Dmitri Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2, arranged by James Curnow, is a captivating musical piece that has been enchanting audiences for decades. Originally composed by Shostakovich in 1937 as part of his Suite for Variety Orchestra, this waltz has become a beloved classic, showcasing the composer's mastery of melody, harmony, and orchestration.
This is the audition. The soloist must play with a dark, almost sultry tone (think Paul Desmond, not Charlie Parker). Use heavy vibrato on long notes. Curnow’s part includes a small cadenza-like flourish before the tutti—this must be played strictly in time, without rubato, to keep the band together.
While there are several transcriptions of this waltz, James Curnow’s version is arguably the most performed by concert bands.