Violin & Piano
Short modern violin and piano pieces are rare, but these can take their place amongst examples from Elgar and the like. Unpretentious and good at making friends Two Idylls attempts to capture the sense of delight in the contemplation of pastoral landscapes, and the perceived serenity of the countryside. For the city dweller passing through such vistas speak of more relaxed times and freedom from constant pressures. There is, however, an underlying sense of not belonging, and in these pieces the tranquil settings are shot through with tensions that will not go away. No specific times or places are depicted, but the composers own recall of a period spent living in the country and his feeling of loss as he looks back to those years, perhaps account for the mixed moods of these pieces.
These lyrical pieces are essentially nostalgic, although never sad. They appeal to all audiences.
Violin & Piano
These lyrical pieces are essentially nostalgic, although never sad. They appeal to all audiences.
Wind Quintet
In this melodic and appealing music the five instruments enjoy opportunities to caress the ears of audiences who may have been fearing heavier and more uncompromising fare.
All four movements of Suite for Harp are a Trinity College London Diploma Level ATCL Exam Piece until further notice
Although somewhat modernist in style, this Suite for Harp by John Marson retains the form and disciplines of conventional music and is by no means avant-garde. Its four movements provide strong contrasts leading to a vigorous conclusion. All four movements have been a Trinity College London Diploma Level ATCL Exam Piece since January 2022.
Flute & Harp
In five movements, each with an engaging title, this is a substantial concert work which can serve as a principal item when programme building. Always tuneful and with a great variety of moods, it is a valuable addition to the flute and harp repertoire.
String Quartet
Written above all to be enjoyed by the players, audiences have shown that they too share that same delight. Both of Mason's string quartets are in four movements which exploit the instruments on equal terms, and both are in a musical language that enables the strings to sing as they should. These two quartets will happily share any programme with music from Haydn to Debussy and beyond.
String Quartet
Written above all to be enjoyed by the players, audiences have shown that they too share that same delight. Both of Mason's string quartets are in four movements which exploit the instruments on equal terms, and both are in a musical language that enables the strings to sing as they should. These two quartets will happily share any programme with music from Haydn to Debussy and beyond.
Violin, 'Cello & Piano
John Marson – Song without Words, Opus 2 No. 3 (Violin, ‘Cello & Piano)
Often performed as a separate piece in its own right, if preceded with Nocturne and Scherzo and followed with Fantasia Stravagante, these four pieces by John Marson combine as a substantial recital work. For colleges, conservatories and professionals.
Bassoon & Piano
Too little good music exists for this combination, and so its accessibility commends it to bassoonists. John Marson has given the personalities of the different registers plentiful scope to display their individualities in music with strong melodic content.
Violin, 'Cello & Piano
John Marson – Scherzo, Opus 2 No. 2 (Violin, ‘Cello & Piano)
Often performed as a separate piece in its own right, if followed with Scherzo, Song without Words and Fantasia Stravagante, these four pieces by John Marson combine as a substantial recital work.
Flute & Piano
As a change from show-off bravura items this piece simply asks to be loved, and will return that feeling. Written in a very approachable style, it is well mannered enough to be taken anywhere. For colleges, conservatories and professionals.
Rhapsody in Several Colors is a Trinity College London Diploma Level ATCL Exam Piece until further notice
Written in response to a request for a piece utilising jazz influences, it is however a concert work suitable for a wide range of recital formats. Rhapsody in Several Colors has been a Trinity College London Diploma Level ATCL Exam Piece since January 2022.
Violin, 'Cello & Piano
John Marson – Nocturne, Opus 2 No. 1 (Violin, ‘Cello & Piano)
Often performed as a separate piece in its own right, if followed with Scherzo, Song without Words and Fantasia Stravagante, these four pieces by John Marson combine as a substantial recital work.
Four Miniatures is a Trinity College London Diploma Level ATCL Exam Piece until further notice
Four contrasting movements in a style that shows French influences. Four Miniatures has been a Trinity College London Diploma Level ATCL Exam Piece since January 2022.
Brass Quintet
Written to be light, bright entertainment this work is an interesting, melodic suite with plenty of rhythmic coloration. The four movements are very varied and include a lyrical and soulful horn solo, unusual in this sort of repertoire. For colleges, conservatoires, professionals.
This piece will send any congregation home with a light step. It is a toccata like joyful display with a contrasting but undemanding song for the pedals.
