Dmitri Shostakovich's "Waltz No. 2," as arranged by James Curnow, is a magnificent addition to any concert program. It bridges the gap between classical sophistication and crowd-pleasing familiarity. By sourcing your PDF links through legitimate music publishers, you guarantee that your ensemble plays from clean, accurate, and legal charts that do justice to both Shostakovich’s genius and Curnow’s arranging mastery.
If you're interested in learning more about the piece or arrangement, I recommend exploring online resources, such as music blogs, composer biographies, or video performances.
Note: Always check for "Digital Print" rather than "Physical Shipment."
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) waltz no 2 by dmitri shostakovich arr james curnow pdf link
For many years, this work was incorrectly identified as the missing Jazz Suite No. 2 , which Shostakovich wrote in 1938 for a state jazz orchestra. This misattribution was so widespread that it continues to this day. In reality, a different piece by composer Johan de Meij is an arrangement based on this same, now-correctly-identified Suite for Variety Orchestra . When Shostakovich wrote his Jazz Suite No. 2 , it was for an entirely different purpose and audience than his earlier Jazz Suite No. 1 and the Suite for Variety Orchestra .
Masterclass: Analyzing Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 (Arr. James Curnow)
James Curnow is a legendary figure in the wind band community, known for his ability to preserve the emotional core of a piece while making it accessible and beautifully voiced for brass and woodwinds. His arrangement of "Waltz No. 2" is highly sought after by high school, university, and community bands for several key reasons: 1. Balanced Instrumentation Dmitri Shostakovich's "Waltz No
A reliable source for purchasing physical and sometimes digital copies of the Curnow arrangement.
Full Concert Band (Score & Parts available via J.W. Pepper).
Are you dealing with any specific (e.g., missing saxophones or low brass)? Share public link By sourcing your PDF links through legitimate music
Shostakovich's original orchestration called for saxophones, accordion, and guitar. This arrangement is celebrated for being "wonderfully adapted for young concert bands," making an advanced work accessible to developing musicians while retaining its "light classical style".
If you are a conductor, band director, or serious instrumentalist, you have likely encountered the search for the This piece is one of the most beloved standards of the modern concert band repertoire. Its haunting melody, syncopated rhythms, and cinematic flair make it a perennial favorite for festivals, pops concerts, and encores.