Until nowadays, La Traviata is still one of the most successful opera’s in the music-literature. Giuseppe Verdi composed this opera in 1853 and it belongs to the top of Verdi’s middle period of composing.
The well known Prelude to the 1st act has a feeling of impending tragedy.
Recording: by Banda Municipal De A Coruna (E) – conducted by Henrie Adams.
Full Recording: CD ➞ “A Night at the Opera”.
Publisher: → Baton Music
As well as his more famous works Felix Mendelssohn also wrote several works for organ. These include six sonatas in a beautiful classic-romantic idiom, in a way which only he could do.
One of these beautiful works is the “Praeludium Pastorale”. In this arrangement for Fanfare Orchestra I have tried to preserve the original as well as possible.
A delight to the ear.
Recording: by Frysk Fanfare Orkest (NL) – conducted by Jouke Hoekstra.
Full Recording: CD ➞ “Tales from the Fens”.
Publisher: → Bronsheim Music
‘La Bohème’ is perhaps Puccini`s most nearly perfect opera. It has long been one of the world’s most beloved musical works – an instantly enchanting blend of charm, warmth, gaiety, and pathos, brought to vibrant live by Puccini`s sparkling, lighthearted score.
In this arrangement I did use the orchestral material from the opera to make a large Symphonic Suite for Concert Band.
Recording: (live) by Orchestra a fiati Alpe Adria XIII (IT) – conducted by Josè Rafael Pascual Vilaplana
Publisher: → Baton Music
Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34, is the common Western title for an orchestral work based on Spanish folk melodies and written by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1887.
Rimsky-Korsakov originally intended to write the work for a solo violin with orchestra, but later decided that a purely orchestral work would do better justice to the lively melodies.
This transcription respects the original tone-colour of the piece.
Recording: (live) by Unión Musical de Valladares (E) – conducted by Juan Lois Diéguez.
(The violin solo is an interpretative addition of these performers.)
Publisher: → Baton Music
Most of the music which Shostakovich used for his Ballet Suites was composed for the silent films in the early 1930ies or was re-used from early opera’s and ballets. This is a very fine transcription of the Ballet Suite nr.1 which contains six movements:
Recording: by Symphonic Wind Orchestra O&U, Beek en Donk (NL) – conducted by Jos van de Braak.
Full Recording: CD ➞ “Dance and Theatre Music”.
Publisher: → Baton Music
This work is the final chorus from Gustav Mahler’s 8th symphony. This monumental work for choir, soloists and orchestra is, partly due to its huge scale, a real “tour de force” for conductor and orchestra.
In this arrangement the choir is replaced by instruments without detracting from the character and style of the original.
Recording: (live) by Koninklijk Bevers Harmonie Orkest, Beveren-Leie (B) – conducted by Bert Decavel.
Publisher: → Bronsheim Music