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Curnow layers the woodwinds in their upper registers to mimic the soaring string lines of the original orchestra, backed by robust brass writing that drives the waltz to its dramatic conclusion. Technical Challenges to Anticipate
The opening melody needs room to breathe. Encourage your solo alto saxophonist to play with a subtle amount of vibrato and to stretch the phrases slightly without pulling the rhythm apart. They should emulate a dark, European classical saxophone tone rather than a bright jazz sound. 3. Managing the Percussion
Curnow has had a distinguished career as a composer, conductor, and educator. He has won numerous awards, including the prestigious ABA/Ostwald Award in 1980 (for Mutanza ) and 1984 (for Symphonic Variants for Euphonium and Band ). He has served as a faculty member at the University of Illinois and as Composer-in-Residence at Asbury University, and he is the president of Curnow Music Press. His published works number well over four hundred, and his deep understanding of the concert band medium makes his arrangement of Shostakovich’s waltz a cornerstone for young bands. waltz no 2 by dmitri shostakovich arr james curnow pdf link
While it was written to sound celebratory and public-facing, many listeners hear Shostakovich's trademark irony—a "deceptive joy" that reflects the emotional complexity of living under a restrictive regime. The waltz gained modern worldwide fame after its inclusion in Stanley Kubrick's 1999 film Eyes Wide Shut Sheet Music International The Arrangement by James Curnow
The waltz achieved global fame after being featured prominently in Stanley Kubrick’s final film, Eyes Wide Shut (1999). Why Choose the James Curnow Arrangement? Curnow layers the woodwinds in their upper registers
Encourage the low brass (trombones and tuba) to play the "oom-pah" figure with a slightly harsh, marcato articulation. The piece should feel like a drunken, elegant stumble—not a pristine Viennese waltz.
If you are searching for a , this article will guide you through the structural brilliance of this specific arrangement, the realities of finding sheet music PDFs online, and how to legally acquire the score for your ensemble. Understanding the James Curnow Arrangement They should emulate a dark, European classical saxophone
James Curnow’s arrangement makes this beautiful piece accessible to concert bands worldwide, providing an opportunity for musicians to engage with one of Shostakovich’s most accessible and charming works.
While originally written for a massive variety orchestra, the arrangement by renowned composer and arranger brings this masterpiece to the concert band stage with both accessibility and artistic integrity. The Appeal of Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2
If you are a director preparing this piece for a concert or festival, keep these musical elements in mind:
