As the festive season fast approaches, BrookWright Music has announced a new range of festive music bands, ensembles and soloists.
New works
New works come from the pens of William Himes, Andrew Wainwright, Kenneth Downie, Dave Collins and Karl Whelan, and add to growing Christmas collection, which now features over 100 festive works.
O Holy Night (arr. Tom Kubis trans. Dave Collins)
This stunning arrangement showcases the lyrical potential of the flugel or trumpet/cornet, although the setting offers flexible performance options and can be presented as a solo feature or as a duet for flugel and soprano cornet. A version with piano accompaniment is also available.
Originally made famous by the legendary Wayne Bergeron with the Tom Kubis Big Band, this arrangement has since become a favourite among soloists. The piece was recorded by Philip Cobb and the International Staff Band on their 2016 album 'Celebrate the Season'.
Youtube video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x_hjZyDjrA&list=RD1x_hjZyDjrA&start_radio=1
We Wish You a Merry Christmas (arr. Kenneth Downie)
This light-hearted soprano cornet feature offers an entertaining take on the well-known Christmas carol. Kenneth Downie's arrangement embraces the jovial spirit of the original, pairing nimble soprano cornet writing with bright, colourful scoring for brass band.
To view a rolling score video featuring Gary Fountain, please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WCW9oBw-mY
A version of this solo is available as part of the 'Sounds of the Season' series, with both piano accompaniment and MP3 orchestral backing track, also available from BrookWright.
In the Bleak Midwinter (Holst arr. Andrew Wainwright)
Crafted especially for Philip Broome (euphonium soloist with 'The President's Own' United States Marine Band) and the Dallas Brass Band, this arrangement by Andrew Wainwright was premiered at the 2024 Christmas with The Salvation Army concert in Dallas.
Featuring ethereal textures, shimmering harmonies, and a gently contemplative tone, it brings new life to Gustav Holst's classic setting of the Christina Rossetti original.
A video of Philip Broome and Dallas Brass Band performing the work can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waUkONoMPjc
Bethlehem Down (Peter Warlock arr. Karl Whelan)
Originally composed in 1927 by Peter Warlock with a beautiful text by Bruce Blunt, this carol has become a timeless masterpiece of English choral music, celebrated for its emotional depth and harmonic subtlety.
This brass band arrangement captures the quiet intensity and modal richness of Warlock's original, thoughtfully adapted for the warm, lyrical textures of a full brass ensemble.
To view a rolling score video of the work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN4-DBtsSpc
O Little One Sweet (J.S Bach arr. Andrew Wainwright)
This delightful German lullaby-carol first appeared in 1650, though it may have been written before then.
J. S Bach's version is that which this arrangement for brass band by Andrew Wainwright is based on. This setting includes all four verses.
To view a rolling score video of the work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YryayLe_uJo
New works come from the pens of William Himes, Andrew Wainwright, Kenneth Downie, Dave Collins and Karl Whelan, and add to growing Christmas collection, which now features over 100 festive works4BR
COMING SOON:
Christmas for Two (William Himes)
This unique collection of 70 well-loved carols and festive favourites, arranged by William Himes for two like (or similar) brass or woodwind instruments will be ideal for use on the streets, in churches, or at community gatherings.
This flexible resource will be ideal for duets during the busy Christmas season, particularly where it's not possible to send out a full band or ensemble. Books will be available for instruments in Bb, Eb, F and bass clef.
Young Artists Series: Away in a Manger (arr. Kenneth Downie)
Kenneth Downie's delightful new arrangement is designed to give multiple young players the chance to shine as soloists. With flexible accompaniment parts for brass ensemble and high-quality orchestral and brass backing tracks included, it will be a valuable resource for schools, youth bands, and churches alike.
Explore BrookWright's Full Christmas Catalogue
You can also browse over 100 other Christmas titles for brass band, ensemble, wind band, orchestra, and solo instrument at: www.brookwrightmusic.com
As well as offering PDFs of every title, BrookWright's network of distributors are able to provide print copies as follows:
UK: www.brassband.co.uk & www.durhammusicshop.co.uk
USA: www.solidbrassmusic.com & www.cimarronmusic.com
