The newest feature of our catalogue is an exciting series of works rescored for woodwind and saxophones. Johannes Brahms wrote his Serenade in A, Op.16 for chamber orchestra without violins; Derek Smith's masterly transcription replaces strings and horns with a quartet of saxophones, giving new life and colours from a major romantic work to woodwind and saxophones.

Four romantic orchestral miniatures have been lovingly rescored for the same combination by Malcolm Binney, giving us a chance for complete contrast in our programmes. Maurice Ravel was reportedly dissatisfied with his Pavane pour une infante defunte but it remains one of his most popular works today, as is Gabriel Faure's Pavane; finally Malcolm turned to Elgar for a winning transcription of his Chanson de Matin, described by the composer as "a perfect little aubade, as fresh as the morning dew" and lastly the exciting Joyeuse Marche of Chabrier. Non of them should be missed!

One of the most sort after items in our catalogue is Adam Gorb's Yiddish Dances written for my fiftieth birthday, now deliciously re-scored for fourteen players: Flute doubling Piccolo. Oboe, Eb Clarinet doubling Bb Clarinet (alternative part for violin), Clarinet in Bb, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, Horn in F (alternative part for Tenor Saxophone), 2 Trumpets, Trombone (or Baritone/Euphonium), Tuba and 2 Percussion players.

Another popular folk-based work is Gorb's Bohemian Revelry, also scored for fourteen. Incidentally, the full wind orchestra work has been selected for performance at the next WASBE Conference in Bohemia, Prague, 2022.

I have recommended Bill Connor's Tails aus dem Vood Viennoise very highly in the past, with its extraordinary melodic and harmonic language, reminiscent of Kurt Weill and Gustav Mahler, a symphonic work at US grade 4, UK grade 5. Bill has also contributed to our catalogue of chamber ensemble works with The Sound of Welcome, a beautifully controlled piece which may be treated as a companion work to Mozart's Gran Partita or Dvorak's Wind Serenade, this single movement work makes an ideal 'opener' or 'finisher' to any concert. Lots of good parts for everyone. Scoring: 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassett Horns (alternative parts are provided for Clarinets), 2 Bassoons, 4 Horns, Cello and Double Bass. In passing I would also recommend Bill's S.L.O.W. a wind orchestra piece written in response to my worry that so much of our repertoire tends to be loud and fast! The full title is Sun Low Over Water, an absolutely beautiful exercise in controlled dynamics.

Finally a major contribution to the concert repertoire is Malcolm Binney's superb transcription of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, a wonderful recreation of the spirit of Ravel's original orchestration (but including all of Mussorgsky's Promenades) the first of so many arrangements including those of Sir Henry Wood, Leopold Stokowski and Vladimir Ashkenazy. In Binney's arrangement we are not aware that this is a 'band' score; this is a masterly version which will swiftly gain a fine reputation on the concert platform.

Monsters (of the Sacred Grove)
Figures in the hidden garden of the Duke Orsini of Bomarzo
for Wind Orchestra

1. Into the Sacred Grove
2. The Three Graces
3. Pegasus the Winged Horse
4.The Orcus
5. The Wrestling Giants
6. The Sleeping Nymph
7. The Lions Battle the Dragon
8. The Leaning House
9. The Temple of Eternity

Enter the "Park of Monsters" in the Garden of Bamazo created by Duke Pier Francesco Orsini to cope with his grief at the death of his wife Giulia. See the fantastic world of grotesque sculptures and small buildings located amongst the vegetation and volcanic rock and wonder.....

Keiron Anderson at his most ingenious...a gorgeous blending of the colours and contrasts of the wind orchestra's pallet, a true depiction of the conjurer's art!

Trad Session - definition: "An informal, often impromptu gathering at which people play Irish traditional music. Often held in pubs, trad sessions are characterised by a cacophany of sounds where anything can happen from smashing glasses to spontaneous singing or even unexpected altercations".

