD - Bravura - Steven Mead
	£13.25 - £8.00 Reference:  CDPR19 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

 

1. Hail Ancient Walls ... Gounod, arr. Snell
2. Euphonium Concerto No. 2 ... John Golland
3. Arbucklenian Polka ... Hartmann
4. Sicilienne ... Paradies, arr. Snell
5. Concerto ... Vladimir Cosma, arr. Meredith
6. Lento from Cello Concerto ... Elgar, arr. Bourgeois
7. Fantasy on Moto Perpetuo ... Pagannini, arr. Snell (euphonium duet and band, both parts played by Mead)
8. Bravura Variations for Euphonium quartet and band ... Peter Graham (all four parts played by Mead)

 

 

Additional Info

Steven Mead dazzles audiences with a jam-packed disc that is sure to please even the most critical listener. Bravura has everything that you will need to get started listening to Euphonium repertoire! Definitely a CD to impress!  One of Steve's most popular all time CDs with the Fairey Band and conductor Howard Snell is incredible form and Steve rises to the heights of his powers, with Golland 2 and the Cosma on the same disc..Wow !!

	Classic Quintet, Vol. 2
	£13.25 - £12.25 Reference:  CDRCR01 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

Wind Quintet in Ab op. 14... Gustav Holst 

1.  Allegro moderato 4.13
2. Adagio 5.00
3. Allegretto 2.23
4. Poco allegro e cantabile 4.03

5. Brilliante ... Peter Graham Arr. G.Veit 5.38

6. Pequena Czarda ... Iturralde arr. G.Veit 4.29

7. Czardas ... Monti arr. G.Veit 4.20

8. Fantasie Originale ... Picchi arr. G.Veit 7.43

9. The Lark in the Clear Air ... Trad Arr. Catherwood re-arr. G. Veit 3.47

10. Concerto Brillante on Carnival of Venice ... Bimboni arr. G.Veit 11.39

Additional Info

Steve teams up once again with the this superb professional woodwind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon) from Northern Italy, under the leadership of Alexander Veit.

	Concertino
	£13.25 - £10.50 Reference:  CDPR15 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

 

1. Concertino for Euphonium and Symphonic Wind Band (Rolf Wilhelm) premiere recording
2. Peace Please (Frode Thingnaes)
3. Fantasy (Philip Sparke)
4. Vintage (David Gillingham)
5. Lento from Euphonium Concerto (Joseph Horovitz)
6. Russian Dance (Boehme, Arr. J. Smith)
7. Concerto (originally Trombone Concerto, Derek Bourgeois)

 

 

	Croatian Euphonic Brass
	£13.00 - £5.95 Reference:  CDBM16 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Euphonium Concerto (V.Lisjak) 1st movement   6.45
2. Euphonium Concerto (V.Lisjak) 2nd movement   8.52
3. Euphonium Concerto (V.Lisjak) 3rd movement   5.30
4. Pavane (G.Faure) arranged for euphonium and harp   7.48
5. Marches (Paisible/Tollet/H.Purcell)   6.39
6. Thou Knowest Lord, the Secrets of our Hearts (H.Purcell)   1.59
7. Canzona (H.Purcell)   2.13
8. Praise The Lord, O Jerusalem (H.Purcell)   6.55
9. Sonata Pian' e Forte (G.Gabrieli)   4.15
10. Madonna Mia, Pieta (O.De Lassus)   1.37
11. Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte (M.Ravel)   6.26                                   

Total CD 58.59

Steve writes: "Croatian Euphonic Brass has been a really excellent project with the musicians of the Croatian Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra. It is not a disc full of 'fireworks' ! I have a few of these already and will probably do more in the future! This is a recording that has sounds and moments that I've been dreaming about since we discussed the possibilities with this repertoire. We planned for three years and now I'm so happy with the results. The ensemble consists of four trumpets, four French horns, three trombones, tuba and three percussion. The main work on the CD is the brand new Euphonium Concerto by Vanja Lisjak, who also arranged all the other tracks on the recording.. This is a marvellous work full of emotion, human spirit and at times, great depth. I hope this becomes a work that everyone will want to play." 

Vanja Lisjak writes: ""The musicians playing on this CD are the finest brass and percussion artists in Croatia, educated in Croatia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia and the United States. Since 1990, almost all of us are members of the Croatian Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra, where we unfortunately have a rare chance of playing as a chamber group, as our orchestral schedule doesn't allow enough time. A concert with Steven Mead gave us a chance to show our great love for this type of music, and to unite the experience we were gaining as members of different chamber ensembles present in our country. I am very grateful for the great effort and professionalism invested in the realisation of this CD"

.
You can watch a 6 minute presentation with extracts from each work YouTube, by following this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aFZvR_f7Xo

tags croatian euphonium brass, lisjak, purcell

	CD - Euphonic Sounds - The British Tuba Quartet
	£15.00 Reference:  CDPR08 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

The 2nd CD ever made by the BTQ. only 3 copies left! (7/7/20)

Repertoire

1. Celestial Suite - Stephen Bulla
2. Il Ritorno - Diero/arr. Ferguson
3. They Didn't Believe Me - Kern/arr. Holcombe
4. Quartet for Brass - Ramsoe/arr. Buttery
5. Mon Coeur Se Recommende a Vous - Lasso/arr. Robinson
6. John, Come Kiss Me Now - Byrd/arr. Winter
7. Bocoxe - Powell/arr. Buttery
8. The Favorite Rag - Joplin/arr. Sabourin
9. Spiritual Jazz Suite - arr. Niehaus
10. Greensleeves - arr. Buttery
11. Get Me To The Church On Time - Lerner & Loewe/arr. Belshaw
12. Air from Suite No. 3 - Bach/arr. Werden
13. The Pink Panther - Mancini/arr. Krush
14. Euphonic Sounds - Joplin/arr. Werden
15. You Made Me Love You - Monano/arr. Holcombe
16. William Tell Overture (Finale) - Rossini/arr. Smalley

tags the british tuba quartet

	Euphonium Magic Vol. 1 - the original multi-tracked Mead!
	£13.00 - £4.50 Reference:  CDBM01 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

This incredible multi-tracked album has now sold over 5000 copies, making it one the most popular euphonium CDs ever!

