James Curnow, a renowned American arranger and composer, arranged "Waltz No. 2" for various instrumental ensembles, making it accessible to a broader range of musicians. Curnow's arrangement maintains the essence and charm of Shostakovich's original work while adapting it to suit different instrumental settings.
Rated Grade 3, this arrangement is considered appropriate for intermediate-level musicians. Educators have noted that the engraving is clear and the parts are well laid out, making it easier for students to read and perform. The piece is an excellent tool for teaching lyrical phrasing, dynamic contrasts, and ensemble balance within the context of a recognizable and beloved melody.
Dmitri Shostakovich’s "Waltz No. 2" is one of the most recognizable classical melodies in the world. Originally written for a conventional orchestra, its dark, swirling, and infectious rhythm has captured the hearts of musicians across genres. For concert bands and wind ensembles, the arrangement by James Curnow stands as the definitive version to bring this masterpiece to life.
There is no free PDF link for the Curnow arrangement. The best link is the purchase button on SheetMusicDirect or JW Pepper. Buy it, rehearse it, and enjoy the greatest waltz ever written. waltz no 2 by dmitri shostakovich arr james curnow pdf link
, is a staple for young concert bands due to its lyrical, light classical style. Originally part of the Suite for Variety Orchestra (often misidentified as the Jazz Suite No. 2 ), this arrangement is specifically tailored for
For many musicians, the gateway to this piece is the widely performed arrangement by James Curnow
: The official publisher's page for the G. Schirmer Band/Orchestra edition, which provides purchasing options for the softcover score and parts . James Curnow, a renowned American arranger and composer,
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James Curnow gave the wind band a timeless gift with this arrangement. Support his work, buy the PDF, and watch your audience fall in love with Shostakovich’s tragic waltz.
As educators and musicians, it is vital to support composers and arrangers by purchasing legitimate copies. Rated Grade 3, this arrangement is considered appropriate
For concert band directors, brass ensembles, and community wind groups, the arrangement by legendary composer and arranger James Curnow is considered the gold standard. It perfectly captures the dark, satirical, yet dance-like energy of Shostakovich’s original orchestral work while making it accessible and beautifully voiced for wind and brass instrumentation.
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If you have secured your PDF score and are preparing to rehearse Curnow’s arrangement, keep these stylistic nuances in mind to elevate your performance: The Iconic "Oom-Pah-Pah" Rhythm
Curnow's arrangement, completed in and published by G. Schirmer, Inc., is specifically scored for young concert bands and carries a difficulty grade of III (3) . The piece runs approximately 3 minutes and 45 seconds , making it an ideal length for concerts and festivals.