The chaotic soundscape surrounding a trad session served as the primary inspiration for the current work. From the outset the intention was to create an ambitious piece that not only reflected celebrated traditional tunes but also embraced the surrounding auditory bedlam...and wow has this been achieved!

This is Fergal Carroll's third work which takes it's name from both a colour and an element - 'Blackwater' and 'Silverwinds' being the other two. Gold from the Earth is a beautifully paced, inventive and appealing miniature, stylishly-crafted with the composer's hallmark scoring and rhythmic interest.

Out of the Darkness follows the implications of it's title: a progress from sombre introspection to something much more hopeful. The years from 2020 to 2022 were troubling worldwide but hopefully a brighter future can be attained in the face of present day challenges. This is 'serious' Gorb, gripping, spiritual, a voyage through struggle and challenge demanding an ensemble's full technical and expressive skill.

1 Going to Work
2 Piccadilly Gardens
3 Man Lying on a Wall
4 House on the Moor
5 Market Scene, Northern Town
6 Portrait of Ann
7 The Estuary
8 Blitzed Site
9 The Funeral Party
10 Britain at Play

"Having spent much of my formative musical life in Manchester in the North of England, I wanted to reflect something that was quintessentially that part of the country I loved! The paintings of L.S.Lowry reflect just how I feel about Manchester; full of unexpected detail, colour and essentially, life. Incidentally this is how I feel about the Wind Orchestra. In my mind Lowry's depiction of the mid-20th century North of England and the endless tonal possibilities of the wind orchestra are the perfect pairing".

The problem with composing a piece for shoulder string soloists and wind ensemble, is being able to establish an intricate relationship between the chamber colours and sensitivities of the stringed instruments against the fuller, more 'public' sound of the winds. Gorb achieves this with staggering deftness.

The Double Concerto is a moving and powerful piece with a strong sense of line and texture and, as always demonstrates Gorb's strikingly flawless craftsmanship.

The word 'clarion' was used in former times as the name for a kind of trumpet and also for an organ stop. It derives from the Latin 'clarus'. which means clear and bright.

Of course, the expression 'clarion call' means an urgent call to action, usually in times of trouble. Written at a time when the world was coping with America's President Trump's erratic pronouncements, the refugee crisis in Europe and beyond, the problems of climate change and the Coronavirus Pandemic, the title 'Clarion Call' seems never more pertinent. Unfortunately, it would appear we may continue to need calls for some years to come!

Charles Dickens originally published his second novel 'Oliver Twist' in serial form between 1837 and 1839. Many memorable characters appear in the book but non as notorious as the elderly Jewish criminal Fagin. Fagin organised and trained a group of young pickpockets into who's company Oliver innocently fell.

Whatever you feel about Fagin's activities, we cannot forget the fun, family feeling he created for his little gang in their London den. Fagin's Ball exploits this special humour, but beware, Fagin was a master of the slight of hand and his mesmeric hold on his little villains was never too distant.

Reunited was written to anticipate and then celebrate players returning to live rehearsal and performance after the substantial break caused by the Covid Pandemic restrictions.

The music is lively and positive; full of colourful cross rhythms and varied scoring. Multiple counter melodies suggest encounters with friends and colleagues and a poignant central section reflects on how people have missed group interaction and support

The music is accessible to players and audience a like and is the perfect piece to begin any concert.

Scherzo Frenetico
for Large Wind Orchestra

Scherzo Frenetico is the second movement of Daniel Basford's extended work, Symphony No.1.

The Symphony was begun as pure music without a programme, but it soon became apparent that it took on parallels with another work he was planning about the well-known story of Prometheus and, although it is not an exact description of the Prometheus story, it became a commentary on it.

The second movement, a wild scherzo, draws its inspiration from the text of Shelley's poem, Prometheus Unbound. The music is frantic and insistent, suggesting Zeus' anger at Prometheus and the loss of control caused by his theft of fire, which he gifted to man who misused it.

The Lake of Pegusa
Plucked from the Earth
Fanfare of the Undead
Bathing in Oblivion
Summer Too Fleeting
A Hateful Reunion
Acceptance (Surrender?)

The story of Persephone, the sweet daughter of the goddess Demeter who was kidnapped by Hades and later became Queen of the Underworld, is well known all over the world.

Here, the story is retold through seven contrasting miniatures describing a life both charmed and turbulent. The music is lightly scored with solo opportunities throughout the ensemble. The stage is set with a gauze of delightful colour and texture, of course, never far behind are traumatic interludes of ominous darkness. Spellbinding!

Tainted Beauty; Persephone's Story, was commissioned by the Wind Conducting and Wind Ensemble Faculty of the Sherborne Summer School of Music and their director Mark Heron.

Chabrier considered his Joyeuse Marche 'idiotically comical'. Debussy described it as filled to overflowing with bold colourful innovations' and a 'masterpiece of high fantasy'. It was dedicated to Vincent d'Indy who was one of Chabrier's many friends in the Parisian artistic avant-garde which included both Manet and Monet.

This transcription is based on both Chabrier's piano and orchestral versions of the work and endeavours to fulfill Debussy's description of a piece as, 'full of audacious harmonies, quirky instrumentation, constant rhythmic invention and an almost grotesque consistency of sound!' The concept of an orchestral woodwind section combined with a quartet of saxophones has lent itself ideally to that description.

Scoring: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 3 Clarinets in Bb (Clarinet 3 doubling Bass Clarinet), 2 Bassoons, 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone and Baritone Saxophone.

Adam Gorb
Yiddish Dances
for Chamber Ensemble
arranged by Adam Gorb
Flute doubling Piccolo, Oboe, Eb Clarinet doubling Bb Clarinet (alternative part for Violin), Clarinet in Bb, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone,
Horn in F (alternative part for Tenor Sax), 2 Trumpets, Trombone (or Baritone/Euphonium), Tuba, 2 Percussion

Yiddish Dances has proved to be one of the most popular works for winds written in the 20th century. This version for Chamber Ensemble, written at the time of the Covid-19 crisis, allows for socially-distanced ensembles much akin to the size of traditional Klezmer bands, to enjoy the vibrant style and sound of the original Wind Orchestra version and in particular the exotic folk music of the Yiddish-speaking people. A real party of a piece!

Duration: c. 14-15 minutes

MC0222 Set and score £60.00
MC0222C Score £25.00

Bohemian Revelry

for Chamber Ensemble

arranged by Adam Gorb

Flute doubling Piccolo, Oboe, 2 Clarinets in Bb, first doubling Eb Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, Horn in F (an alternate part is supplied for Tenor Saxophone), 2 Trumpets in Bb, Trombone, Tuba, 2 Percussion players.

Bohemian Revelry is a tribute to the verve and vigour of the music of the people of the Czech Republic. It is also a celebration of the artistic and social freedom of a people without ties or responsibilities who always allow for a party whenever and wherever possible.

The work is in four movements based on Czech/Bohemian folk dances: a Polka, a Furiant, a Susedska and a Skocna. All the movements can be performed separately if desired.

Bohemian Revelry was originally conceived as a work for Wind Orchestra. This version written at the time of the 2020-2021 Covid-19 crisis and allows for socially-distanced rehearsal and performance with a small group of wind players.

Duration c: 14-15 minutes

MC0223 Set of parts and score £60.00

MC0223C Score £25.00

Chanson de Matin, Op.15, No.2

for Woodwind and Saxophones

transcribed by Malcolm Binney

Elgar's delightful Chanson de Matin was originally conceived as a work for violin and piano and was designed as a companion piece to his other short violin work, 'Chanson de Nuit'. He described it in a letter to his publisher as "a perfect little aubade, as fresh as the morning dew". Both Chansons were later orchestrated by the composer and it is as an orchestral work that 'Chanson de Matin' achieved its popularity and public affection.