Repertoire

1. Humoreske - Tchaikovsky arr. M.Bale
2. Sonata Pian'eforte - Gabrieli arr. M.Bale
3. Erinnerung - Schumannn arr. L. Mahlknecht
4. Toccata and Fugue in D minor - Bach arr.A.P.Taylor 
5. Scarborough Fair - Art Garfunkel arr.B.Reichenbach
6. The Sorcerers Apprentice - Dukas arr.M.Bale 
7. Golliwogg's Cakewalk - C.Debussy arr.M.Bale 
8. Clair de Lune - C.Debussy arr.M.Bale
9. Scherzo from Midsummer Nights Dream - F.Mendelssohn arr.M.Bale
10. The Girl with the Flaxen Hair - C.Debussy arr.M.Bale
11. The Ride of the Valkyries - R.Wagner arr.R.Hall 
12. Frankie and Johnny - American Trad. arr.S.Roberts 
13. Fly Me to the Moon - B.Howard arr.R. Hughes
14. Jump, Jive an' Wail - L.Prima arr.J.Vinson 

Additional Info

Euphonium Magic is the title of a  recording that is a completely multi-tracked album where Steve plays every single note on the one hour recording. In pieces ranging from 4 to 17 parts, it is an amazing technical and musical feat to produce such a disc where everything from Gabrieli to jazz is covered, including four substantial works, Dukas’ Sorcerer’s Apprentice (the inspiration behind the title), Wagner’s famous ‘Ride of the Valkyries’, the complete Scherzo from Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and J.S. Bach’s famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor. Tchaikovsky, Debussy and Schumann complete the classical side and there are three jazz and swing pieces to round the disc including a rip-roaring version of Louis Prima’s Jump Jive an’Wail.

Those who have heard pre-production versions of the disc are frankly astonished by the results! The sound quality is amazing, warm rich euphonium tones combining in perfect rhythmic precision and astonishingly perfect intonation throughout. Steve’s only regret is that this particular euphonium ensemble/orchestra can never play live…at least, not all at the same time!! But when you listen to the great music on Euphonium Magic you can cast this regret away, and listen in wonder as to how the hell this was ever done. Some secrets will come out, but as the title suggests, some it will remain, like all good magic, a secret.

tags euphonium magic series

	Euphonium Magic Vol. 3 - Earth Voices
	£13.00 - £5.95 Reference:  CDBM08 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Rush Hour - Ben McMillan 3.46 
2. Toccata - Frescobaldi/Joe Skillen 4.57
3. A Eupher's Dream - G.Robertson 5.16 
4. Canzon XV11 - Giovanni Gabrieli/Pat Stuckemeyer 2.41
5. Soldiers Chorus - Charles Gounod/Maurice Bale 2.53
6. Concert Etude Op.49 - Goedicke/Pat Stuckemeyer 3.01 
7. Dances - John Stevens
8. On A Hymnsong of Philip Bliss - David Holsinger/Pat Stuckemeyer 4.08
9. Funk Theory - Pete Meechan 4.12
10. Cartoon Symphony - Arr.Gianni Bannetta 3.12
11. Theme from Schindler's List - John Williams/Gail Robertson 3.38
12. Earth Voices - Roland Szentpali 8.00 
13. Dance of the Comedians - Bedrich Smetena/Pat Stuckemeyer 2.51

Additional Info

The third installment of the hugely popular Euphonium Magic series. Join Steve for a cosmic ride through as many as 12 different multi-tracked parts!

tags euphonium magic series

	Euphonium Virtuoso - Steven Mead
	£13.00 - £6.90 Reference:  CDBM07 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Harlequin - Philip Sparke........9.25
2. Concerto per Flicorno Basso - Amilcare Ponchielli Arr.Prof. Henry Howey..........13.37
3. The Playful Pachyderm - Gilbert Vinter Arr. Luc Vertommen.......6.42
    Euphonium Concerto - Joseph Horovitz
4. 1st movement - Moderato.......5.06
5. 2nd movement- Lento............6.54
6. 3rd movement - Con moto.....4.03
7. Pokarakare Ana - Paraire H.Tomoana Arr. Luc Vertommen.......4.06
8. Introduction and Tarantella - Pablo de Sarasate Arr. Luc Vertommen 5.38

 

Additional Info

When the great 19th century violinist Nicolo Paganini gave his awe-inspiring musical firework displays to astonished audiences there were those who wondered seriously if he had sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for his phenomenal powers.

 

The modern euphonium has been with us for nearly 150 years. Plenty of time, you might think for its character to develop or even change. It is remarkable how composers and players seem to have grasped the basics of its musical nature. On the one hand it is the supremely 'well sounding' (euphonic) voice to support the singer's emotional revelations and on the other hand the euphonium's agility soon had it marked out together with the cornet as the virtuoso brass instrument 'par excellence'.

