James Curnow’s arrangement is a masterclass in educational orchestration. It allows young musicians to experience the complex emotional depth of Soviet-era music without overwhelming their technical limitations.
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You can view and download specific instrument parts for this arrangement (e.g., Flute 1 , Alto Sax , Drums , or Tuba ) via the Sivuaani Archive .
The opening melody needs a smooth, slightly melancholic legato. Work closely with your alto saxophone and clarinet sections to blend their tones, ensuring the soloistic nature of the melody cuts through the accompaniment.
Though often misidentified as part of Shostakovich’s "lost" Jazz Suite No. 2 , this waltz was actually written in the mid-1950s for the film The First Echelon . It captures a bittersweet, melancholic elegance that has made it a favorite for everything from cinematic soundtracks (most notably Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut ) to festive performances by André Rieu. The James Curnow Arrangement for Concert Band waltz no 2 by dmitri shostakovich arr james curnow pdf link
Shostakovich's original waltz follows a traditional ABA form. The piece begins in C minor, creating an atmospheric and haunting mood, before the central section moves to E-flat major for a lighter, more cheerful contrast. This shift creates the emotional core of the piece. The main theme is characterized by a graceful, sweeping melody interspersed with short rests in the last phrase, giving it a lilt that is both elegant and poignant. While it sounds like a lovely Strauss waltz, Shostakovich infuses it with his signature dark wit and subtle irony, making it a profound piece of music.
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"I did," she said, tapping her screen. "The transition at measure 42 is much cleaner in this arrangement. It actually makes sense now."
This "waltz" has a somewhat mysterious past. Shostakovich originally wrote the piece in 1955-56 for the Soviet film The First Echelon . Its evocative melody plays in the film from a loudspeaker as characters dance at a party. In the late 1950s, an unnamed person (thought to be Shostakovich) compiled an orchestral suite from his film and theater scores, which became the Suite for Variety Orchestra . "Waltz No. 2" is its seventh movement. James Curnow’s arrangement is a masterclass in educational
By the time he reached the soaring refrain, Elias had forgotten the digital screen and the hunt for the file. The music was no longer a document stored in a folder; it was a living, breathing thing that turned the cold rain outside into a standing ovation.
While a full "all-in-one" free PDF link is not legally hosted on authorized sites, you can access specific parts or purchase the digital score through the following official platforms: Individual Parts (Sample/Preview):
When sourcing music online, using legal, high-quality publishers ensures that your ensemble receives accurate notation, correct transposition parts, and legally compliant print rights. You can obtain individual parts or full scores at the following secure platforms: Waltz No. 2 Concert Band Sheet Music | J.W. Pepper
The arrangement, often published as part of the Schirmer Flex-Band series , allows ensembles of varying sizes to perform this piece effectively. Direct PDF Links & Purchasing You can view
Waltz No. 2, arranged by James Curnow, features several notable musical characteristics:
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The second time the melody appears, it is in the trumpets. They must play with a mute (straight mute) and at a piano dynamic. Too many bands blast this. The magic is in the contrast between the muted trumpet and the open saxes.