This transcription is scored for: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone and Baritone Saxophone.

Duration c: 3 minutes

MC0224 Set of parts and score £32.00

MC0224C Score £14.00

Pavane pour une infante defunte
(Pavane for a Dead Princess)
for Woodwind and Saxophones
transcribed by Malcolm Binney

Ravel's Pavane pour une infante defunte began life as a piano piece written whilst he was studying with Faure at the Paris Conservatoire. The orchestral version also made by Ravel was premiered to great acclaim in 1910. Sadly, in later life Ravel became dissatisfied with the piece saying he "no longer saw its good points". However, audiences have resolutely ignored his protestations and the work has remained one of the most popular pieces of the early 20th century.

This transcription is scored for: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone and Baritone Saxophone.

Duration: c. 6 minutes

MC0221 Set and score £32.50

MC0221C Score £14.00

for Woodwind and Saxophones

arranged by Derek Smith (after Op.16)

For Brahms the serenade was a light hearted response to the Serenades of Mozart and Haydn. He imagined them as loose limbed entertainment rather than titanic struggles with symphonic form.

Derek Smith's arrangement of the second Serenade stays faithful to the original Brahms woodwind writing whilst representing the rich dark sonorities of the strings and horns with an extra clarinet and a quartet of saxophones. There are five varied movements each of which may be played separately. This most appealing and beautiful transcription is scored for: 3 Flutes (3rd doubling Piccolo), 2 Oboes, 3 Clarinets in A and Bb, 2 Bassoons, Contra Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, 2 Tenor Saxophones and a Baritone Saxophone, thirteen instruments in all.

Duration: c. 35 minutes

MC0219 Set of parts and score £56.00

MC0219C Score £19.50

for Woodwind and Saxophones

transcribed by Malcolm Binney

Faure's enchanting Pavane began life as a piece for piano and chorus which he later orchestrated and which has become one of his most popular works. This transcription for woodwind and saxophones remains faithful to the scoring of his orchestral version and the key of F# minor which so beautifully expresses the colours and sonorities of the woodwind section. The bass clarinet and additional quartet of saxophone's contrasting timbres are well suited to conveying the strings and horn writing of the original, and provide a satisfying and sensitive contrast to the luxuriant woodwinds.

Scoring: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 3 Clarinets in A (3rd doubling Bass Clarinet),

2 Bassoons, 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone and Baritone Saxophone.

Duration: c. 6 minutes

MC0220 Set of parts and score £30.00

MC0220C Score £14.00

Recent publications for
Wind Orchestra

Malcolm Binney

Ouverture Joyeuse
An Overture for a Street Party
for Wind Orchestra

An exuberant, big tuned opener celebrating the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. Fast moving with a witty, sunny ambience, Overture Joyeuse buzzes with fun and camaraderie. "...a joy to play, and great to listen to..." A real winner!

Duration: c. 6.40 minutes

MC0215 Score and parts £71.00
MC0215C Score £24.50

Clark McAlister

Lou's Mountain Bread
Suite for Wind Orchestra

"The folklore here is genuine, the genius however is McAlister's effortlessly assured craftsmanship". There are four movements each of which can be played separately. The first is marked 'Energetic', the second 'Playfully', the third is a bit of cool jazz-syncopation and the last is marked 'Lively'. "...a wonderful exploitation of the sonorities and dexterity of the wind orchestra..."

Duration: c. 11.30 minutes

MC0184 Score and parts £85.00
MC0184C Score £24.50

Modest Mussorgsky

Pictures at an Exhibition
A Remembrance of Viktor Hartman
transcribed for Wind Orchestra by Malcolm Binney

Mussorgsky composed his epic work Pictures at an Exhibition after a feverish bout of creativity in June 1874. It was written as a memorial to his close friend the artist and architect Victor Hartman. Early in 1874 Mussorgsky visited a retrospective exhibition of Hartman's sketches, stage designs and architectural studies and quickly reacted with the inspired idea of writing a suite of piano pieces describing ten of the canvases interspersed with a promenade portraying the composer himself strolling through the exhibition. The result was a series of brilliant, programmatic miniatures connected by a poetic interlude (heavily reminiscent of Russian folk song) which develops into a magical sequence of its own and finally a mammoth edifice of ceremonial grandeur.