Even so, it is rare to find a modern performer who has so thoroughly mastered both sides of the euphonium's personality as Steven Mead. He sounds utterly at home in whatever he plays and his repertoire for this CD is huge and wide - ranging from original euphonium works (Joseph Horovitz , Amilcare Ponchielli, Philip Sparke) to virtuoso pieces originally written for the bassoon, the voice, the violin and cello.

	CD - Euphony - Steven Mead accompanied by the RNCM Brass Band - conductor Howard Snell
	£13.25 - £9.00 Reference:  CDPR13 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire - now on special offer and autographed by Steven Mead.

One of Steve's most popular ever CDs, recorded with the RNCM Brass Band conducted by Howard Snell.

1. Euphonium Concerto (Sparke)
2. Carrickfergus (Trad.)
3. Euphony (Redhead)
4. Aubade (Sparke)
5. Return to Sorrento (De Curtis)
6. Euphonium Music (Bowen)
7. Napoli (Bellstedt/Brand)
8. Midnight Euphonium (Richards)
9. The Better World (Bearcroft)

	CD- Fireworks - The British Tuba Quartet
	£13.25 - £10.50 Reference:  CDPR09 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

Back in stock, the fantastic BTQ with their final CD.

1. Fanfare No. 1 - Taylor
2. Overture: The Merry Wives of Windsor - Nicolai/arr. Smith
3. Flower Duet from Lakme - Delibes/arr. Mead 
4. Now Hear This! - Dempsey
5. Overture: Distressed Innocence - Purcell/arr. Smalley
6. Flander's Cauldron - Amos
7. Overture: The Force of Destiny - Verdi/arr. Smalley
8. Pigs - Ridout
9. Westminster Intrada - Forsyth
10. Kierkegaard - Kupferman
11. Fireworks - Frith
12. Petite Caprice - Rossini/arr. Davis
13. Montagues and Capulets - Prokofiev/arr. Smalley
14. Perpetuum Mobile - Strauss/arr. Smalley
15. A Cool Suite - Smalley
16. Bavarian Polka - Trad./arr. Schmidt

 

tags the british tuba quartet

	Four Concertos - Joseph Horovitz
	£13.20 - £7.50 Reference:  CDDD01 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Concerto for Clarinet and String Orchestra (1948 rev.1956)
   Allegro
   Largo
   Allegro
2. Concerto for Euphonium and Chamber Orchestra (1972 rev.1976,1991)
   Moderato
   Lento
   Con Moto
3. Concerto for Violin and String Orchestra (1949-50)
   Allegro
   Adagio
   Allegretto
4. Jazz Concerto for Piano, Strings and Percussion (1965)
   Allegro
   Slow Blues
   Vivace

Additional Info

Steve is featured in this first ever recording of the most famous euphonium concerto with a professional orchestra, conducted by the composer himself. As a celebration of the 80th birthday of this popular composer, EPOCH DUTTON recordings have released this fabulous new album featuring 4 concertos accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, conducted by Joseph Horovitz.

As the only regularly contracted ballet orchestra in the UK, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia enjoys a full touring schedule, appearing with Birmingham Royal Ballet in its hometown, in London and around the UK and frequently with the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera house, Covent Garden. The orchestra has appeared with many of the world's leading ballet companies including Paris Opera Ballet, New York City Ballet, Australian Ballet, The Kirov.

Regarded by many, including the composer, as the definitive recording of the Horovitz Concerto. This is a special recording and one that will prove to have great historical significance in the years to come. If you love the Horovitz Euphonium Concerto you will also be delighted to hear three other great concerti by this timeless master of composition.

tags orchestra

	From the Deep - Tormod Flaten
	£13.00 - £4.95 Reference:  CDBM09 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Banjo and Fiddle (William Kroll arr. Rydland)
2. Tonerna (Visions) (Carl Sjöberg arr. Nikolaisen)
Euphonium Music (Brian Bowen)
3. I. Andante/Allegro
4. II. Andante con Espressivo
5. III. Moderato/Allegro Moderato
6. Andante Cantabile (Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky arr Rüedi)
7. The Folks Along the Road (Gustav Øistensen Aaberg)
8. Cinema (Rodrigo Leão arr. Rydland)
9. Two Folk Tunes from Valdres (Norwegian Trad. arr. Rydland)
10. Song (in memoriam Bengt Eklund) (Frode Rydland)
11. Andante e Rondo Ungarese (Carl Maria von Weber arr. Antrobus)

Recording on the Bocchino label with the Leyland Band, Tormod Flaten one of the best euphonium players in Europe, produces a masterclass of control, technique and tone with several outstanding new arrangements and original compositions. Highly recommended !

	From the Deep - Tormod Flaten
	£13.00 - £4.95 Reference:  CDBM09 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Banjo and Fiddle (William Kroll arr. Rydland)
2. Tonerna (Visions) (Carl Sjöberg arr. Nikolaisen)
Euphonium Music (Brian Bowen)
3. I. Andante/Allegro
4. II. Andante con Espressivo
5. III. Moderato/Allegro Moderato
6. Andante Cantabile (Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky arr Rüedi)
7. The Folks Along the Road (Gustav Øistensen Aaberg)
8. Cinema (Rodrigo Leão arr. Rydland)
9. Two Folk Tunes from Valdres (Norwegian Trad. arr. Rydland)
10. Song (in memoriam Bengt Eklund) (Frode Rydland)
11. Andante e Rondo Ungarese (Carl Maria von Weber arr. Antrobus)

Recording on the Bocchino label with the Leyland Band, Tormod Flaten one of the best euphonium players in Europe, produces a masterclass of control, technique and tone with several outstanding new arrangements and original compositions. Highly recommended !

	Gansch & Roses - Hot Feet Live
	£13.00 - £12.50 Reference:  CDMB07 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. New Orleans
2. Hot Feet
3. Sad Day
4. 3/4
5. Die Blues ist immer gut
6. Wolfgang macht den Laden dicht
7. Hot Feet - Reprise

The amazing Thomas Gansch with his 'other' group, Gansch and Roses. You must hear this album. An another example of the man's sheer genius.

	Great British Music - Vol.8 - Dreamscapes
	£13.25 - £12.50 Reference:  CDPR18 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Dreamscapes ... Martin Ellerby
2. Rail .... Wilfred Josephs
3. Euphonium Concerto ... Martin Ellerby
4. Mata Hari ... Nigel Clarke
5. Meditations ... Martin Ellerby

Additional Info

The RNCM Wind Orchestra is widerly regarded as the finest wind orchestra in the UK today, receiving outstanding reviews for recordings and concerts. This CD features some of the most important wind band repertoire on the UK scene today, particularly important is the first studio recording of the Euphonium Concerto by Martin Ellerby.

Not only was this Euphonium Concerto commissioned by Steven but gave the first performance in its version with brass band, piano, symphony orchestra and wind orchestra. It is perhaps the most difficult concerto in the repertoire, totally unrelenting in its demands on the soloist throughout the entire 22.5 minutes duration. Conductor is James Gourlay, famous tuba soloist, also conducted the world premiere performance with Steven back in October 1995 in Switzerland.

 

	Locomotion - A Tribute to my Childhood
	£13.00 - £5.95 Reference:  CDBM04 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Locomotion ... Norman Bearcroft 8.00
2. The Holy Well ... Peter Graham 3.53
3. Slavische Fantasie ... Carl Höhne Arr.PeterGraham 6.01
4. When he Cometh ...Howard Evans 4.53
5. Variants on St. Francis ... David Chaulk
6. There Will Be God ... Joy Webb Arr.Richard Phillips
7. Banjo and Fiddle ... William Kroll Arr.Thomas Rüedi 3.31
8. Deep Inside the Sacred Temple ... Bizet Arr. KeithWilkinson
9. We'll All Shout Hallelujah ... Norman Audoire
10. My Unchanging Friend ... Ivor Bosanko 6.55
11. A Quiet Place (5 part multitrack recording, all S.Mead) ... Arr.Gail Robertson 2.52
12. Journey into Peace ... William Himes 7.51

 

Additional Info

Steven Mead's CD, 'Locomotion' has been given a prestigious award at the 2006 International Tuba Euphonium Festival in Denver , Colorado. It won the inaugural 'BOBO Award' for recording excellence in the euphonium solo category, presented by the tuba legend Roger Bobo.

The Locomotion CD, subtitled 'A Tribute to my Childhood', is on Steve's own label, Bocchino Music. It was recorded in the spring of 2005 in his home town of Bournemouth with Boscombe Salvation Army Band, and Bandmaster Howard Evans.

Steve writes: "It was such a pleasure to make this recording. It had been on my mind for years to do it, as my days growing up in Bournemouth were such happy ones and the memories of playing with Boscombe never go away. To get this international award for the disc is tremendous and unexpected. I know the Band and Howard Evans will be delighted too."

Join Steve on a walk down memory lane with this breathtaking fusion of old classics and new arrangements!

	Mead IN(N) Brass
	£13.25 - £12.50 Reference:  CDWR01 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

 

1. Farandole from Arlesienne Suite .... G. Bizet, arr. H. Gurtner
2. Sir "EU" ... Thomas Doss
3. Polovitzian Dance from Prince Igor ... A. Borodin, arr. H. Gurtner
4. The Amazing Mr. Arban ... J.B. Arban, arr. E. Howarth / H. Gurtner
5. Pie Jesu from the Requiem Mass ... G. Fauré. arr. H. Gurtner
6. Adagio and Allegro ... R. Schumann, arr. H. Gurtner
7. Slavonic Dance No. 8 ... A. Dovorak, arr. H. Gurtner
8. Midnight Euphonium ... G. Richards, arr. S. Mead
9. Endfang (Fanfare, Swing, Trauergalopp) ... P. Wesenauer
10. Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair ... S. Foster, arr. R. Harvey

 

Additional Info

Steven is joined by Sound Inn Brass, a professional brass 12-piece from Upper Austria, under the baton of maestro Howard Snell in this spectacular recording of brand-new works for Euphonium and brass ensemble. Apart from the excellent arrangements by INN-Brass trombonist Herbert Gurtner, the CD contains 5 tracks for solo euphonium and brass ensemble, including the not-to-be-missed new piece composed for Steven and the INN-Brass: "Sir Eu" by Austrian composer Thomas Doss - "...possibly the most important new euphonium composition in 2002." - Steven Mead

tags sound inn brass

	Mnozil Brass - Almrausch CD
	£13.00 - £7.25 Reference:  CDMB08 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Jagerner Jubelmarsch 2.57
2. Die Wapplergavotte 3.07
3. Leisewise 1.45
4. Lagreiner Dunkelmarsch 2.55
5. Angeluswalzer 3.34
6. Seltsamerweise 1.19
7. Mnoschil 4.43
8. Dussère 7.01
9. Halbweise 0.36
10. Fingerwärmerpolka 2.50
11. Unter'm Sturzhahn 1.38
12. Hupfdibupf 1.58
13. Sie stierische Dusche 2.12
14. Wildkogelpolka 1.56
15. Halbweise II 0.23
16. Amadeenwalzer 1.52
17. Halbweise III 0.27
18. Harte Hasen 2.30
19. Viertelweise 0.08
20. Hopfen und Malser Weisenbläsermarsch 2.36
21. Die Seltsame 1.57
22. Achtelweise 0.05
23. Connecting people 3.02
24. Der Fetzenschädelgalopp 1.34
25. Vollweise 0.39
26. Mnozil 3.24

This CD was released in November 2009.  Mnozil in the studio, exploring brilliantly their cultural roots . Stunning playing.

