South of Moscow lies the Tsaritsyno Palace. In the 18th century, Catherine the Great wanted to build a magnificent country estate outside the Moscow gates. The result of ten years’ construction did not appeal to the Russian Empress, so she tore everything down. The subsequent construction of the new designs were never completed. Since the 1980s, there is a museum in parts of the building. Together with the large surrounding park, the ruins, which are a mixture of styles such as Gothic, old Russian and Arabic elements, are a popular destination today.
The scenic work "Tsaritsino" by Belgian composer Johan Nijs opens with a magnificent grandioso introduction, followed by a fast-paced, lively section of precise eighth notes and powerful accents. The middle part "Lamentoso" is a lamentation full of melancholy, in which the Russian sound character is particularly beautiful. The finale of "Tsaritsino" begins quietly and proceeds towards a riotous ending.
BASIC SOUND
From S to XXL – Music for any band instrumentation
"Basic Sound" is a series by RUNDEL Music Publications offering an attractive and diversified repertoire to bands at grade 2 or 3 level, of sizes S to XXL. "Basic Sound" allows for performances by groups with limited instrumentation. Minimun requirements are clearly bracketed in the score.
The smallest size (S) of "Basic Sound" is based on the following instruments:
one (1) flute, two (2) clarinets, one (1) alto-saxophone, two (2) trumpets, one (1) trombone, one (1) baritone/euphonium, one (1) tuba and percussion.
Each edition also includes a full set of parts (XXL). That way the conductor can adjust the pieces of the "Basic Sound" series to his band's instrumentation.