: Curnow designed this arrangement primarily as a Grade 3 (Medium-Easy to Medium) piece. This makes it perfect for high school bands, advanced middle school groups, and community ensembles.
To deliver a compelling performance of Curnow's arrangement, directors and musicians should focus on the following musical elements: 1. The Waltz Feel (The "One" Pulse)
Mastering Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2: The James Curnow Arrangement
James Curnow is a towering figure in the wind band world. Born in Port Huron, Michigan, in 1943, he began his musical training in public schools and The Salvation Army’s instrumental programs. Demonstrating immense talent from a young age, he wrote his first original composition at just 15. He furthered his formal education at Wayne State University and Michigan State University. waltz no 2 by dmitri shostakovich arr james curnow pdf link
As the primary publisher of James Curnow's works, Hal Leonard offers digital download options through their platform.
: Curnow adapted this "Variety Stage Orchestra" movement specifically for concert bands Accessibility
To secure a legal copy for your ensemble, use the following avenues: : Curnow designed this arrangement primarily as a
James Curnow is a legendary figure in band literature. His approach to transcribing orchestral works for wind band focuses on maintaining the original color while respecting the technical limitations of young and intermediate players.
Curnow successfully transfers the rich, dark textures of Shostakovich's string section into the woodwind and brass families.
Curnow maintains the dramatic, sweeping crescendos that give the waltz its cinematic, theatrical flair. Performance and Conducting Tips The Waltz Feel (The "One" Pulse) Mastering Shostakovich’s
The journey of this melody is quite unique. Its origins lie not in a concert hall but on the silver screen. Shostakovich originally composed this now-famous waltz in 1955-56 for the film The First Echelon (Pervyi eshelon) , directed by Mikhail Kalatozov, which premiered on April 29, 1956. Later, in the late 1950s, an anonymous person (likely Shostakovich himself) arranged an orchestral suite, which included this waltz, from music from the 1930s to 1950s. For many years, this suite was mistakenly identified as the "lost" Suite for Jazz Orchestra, No. 2 ; it is now correctly known as the Suite for Variety Orchestra . The "variety" in its name comes from the unique orchestration, which included instruments from a dance band like saxophones, guitar, and accordion to create a casual, circus-like atmosphere.
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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