Review by Iwan Fox, 4barsrest.comAlmrausch
13-Jan-2010
A bit of flower power from Mnozil - as they take a trek over the Alps with some surreal yet beautiful results.

Mnozil Brass
Recordings: MNZO6
Total Playing Time: 62.30 mins

It's easy to forget that whilst Monzil Brass can delight you with their theatrics and humour in concerts performances, what you are actually listening to is a group of highly accomplished professional musicians playing at a level few other brass ensembles can match.

Lasting impression

The fun and games are great of course, but it's the playing that invariably leaves the more lasting impression on the mind.

That's not to say that even the aural experience can be a touch surreal at times too: especially with this, their latest highly inventive release.

Almrausch is a form of musical journey (although named after the Alpine Rose flower, seen on the CD cover) - obliquely a Wayfarer's memory trip from the nursery slopes of Mount Blanc to the local Mnozil pub, via the peaks and villages of the French, Swiss and Austrian Alps.

Staggering

On their way the intrepid travellers rest their weary limbs by enjoying themselves playing arrangements of local folk songs, marches and waltzes, plus the occasional bit of musical whimsy in a style that somehow encompasses staggering ensemble playing with almost ‘Jeau san Frontier' silliness.

Almost that is.

Authentic

The mental image is of lederhosen and funny felt hats, red faced Austrian farmers and busty serving wenches in local watering holes - yet at the same time the music is beautifully naive, rendered with an authentic bucolic sense of the folk tradition of the region.

The 27 individual tracks melt into each other like Spring time snow - some lasting as little as 5 seconds in duration, yet moving the musical journey forward by yet another significant step.

Hikers

Stop offs come in the form of jaunty marches interwoven with playful waltzes, melancholic folk tunes, sturdy polkas, dances and odd ball diversions, the players taking turns to lead from the front like co-operative hikers.

The surreal sense of adventure is brought home at its conclusion - a breathless arrival at the door of the local pub is followed by a ruinous celebration and morning after hangover, which takes the form of a bleak, but grateful paean to composer Alban Berg.

Reflective

In between we get all those mental images chucked into the Mnozil blender - from reflective musical panoramas to an almost 1970's 'Cinzano' advert inspired waltz, that starts somewhere in a mountain pass village and ends downtown in a jazz club in New Orleans.

Expect the unexpected with Mnozil and you will be left delighted with this authentically original release. Expect to try and understand the raison d'etre behind what they do - and you will be left wondering what on earth you have let yourself in for.

As for the image of the butcher's ‘joint cut' map of a cow and an archery board on the cover? You'll need a psychoanalyst to work them out.

Don't try - it may reduce your enjoyment of the playing.

Iwan Fox

tags mnozil brass

	Oration
	£13.25 - £10.50 Reference:  CDPR17 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Pequena Czarda ... Pedro Iturralde Arr.Klaas van der Woude
2. Aria ... Eugene Bozza Arr. Klaas van der Woude
3. Euphonium Concerto ...Philip Wilby 
4. Walter's Prize Song ... Wagner Arr. Maurice Bale
5. Fantasia di Concerto ... Eduardo Boccalari Arr. John Meredith
6. Mr. Euphonium ... Bertrand Moren
7. The Lark in the Clear Air ... Trad . Arr. David Catherwood
8. Introduction, Theme and Variations ... Rossini Arr. Brennan
9. Oration ... Howard Snell

	Rococo Variations - Steven Mead
	£13.00 - £8.90 Reference:  CDBM14 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Allegro Appassionato Op.43 ..C.Saint-Saens Arr. Luc Vertommen    3.38
2. The Song of the Birds .. Trad Arr. Luc Vertommen        4.05
3. Rococo Variations ..Tchaikovsky Arr. Thomas Ruedi     17.26                       
4. Walking on Music .. Roger Deronge    6.09
5. Vintage .. David Gillingham  Arr. Vernon Briggs   9.00
6. Pilatus .. Goff Richards    7.05                               
7. Canaans Land .. Peter Graham    9.14               
8. The Last Sleep of the Virgin (Le dernier sommeil de la vierge) ..G. Massenet Arr. Luc Vertommen      4.13
9. Carmen Fantasy .. G.Bizet Arr. Luc Vertommen    10.18

Total CD 73.57

 

Additional Info

Stunning lyrical playing allied to an audacious technique in great abundance on this new solo CD from Steve. With 5 brand new arrangements, this mainly classical CD shows off the sheer beauty and passion of the sound of the euphonium, no more so than in the title track, Rococo Variations, the cello masterpiece from Tchaikovsky skilfully arranged for euphonium and brass band by the Swiss euphonium master Thomas Ruedi. This incredible work sounds almost like an original work for euphonium in this quite immense performance. Three romantic, atmospheric slow works are also going to be highlights of this disc, two of which were unearthed by the famous Belgian conductor/arranger Luc Vertommen who provided much of the musical inspiration behind the award winning 'Euphonium Virtuoso' CD.

