• Song of the Bells is in the shape of an asymmetrical arch, beginning in a haze of disorganized percussion sounds, slowly gathering speed, and eventually reaching a peak of motoric energy and brilliance (the tempo marking in the score is Avanti!), then quickly dying away to a nearly inaudible tintinnabulation. Besides the literal bell sounds emanating from the percussion section (which includes glockenspiel, vibraphone, xylophone, crotales, chimes, marimba, Mexican bean, and assorted drums, cymbals, and gongs), allusions to bells in the opening bars include horn phrases that recall the Westminster chimes(\"Big Ben\") and regular harp strokes, like a chiming clock. Soon after its dramatic entrance, the solo flute plays a languido melody, which the first violins then take up, accompanied by improvised chirping and twittering from the soloist. After a return of the chime theme in ghostly string harmonics, dance rhythms begin to drive the music to its climax, first in gay triplet eighth notes, then in blindingly fastsixteenths. When the peak is reached, the horns sing out the Westminster chime theme above the swirl of activity; violins and the soloist then take it up as well, but tenderly, as the music fades to a tinkling in the distance.
• David Wright

FREE UK Delivery on any order over £15!

Orchestral Instruments - Delivery is FREE within Great Britain for all instruments. The price you see is the price you pay. (Instruments over £100 are always sent by our Express service, regardless of the service selected in the checkout.)

Pianos - Delivery is FREE within Great Britain for all pianos. The price you see is the price you pay. We use a courier service and aim to have most things delivered within 3 working days.

Doorstep Drop-off only. Pianos are delivered flatpack, usually on a pallet, for self assembly. Please be aware that if you choose our courier service for larger items such as digital pianos, the courier is not contracted to carry items up any steps or stairs. If there are stairs leading to the front door of the delivery address, or you live in an apartment which is not on pavement level, it is your responsibility to arrange for transportation from the pavement level to the delivery address. Please be aware that the box can weigh 60Kg to 120Kg. We recommend that that you have help to move the box to the room of your choice from two or three able-bodied persons. In this instance, the delivery driver may, at their own discretion assist you in carrying the parcels into the delivery address, but they are not contracted nor obliged to do so.

Piano deliveries in Sussex - Subject to availability, we are often able to offer a free, pre-arranged timed delivery and setup service within 50 miles of our shops. With this option pianos are delivered and assembled in your home and the piano is left ready to play.

Sheet music, accessories & gifts - We offer 5 services:

• Standard: £2.00 for all orders under £15.00 - FREE for all orders over £15.00 (usually 1-4 business days)
• Tracked 24: 3.99 for all orders under 1kg - £4.99 for all orders over 1kg.
• Tracked 48: 2.99 for all orders under 1kg - £3.99 for all orders over 1kg.
• Express: £6.99 for all orders (usually 1 business day)

Please select your preferred option in the checkout.

Please note: Digital Sheet Music purchases do not count towards free shipping eligibility.