For wind band conductors and music educators looking to bring this Russian masterpiece to the concert stage, the is widely considered the gold standard. This article explores the piece, the arrangement, and how to find the performance materials for your ensemble.
The melody travels from the dark lower woodwinds and saxophones to the soaring upper woodwinds and brass. Section leaders must match phrasing and articulation as the melody passes between them.
Smooth legato lines in the melody contrast with rhythmic, almost "oom-pah" backing, requiring great control from the tuba and percussion sections. Where to Find the Sheet Music (PDF/Score)
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"Waltz No. 2" is a famous orchestral waltz written by Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich in 1956. The piece is part of his Suite for Variety Orchestra, also known as Suite No. 1 for Variety Orchestra. The waltz has become one of Shostakovich's most recognizable and beloved works, often performed and arranged for various ensembles.
Curnow’s arrangement is typically aimed at a Grade 3 (Intermediate) difficulty level, according to the Wind Repertory Project , making it attainable for school bands, community bands, and youth orchestras while still challenging them musically.
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
Curnow successfully transfers the rich, dark textures of Shostakovich's string section into the woodwind and brass families.