The incredible Carmen Fantasy in a brand new arrangement by Luc sees Steve's technique at its sparkling best in between the passionate operatic melodies. Gillingham's Vintage is a big favourite of many of todays euphonium soloists and this new setting with brass band is sure to spark great interest. Canaan's Land by Peter Graham is the other major work on the disc , written for Derick Kane (ISB) a few years ago . Steve was the dedicatee of Goff Richards beautiful work Pilatus (the awe-inspiring mountain sitting overlooking Lucerne) back in 1993 and this new recording sees the work given a fresh feel and the arching melodies are just perfect for the euphonium, in the hands of our soloist. Saint Saens' Allegro Appassionata, originally for cello is the curtain raiser on this feast of euphonium magic. This is a CD you'll definitely not want to be without!!

Listed in several magazines on the shortlist for Solo CD of the Year 2009.

Brass Band World review January 2010:

 

"Any new Steven Mead CD excites high expectations and this latest doesn’t disappoint.

Drawing heavily on classical repertoire with a little help from the arranging skills of Luc Vertommen, the transcriptions are thoughtfully interspersed and there are several original pieces from the pens of Goff Richards and Peter Graham, amongst others.  The choice of music places as much emphasis on the lyrical qualities of the instrument as it does on the stunning virtuosity of the soloist – all to compelling effect.

It’s not simply  the technique that impresses, however.  In the case of Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme and Saint-Saens’ Allegro Appassionato, both mainstays of the cello repertoire, it is Steven Mead’s stylistic affinity with the music that it marks the playing out as truly special, whilst in Roger Derongé’s Walking on Music and Goff Richards’ Pilatus, the control and phrasing of the lyrical lines is a joy to behold.

For pyrotechnics, though, Bizet’s Carmen Fantasy steals the show with playing from the soloist that, at times, almost beggars belief.

Although the acoustic is a touch and brittle, Andy Duncan and Whitburn band provide carefully judged accompaniment.

To quote the title of the David Gillingham piece, performed with such elegance, Steven Mead proves again that his is artistry and musicianship of a rare ‘vintage’.  It all makes for a disc not to be missed.

Christopher Thomas."

Brass band World magazine issue 190, December January 2010

tags euphonium virtuoso series

	CD -Strike Up The Band - Steven Mead, Hans Gansch and Sound Inn Brass (Austria)
	£13.00 - £12.00 Reference:  CDBM12 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Spain** .. Chick Corea Arr Peter Meechan
2. A Night in Tunisia .. Dizzy Gillespie Arr Joachim Refardt
3. Chess ** *- Medley from the Musical .. Ulvaeus/Andersson, Arr Hubert Gurtner
4. Children of Sanchez .. Chuck Mangione, Arr Johannes Baer
5. Ballade for Alicia** .. Johannes Baer
6. Strike up the Band .. George & Ira Gershwin, Arr Joachim Refardt
7. Send in the Clowns* .. Steven Sondheim, Arr Roger Harvey
8. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy** .. Joe Zawinul, Arr Peter Meechan
9. I Got Rhythm .. George Gershwin, Arr.Roger Harvey
10. Sardan .. Johannes Baer
11. Chameleon** .. Maynard Ferguson,Arr Peter Meechan
12. Little Jazz Waltz #.. Bob Seibert
13. Carioca** .. Vincent Youmans, Arr Colin Randle/Hubert Gurtner
14. La Fiesta .. Chick Corea, Arr Roberto Di Marino

*Hans Gansch - Solo cornet
**Steven Mead - Solo euphonium
# Euphonium quartet and drums

 

Additional Info

Steven Mead's third recording with the spectacular Sound Inn Brass from Austria, this time with Steven featured as conductor and soloist. Special guest Hans Gansch, cornet, complements this breathtaking collection of music in big band style, with red hot trumpet playing, improvisations, and stunning solos from this popular 12 piece Austrian professional brass ensemble.

This CD has sold extremely well and continues to reach new audiences. It has opened many doors for this great professional brass ensemble, based in Upper Austria. The best album for the car !!! Great fun, you'll listen to this many times over.

A chance to hear the euphonium in a jazz/big band situation and a new genre that Steve is exploring.

tags sound inn brass, jazz

	Symphonic Variants
	£13.25 Reference:  CDDH01 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Raise of the Sun (Galante)

2. Rhapsody for Euphonium (Curnow)

3. Spirit of Independence (van der Roost)

4. Concerto for Euphonium (Curnow)

5. To Fly Without Wings (Curnow)

6. Symphonic Variants for Euphonium (Curnow)

	The Essential Steven Mead
	£13.25 - £10.50 Reference:  CDPR16 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Home on the Range (Leidzen)
2. O My Beloved Father (Puccini/Smith)
3. Varied Mood (Woodfield)
4. Kol Nidrei (Bruch/Gay)
5. Carnival of Venice (Remmington)
6. Peace (Golland)
7. Variations (A.L.Webber/Graham)
8. Grandfathers Clock (Doughty)
9. Variations on Annie Laurie (Heaton)
10. Serenade (Schubert/Wilkinson)
11. Serenade from Les Millions D'Arlequin (Drigo)
12. Drink to Me Only (Snell)

	The Mighty Voice
	£13.25 - £10.50 Reference:  CDPR12 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Sinfonietta No. 2 (Sparke)
2. Old English Suite (Short)
3. Pantomime (Sparke)*
4. Delta Dances (Platts)
5. Mountain Song (Sparke)
6. The Mighty Voice (Patterson)

Steven Mead - soloist

	CD Tribute - Steven Mead and the Michigan State Wind Orchestra cond. Kenneth G. Bloomquist
	£13.25 - £10.00 Reference:  CDPR11 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

This wonderful CD is now exactly 30 years old, and we hope that you enjoy this incredible music and outstanding performance.