Violin, 'Cello & Piano
John Marson – Fantasia Stravagante, Opus 2 No. 4 (Violin, ‘Cello & Piano)
Often performed as a separate piece in its own right, if preceded with Nocturne, Scherzo and Song without Words these four pieces combine as a substantial recital work.
Harp Solo
This is in effect a four movement Sonatina but in a continuous structure. It employs some popular idioms and has a strong climax.
Flute & Harp
A lightweight kaleidoscopic view of a country outing, in which the last of the three movements portrays playfully the pleasures, and perhaps fatigue, of a bicycle ride.
Trinity College London Intermediate Certificate (Grade 5 Equivalent) Exam Piece for Pedal Harp until further notice In Latin American style, this is a lively evocation of a humming bird in its natural habitat. This work was a Guildhall School of Music and Drama grade 5 exam piece between 2001 and 2006, and has been a Trinity College London Intermediate Certificate (grade 5 Equivalent) exam piece since 2001.
Clarinet & Harp
Repertoire for this combination of instruments is sparse, and this two-movement work provides plentiful opportunities to hear how well they combine. The first movement evokes an ancient Greek pastoral landscape, while the second depicts the energetic cavortings of the God Pan.
String Quartet
Most string quartets are long, but this short little piece in one movement was intended as an encore item, but could also fit comfortably into any portfolio for weddings or other functions. For schools, colleges, conservatories and professionals.
Flute & Piano
Sonata for Flute and Piano, Opus 17 is written in a late Romantic style. The first movement is constructed essentially in traditional sonata-allegro form, with an extensive coda augmenting the new material heard in the development. The passionate second movement opens with a lyrical theme that culminates into a free cadenza at the end. The third movement is written in theme and variation form. Of importance, the fifth variation is written as a four-part fugue and the final variation culminates by joining the theme of the third movement with that of the first. This work not only adds to the existing repertoire of intermediate-advanced flute music, but also teaches young people about traditional classical forms such as the rondo, theme and variations and the fugue. For the history of the composition please see Jim Kelsey's biography. Suitable for teaching studios, secondary schools, colleges and conservatories.
Holst, Gustav
Holst arr. Martelli – March from First Suite in E Flat for Military Band (String Quartet)
Although this march was originally written for military band as part of the composers three movement Suite in E Flat the arranger Carlo Martelli felt that it would adapt well for the string quartet medium and such has proved to be the case. For secondary schools, colleges, conservatories, libraries, amateurs and professionals.
An expertly contrived arrangement by Carlo Martelli of the most famous movement from Holst's ever popular suite, which contains the well known tune I Vow to Thee my Country.
The Planets Suite in Miniature is an attempt to take the listener through Gustav Holst's orchestral masterpiece in less than ten minutes using only five brass instruments. Only five of the seven most famous and recognisable melodies from the original are used, beginning, like the prototype, with Mars. The different movements appear in the same order as Holst wrote, although the rhythmic pattern of Mars reappears on occasion. The piece ends with a clash of interest as the two most well known movements, Mars and Jupiter, compete for the right to finish. The harsh sounds of Mars are heard first before the hymnal Jupiter theme is heard over the driving rhythm of Mars. Jupiter finally triumphs with the piece ending with one final verse of the tune used for the hymn I Vow To Thee My Country. This instantly recognisable arrangement by Thomas Chinery is both challenging and playable, and of a length that will not tire the players too much while at the same time maintaining the essence and power of the original music to ensure interest for both audience and players alike. A recording by the Argento Brass Quintet can be heard on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGg1-pcHzrs
Hill, Mildred Jane
Hill arr. Read – Happy Birthday Theme and Variations (String Quartet)
An extremely popular series of 12 variations by Ronald Read on the well known 'Happy Birthday' theme. Each variation is in a distinctive classical or popular style. The final variation is a 'Fughetta' with a surprise ending. All parts are of medium difficulty, although there is a 'cello cadenza that might require a little practice.
This orchestral score has been excellently transcribed by Ian Lawrence into a complex and entertaining brass quintet arrangement that is suitable for both students and professional players.
Brass Quintet
Difficult but rewarding arrangements that require trumpet players who can change from the B flat trumpet to the piccolo trumpet with ease. The trombone plays 'second horn' in all the horn call type figures and the tuba part requires some nimble playing. Stephen Wick's excellent arrangements have been heard around the world in his performances with the English Brass Ensemble. For advanced student groups, studios and professionals.