The current transcription was completed in 2017 and first performed by the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines (Royal Band) in Portsmouth, UK.

Grade AB 8, US 5

Duration: 38 minutes

MC0204 Score and parts £155.00
MC0204C Score £39.00

Two specials for Christmas....

Chris Holmes
A Garland of Carols
Three Symphonic Carols for Band

Past Three O'Clock
Noel nouvelet!
I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In

Three traditional carols in contemporary settings. Vibrant, spirited and strikingly dynamic. (Includes much cross cueing for bands with smaller forces.) Movements may be performed separately. AB grade 6/7, US grade 4/5.

Total duration 10'35

MC0199 Set and Score £62.00
MC0199C Score only £18.50

Malcolm Binney

Christmas Extravaganza

A New Christmas Festival
for Wind Orchestra

A brilliantly conceived Christmas overture or finale designed as an alternative or companion to Anderson's enduring favourite. A wealth of familiar melodies with many sparkling suprises, often brilliant, often poignant - a real Christmas celebration.
(Includes much cross cueing for bands with smaller forces.)
AB grade 6/7, US grade 4/5.

Duration 9'40

MC0200 Set and Score £55.00
MC0200C Score only £22.00

. . . . and our sensational series for

Choirs and Winds

Maecenas has a ground breaking selection of serious works for choir, soloists and winds. Have a look at and listen to the following titles by clicking on the link.

Daniel Basford Night Journey, A Cantata for Baritone, Chorus and Concert Band

Fergal Carroll A New Songs Measure for Choir (SSATB) and Wind Band

Philip Wilby A Passion for Our Times for Narrator, Mixed Chorus, Youth Choir, Symphonic Wind Orchestra (or Brass Band) and Organ (with ad. lib. dancers and audience / congregation participation)

Adam Gorb and Ben Kaye Eternal Voices for Narrator, Soloists, Chorus and Wind Orchestra

Sherborne Summer School of Music

27 July - 10 August

2025

"A mecca for those interested in directing
and playing woodwind, brass and percussion instruments"

Sherborne Summer School of Music was founded in 1952 as the Canford Summer School of Music, a name it retained for 52 years before relocating to Sherborne School in the pretty medieval market town of Sherborne in Dorset in the UK.

It is the ideal venue for adult musicians of all ages to meet in a friendly, supportive atmosphere where they can enhance their skills through the help of dedicated, internationally celebrated teachers and performers. Dating back as far as the 8th century, Sherborne School is full of musical potential; it is dominated by the magnificent Sherborne Abbey and also boasts a state-of-the-art music school, a theatre, recital halls and user-friendly rehearsal spaces.

To complement your hard work, an award winning catering team provides sumptuous meals, there is a spacious bar, various social activities and, during the two weeks, thirty concerts (Concertfest) given by professionals and students.

Sherborne Summer School moves you out of the real world and immerses you in the sheer pleasure of making music and socialising with other like-minded people, singers, instrumentalists, conductors, composers and pianists all meet with the intention of participating in the luxury of one or two weeks' dedicated musical indulgence! So why not join us - soak up the atmosphere, forge new friendships, play and sing beautiful music and hear breathtaking concerts and recitals in the most perfect musical setting.

27 July - 3 August, 2025

Wind Conducting Course

in association with WASBE and BASBWE

Mark Heron, Bjorn Sagstad
and Agata Zajac
composer in residence Stephen McNeff

This internationally recognised course is for conductors at intermediate and advanced levels with an interest in wind repertoire, or a desire to immerse themselves in issues relating to conducting wind and brass instruments. Up to twenty-five students will be accepted as "active" participants. Observers are also encouraged and will be fully involved in the course, but they will only conduct at the discretion of the tutors. An integral feature of the course is that all active participants receive podium time with an ensemble each day and a performance opportunity at the end of the week.