Repertoire

1. Original Fantasie (Picchi/Mantia)
2. Night in June (King)
3. From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific (Clarke)
4. Rhapsody (Curnow)
5. Beautiful Colorado (DeLuca/Roberts)
6. Concertino No.1 in Bb (Klengel/Falcone)
7. Fantasia di Concerto (Boccalari/Kent-Akers)
8. Estrellita (Ponce/Lake)
9. Atlantic Zephyrs (Simons)
10. Believe Me if All Those Endearing Young Charms (Mantia/Brasch/Maldonado)
11. Flower Song from Carmen (Bizet/Harding)
12. Auld Lang Syne (Mantia)

30 years of memories!

from Steven Mead

I have so many great memories of the Tribute CD. It was one of my very first collaborations with the Polyphonic company, with sound engineer Mike Moore and producer Philip Sparke. It was also one of my very first ever visit to the United States where the Brass Band of Battle Creek was in its infancy, and my friendship with brothers Jim and Bill Gray was quickly solidifying. It was just one year earlier when we discussed the possibility of me making a recording with the Michigan State University Wind Orchestra. The subject of Leonard Falcone was ever-present in our minds as I had been connected with the Falcone festival for the past two summers there. We wanted to find some music that Leonard used to perform, and we nominated some of his favourite solos. We decided also we would honour the legacy of the late great Simone Mantia and these two eminent gentlemen became the dedicatees of this Tribute album.

We managed to assemble all the music, with sincere thanks to the library at Michigan State and with the help of many others. The recording week was quite joyous, but really quite unusual at the same time. Recordings could only start at 10 pm on the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday of the recordings as many of the young musicians were involved in an opera production at the University. And so the band assembled around 10 pm each night and we worked until around 1:30 am. Then we went out to eat at the local Denny’s restaurant each night, getting to bed around 3 am. There were also some school clinics taking place at that time so the mornings for me were not free. As we finished our final recording session we then had to prepare for the rehearsals and concert to be given by the Brass Band of Battle Creek. From there we went onto the ITEC, my first one, in Lexington Kentucky! It was an immensely demanding but thoroughly enjoyable week, and looking back on this now with great fondness, working with friends and colleagues and with this beautiful and quite memorable music. Sadly we lost the conductor Kenneth G. Bloomquist last year, but I’ll be forever grateful for his patience, good humour and it was a great pleasure to witness the fantastic camaraderie between him and his young band. Thirty years have passed since this recording and listening to it again now, it comes back fresh. The passion and the energy is almost surprising not to mention some of the quick tempos!!

And to the photo on the front cover of the CD: it was suggested that we try to find an old uniform from the Michigan State marching band, and the one that they had in the museum there almost fitted me. Fortunately the photograph only goes down to the knees as the length of these trousers was around 10 in inches longer than my legs!!

It’s cemented forever my connection with Michigan, with the University, and all those associated with the recording. I hope you all enjoy listening to it!

 

Each copy of the CD sold now from April 21 onwards will be autographed by Steven Mead.

	Virtuoso Music for Brass - Complete works for euphonium (Jules Demersseman)
	£13.00 - £4.00 Reference:  CDBM15 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Premier Solo
2. Premier Solo de Concert
3. Deuxieme Solo de Concert
4. Cavatine Op.38
5. Cavatina
6. Introduction et Polonaise Op.30
7. Grande Fantasie Dramatique
8. Grande Fantaisie sur ‘Don Juan' de Mozart
9. Fantaisie sur ‘Le Desir' de Beethoven
10. Introduction et Variations sur le ‘Carnival de Venise'
11. Grand Duo sur les motifs de Guillaume Tell (Grand duet on themes from William Tell) ~ both parts played by Steven Mead

 

Additional Information

Thanks to Luc Vertommen for the inspiration behind this remarkable CD. The music of Jules Demersseman is certainly unknown to brass players at present. But this recording of his 'lost' works for the now extinct six valve trombone, a creation of the instrument maker Adolphe Sax in the early 19th century, is sure to put his music into the minds of brass players now. It is wonderfully inventive and spontaneous music which tests the ability of even today's players. How these virtuoso pieces were played on the trombone with 6 independent valves we just don't know, it seems too remarkable for words!! Enjoy this latest CD recording by Steven Mead and the brilliant accompanist Tomoko Sawano.

Jules (Auguste Edouard) Demersseman (1833-1866) was in his time a remarkable flautist and meritorious composer. Historically the most important works he composed were those for the new trombone with six independent valves developed by Adolphe Sax.

The works that Demersseman wrote for this new instrument could be easily subdivided into two main categories : the typical exam-pieces (Volume 1) and the themes and variations usually based on well known operatical themes (Volume 2). Both the typical ‘Solo de Concert' (the exam-pieces used at the Paris Conservatory) and the themes and variations breathe the Parisian musical taste of that era and the influence of romantism and salon music. They focus on the many technical difficulties and virtuoso effects a student should master and the emotional expression. This new and first complete edition for euphonium and piano was mainly based on the original 1865 editions published by Adolphe Sax himself and are suited perfectly for the modern day euphonium players.

