Forsyth

William Alwyn was a prolific composer in all genres. This catchy and diatonic work (a celebration of the key of C-Major) alternates fast toccata-like passages with tender lyrical interludes.

William Alwyn was a prolific composer in all genres. His major works for the voice were composed during the latter part of his career, between 1965 and 1980, and include this song-cycle of four exquisite songs depicting various aspects of the sea from the mysterious to the majestic. The words are by the poet Michael Armstrong from Jersey where he derived much inspiration from the sea and the surrounding landscape.

Michael Balls reputation as a gifted and imaginative composer is amply evidenced in these six entrancing pieces. Five are for descant, befitting the sunny nature of the music, and range from a courtly Alman to a spirited Strathmore Lilt. The tenor is used (optionally) in one movement, a moving Sarabande in memory of Herbert Howells, Michael Ball’s teacher. Contents The Deans Alman Miss Carrolls Corant HH His Saraband Mr Stewarts Strathmore Lilt Sir Keiths Fancy Mr Turner: His Dance

A musical fantasy inspired by 'The Tempest'. Sections devoted to Ariel (agile and fleet), Ferdinand and Miranda (formal but amorous), and Caliban (gross and fantastic), are set in the mysterious world of Shakespeares magic island. Prospero, unseen, directs the proceedings. A rewarding highlight of the modern recorder repertoire demanding a skilled technique and interpretation.

An affectionate tribute to the Royal Family in the late reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Featuring musical sketches of imagined family life during summers at their Scottish home, for recorder and piano.

This work in a "concerto grosso" style was composed in 1945 for famous music broadcaster and author John Amis. Bergmanns original compositions for the recorder, though few, are now a much-loved part of the repertoire. This recently discovered Septet will be welcomed by recorder players everywhere. The opening prelude ("Andante Sostenuto") is followed by an extended Fugue. The final movement is a "Little March" in the composer’s most ebullient style. The work radiates joy throughout. For two soprano (descant) and five alto (treble) recorders.

Three pieces written in homage to Walter Carroll, who spent his holidays at Portpatrick and composed his 'Scenes at a Farm' (probably the most famous children’s teaching pieces ever) whilst dreaming of the rolling Galloway countryside. Each movement (Galloway Dawn, Creatures in the Wood, and Humans on the Farm) is a fantasy on tunes from the Carroll collection, and not at all difficult to play.

Hat Box is a celebration of the town of Stockport, home to recorder virtuoso John Turner, to whom (with guitarist Neil Smith) this piece is dedicated. Stockport was formerly the centre of the hat-manufacturing industry, and gave its name to the hymn-tune Stockport written by 18th century Stockport organist John Wainwright for the carol Christians awake, salute the happy morn. The eight hats depicted in this suite refer to phrases from Wainwrights famous tune. Contents Top Hat Quadrille Breton Beret - valse melancolique Mexican Hat Dance Smokey Stetson Shuffle Deerstalkers Jig Baseball Cap Stomp Best Bonnet Waltz Cloth Cap Galop

Famous dishes from France, America, Spain, China and England will all whet your appetite for these tasty, and very popular, morsels. Very adaptable too - originally written for solo descant or treble recorder they now appear with optional accompaniments for piano (or guitar). Contents Coffee & Croissants Barbecue Blue Prawn Paella Special Chop Suey Fish and Chips

Three short 'journeys' that are tuneful and great fun to play. They make an ideal and exciting concert item. Bullard's writing is idiomatic and smooth, and the piano part is well within the grasp of competent amateur pianists.

A rewarding set of variations in contrasting hues, written in 1975 for Richard Harvey, who had been the composers composition student at the Royal College of Music.

A trio for alto, tenor and bass recorders (ATB). Three newly minted settings of folksongs (from France, Britain, and the United States) by one of New Zealand’s leading composers - 'Il était une bergére', 'O Waly, Waly', and the well known Shaker song 'Simple Gifts'.

Five short and contrasting pieces in a pastoral vein, for a trio of descant, treble, and tenor recorders, by one of our most distinguished composers. These lilting pieces are sure to become a standard work in the recorder repertoire, and demand only a modest technique.

his collection is a complete repertoire in itself for the sopranino recorder (or piccolo) with piano. Over the years the composer, who loves the sopranino recorder, has written these invigorating, quirky and exciting miniatures as presents for musician friends.

A veritable Pandoras box of catchy tunes! After a brisk Entrée comes a teasing Gavotte and Musette (in five time) and a haunting plangent Air. The work ends with a lively and rousing Gigue. A welcome and substantial addition to the treble recorder repertoire.

A Joplinesque Ragtime and Latin-American Bossa Nova, both for descant, frame a lazy Blues on the treble. All 3 movements require an assured technique but are rewarding for both performers. The recorder part can be taken by a flute or other melody instrument, and the guitar part is published with an alternative version for harpsichord or piano. Contents Ragtime Blues Bossa Nova

Three well-known paintings by Henri Matisse, including the famous "La Danse", form the inspiration for these colourful and tuneful pieces, by composer renowned for his wonderful writing for wind instruments. Whilst the treble recorder is the basic instrument used in all three pieces, the player changes to sopranino for the whirling and exultant conclusion to the finale. Contents Pastoral Luxe, Calme Et Volupté La Danse

These pieces make an entrancing suite (and put a different complexion on studies!). For treble recorder there is a two part Invention and for tenor a haunting Canzonetta. The bass is given a mock-solemn Threnody, whilst the sopranino dances diabolically to a Tarantella. The Estampie, for descant recorder, is a whirling and exciting finale to the set.

Five nursery tunes magically and subtly transformed by Trevor Hold, who has long delighted in these disarmingly simple tunes. Among those used are: The Twelve Days of Christmas Hush-A-Bye Baby O Dear, what can the matter be

Five dances in contrasting rhythms combining elements of medieval and modern popular music. These pieces were premiered by John Turner and Neil Smith at Bramall Hall in Cheshire in 2001. Contents Round Dance Pavane Ostinato Waltz Galop

The scoring of this attractive trio in eight short movements is for descant, treble and tenor recorders and it shows another facet of David Johnsons talents. The work has been broadcast but demands only modest technical skills.

An extended and elaborate work inspired by Purcell’s viol fantasies. It was started at the instigation of Walter Bergmann, and finished over forty years later when the composer (well-known for his biography of Tippett) had retired from a distinguished academic career. This is one of the most significant and deeply-felt works in the recorder’s 20th century repertoire, and will amply reward the time taken in making its acquaintance.