Participants will explore the physical language, score preparation, rehearsal technique and repertoire knowledge. All conducting sessions are filmed by camcorder in order to create a record of work undertaken as well as for use in regular review sessions during the week. The course runs concurrently with the Wind Ensemble Course and there will be close liaison between the two including the opportunity for selected participants to work with that ensemble. All participants should bring with them any instruments they play in order to accommodate ensemble work within the class. Students should, as a minimum, prepare thoroughly the works marked with an asterisk before commencement of the course. You may then wish to select further pieces from the remaining repertoire - it is usually more beneficial to know some of the music well, than all of it not so well. More experienced students may also wish to prepare works from the Wind Ensemble repertoire list.

Repertoire

  *Holst Suite No.1 in E flat, Op.28, No.1
McNeff Monsters
Ellerby           Paris Sketches
*Binney       Emerald Breeze
Jolley       Lichtweg/Lightway
*McNeff        Ghosts
Grainger      Lincolnshire Posy
Baczkowski    The Experience of Jamie
Strauss, R     Serenade in E flat, Op.7

27 July - 3 August, 2025

Wind Ensemble

in association with WASBE and BASBWE

Mark Heron, Bjorn Sagstad
and Agata Zajac
composer in residence Stephen McNeff

The Wind Ensemble is designed for experienced amateurs and students to rehearse and perform significant repertoire written for the medium. Some of the repertoire will be studied in depth and form the basis for several concerts the Wind Ensemble gives during the week. The remainder will be played in repertoire sessions. There will be opportunities for chamber music and there is close liaison with the Wind Conducting Course.

Repertoire

McNeff Monsters
Ellerby Paris Sketches
McNeff   Ghosts
Jolley     March
Grainger    Lincolnshire Posy
Jolley Protector of the East Sea
McNeff   Moving Parts
Baczkowski The Experience of Jamie
Strauss, R Serenade in E flat, Op.7

Other courses of interest to wind players and directors

27 July - 3 August, 2025

Practical Conducting Rodolfo Saglibeni and John Longstaff

Chamber Orchestra John Gibbons

Sinfonietta Oliver Nelson

Composers' Workshop Malcolm Singer

3 - 10 August, 2025

A Journey through Jazz Mike Hall

The George Hurst Conductors' Course Rodolfo Saglibeni,
Robert Houlihan, Natalia Luis-Bassa with David Smith

Symphony Orchestra Philip Ellis

The Art of Choral Direction Amy Bebbington with Charlie Penn

Other courses running concurrently with those above include
Three choirs, (Cappella Chamber Choir, Choral Music of Five Centuries [large choir] and the Lighter Side Choir),
Piano, Piano Accompaniment and two Vocal Masterclasses.

Latest News

Sherborne Summer School of Music

Wind Conducting Course

Mark Heron, Bjorn Sagstad
and Agata Zajac
composer in residence Stephen McNeff

Wind Ensemble

Mark Heron, Bjorn Sagstad
and Agata Zajac
composer in residence Stephen McNeff

Other courses of interest to wind players and directors

27 July - 3 August, 2025

3 - 10 August, 2025

Quick Search

Latest News

Sherborne Summer School of Music

Wind Conducting Course

Mark Heron, Bjorn Sagstad and Agata Zajac composer in residence Stephen McNeff

Wind Ensemble

Mark Heron, Bjorn Sagstad and Agata Zajac composer in residence Stephen McNeff

Other courses of interest to wind players and directors

27 July - 3 August, 2025

3 - 10 August, 2025

Quick Search

Mark Heron, Bjorn Sagstad
and Agata Zajac
composer in residence Stephen McNeff

Mark Heron, Bjorn Sagstad
and Agata Zajac
composer in residence Stephen McNeff