tags euphonium virtuoso series

	World of the Euphonium, Vol. 1
	£13.25 - £10.50 Reference:  CDPR01 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Sonata in F - Marcello/arr. Mead
2. Partita Op. 89 - Butterworth
3. Vocalise - Rachmaninov
4. Soliloquy IX - Wiggins
5. Fantasy for Euphonium - Hoshina
6. Variations for Ophicleide - Kummer
7. Sonata Euphonica - Hartley
8. Après un Rêve - Fauré
9. Weber's Last Waltz - Rimmer
10. Heart in Heart - Bosanko
11. Barcarolle from the Tales of Hoffman - Offenbach
12. A New Carnival of Venice - Stevens

tags world of the euphonium

	World of the Euphonium, Vol. 2
	£13.25 - £10.50 Reference:  CDPR02 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Concerto Gallop - Wilby
2. Solo de Concurso - Yuste
3. Fantasia - Jacobs
4. The Swan - Saint-Saens/arr. Mead
5. Fantasie Concertante - Castérède
6. Song for Ina - Sparke
7. Ransomed - Marshall
8. Libesfreude - Kreisler
9. Largo Elegaico from Concerto No. 2 - Golland
10. Panache - Dewhurst
11. Two Fauré Duets - Fauré/arr. Mead
12. Ball of Fire - Smalley
13. Hora Staccato - Dinicu/arr. Heifitz

tags world of the euphonium

	World of the Euphonium, Vol. 3
	£13.25 - £10.50 Reference:  CDPR03 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. The Song of the Brother - Leidzen
2. Flight - Wilby
3. Romance - Elgar/arr. Wilson
4. Party Piece - Sparke
5. Song of the Seashore - Narita/arr. Kanai
6. Fantasy Variations - Ito
7. Sonata for Euphonium - Roper
8. Im Tiefsten Walde - Schmid/arr. Bacon
9. When You Wish Upon a Star - Harline/arr. Kanai
10. Notturno - Rimsky-Korsakov/arr. Mead
11. Concerto per Flicorno Basso- Ponchielli/arr. Hower

tags world of the euphonium

	World of the Euphonium, Vol. 4
	£13.25 - £10.50 Reference:  CDPR04 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

 

1. Euphonium Concertos - Vladimir Cosma
2. Cantabile - Paginini/arr. Richards
3. Fever Fantasy - Nielsen
4. Café 1930 - Astor Piazolla/arr. Mead
5. Sonata for Euphonium - John Reeman
6. By Gaslight - Tadeusz Kassatti
7. Birthday Tribute - Sparke
8. Es ist eine Rose entsprungen - Brahms/arr. Gotoh
9. Pearls - Roland Szentpali
10. Vissi D'Arte - Puccini/arr. Steven Mead
11. Herbmaiden's Dance - Hugo Alven/arr. Olsrud

 

 

Additional Info

 

The fourth installment of the World of the Euphonium series. Jam-packed with material - you can't find a better representation of contemporary euphonium repertoire! Be sure to check out the other four volumes of the World of the Euphonium series.

tags world of the euphonium

	World of the Euphonium, Vol. 5
	£13.25 - £10.50 Reference:  CDPR05 Stock:   In stock Quantity: 123456789

Repertoire

1. Fantasy ... Hummel/Wilby (Winwood Music) 6.43

2-4. Euphonium Concerto Nr.2 ... Philip Sparke (Anglo Music Press)

2. 1st mov. Giocoso 4.26
3. 2nd Mov. Adagio 8.00
4. 3rd Mov. Molto Vivo 4.10

5. Prelude ... Ito (Studio Music) 4.04

6-9. Four Bagatelles ... Howard Snell (Rakeway Music)

6. Refrains and Choruses 2.16
7. Ballad 3.04
8. Improvisation 2.26
9. Galop 1.26

10. Absolute Reality ... Pete Meechan (Nordic Sounds) 5.18
11. Concert Piece Nr.1 ... Joseph Turrin (Manu) 6.16
12. Lokk from the Green Island ... T.A.Nilsen (Nordic Sounds)2.26
13. 4 Euphoniums for You (Four Euphoniums and Harp) ... Yasuhide Ito (Studio Music) 5.15

14-20. A La Suite Classique ... Yasuhide Ito (Studio Music)

14. Prélude 1.49
15. Allemande en forme de Tango 2.48
16. Sarabande en forme de Chaconne 2.25
17. Interlude l'imitation de Mr.L.Couperin 1.22
18. Gavotte en forme de Habanera 1.14
19. Menuet en forme de Musette (piano solo) 1.35
20. Gigue en forme de Zapateado 1.43

21. Dream Nocturne ... Howard Snell (Rakeway Music) 5.24
22. Danse Du Diable Vert (Dance of the Green Devil) ... Gaspar Cassadó Arr.Thomas Ruedi adapted by Roy Newsome (Obrasso) 4.08

 

Additional Info

As with the other albums in the series the new World of the Euphonium Vol.5 features Steve with piano accompaniment, but this time with a few surprises ! This highly versatile collection of mostly original euphonium repertoire presents a large number of new works as well as some premiere performances on this recording. The addition of harp in the Ito quartet, with Steve playing all four euphonium parts, is sure to be of interest, as is the new Euphonium Concerto No.2 by Philip Sparke, the A La Suite Classique (Ito) and the brand new Dream Nocturne (Snell). In all 79 minutes of great music and great playing, aided by the talented Japanese virtuoso pianist Tomoko Sawano.

tags world of the euphonium

Customer Service

• Contact
• Terms & Conditions
• Cookies
• Returns
• Shipping information
• FAQ

© 2024, euphoniumstore.net | Contact address: 10 Old Forge Road, Fenny Drayton, Warks CV13 6BD. UK

We use cookies to facilitate the usage of our online shop. You are able to turn off your cookies through your browser options, but this will have a negative effect on the functionality of our website on your computer. Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer by websites that you visit or certain emails you open. They are widely used in order to make websites work. Read more Close message.