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James Curnow
Showing 1–24 of 59 results
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String Orchestra, String Orchestra Grade: 2.5
American Sketches
Based on the spiritual “Little David, Play Your Harp,” James Curnow combines an American orchestral style with contemporary harmonies and orchestration to craft an impressive movement for strings. Simple tempo and style changes add interest and color to this wonderful work for student players.SKU: HL4490931 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 4
Beyond the Stars
Based on the traditional American shaped-note melody The Promised Land (first published in the 1800s), Beyond the Stars captures the spirit of the early American church musicians who voiced their enthusiasm for life and the freedom of worship through both vocal and instrumental music. The music features several mini-variations wrapped up in four large variations (Fast, Fast, Slow, Fast-recapitulation). The composer has created new thematic material for each variation by excerpting motifs from three separate phrases of the original shaped-note melody. A stunning and powerful work for winds. Dur: c. 6:20SKU: HL4005539 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 1.5
Canzona (Percussion Section Feature)
Here is a high-energy piece that gives your young percussionists a chance to shine. James Curnow employs a wide range of percussion instruments and effects in this entertaining and rollicking tour de force! Dur: 1:45SKU: HL04003878 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 5
Celebration Fanfare (On a Theme by Haydn)
Franz Joseph Haydn’s famous melody from the second movement of the “Emperor” Quartet (String Quartet, Op. 76) was the basis for the national anthem of Austria for more than a century, and is frequently heard in hymns, anthems, and alma maters worldwide. In this celebratory extended fanfare, composer James Curnow skillfully weaves this majestic melody into a work which is both exuberant and energetic. Recorded by the Cobb Wind Symphony (Marietta, GA) – Alfred Watkins and Robert Cowles conductors, premiered during their performance at the 2018 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. Dur: 4:25SKU: HLPC21006 -
String Orchestra, String Orchestra Grade: 2
Chinese Folk Fantasy
The distinctive music of China and its rich history in the arts give this medley a special appeal to student performers. James’ excellent blend of three traditional folk melodies is ideal teaching and program material for string ensembles everywhere. Includes: Dayung Sampan, Shalihonba and Yangtze Boatmen’s Chantey.SKU: HL4491089 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2
Chinese Folk Fantasy
The distinctive music of China and its rich history in the arts give this medley a special appeal to student performers. James Curnow’s excellent blend of three traditional folk melodies is ideal as a teaching piece for young bands, and also an effective number for contest or festival. Includes: Dayung Sampan, Shalihonba and Yangtze Boatmen’s Chantey. Dur: 2:30SKU: HL102366 -
String Orchestra, String Orchestra Grade: 2.5
Christmas Troika
Here’s a lighthearted original piece from veteran composer James Curnow that is perfect for a holiday string program. James’ simple, tuneful melody is backed by fresh, contemporary harmony and sleigh bells, creating a wonderful holiday spirit. Dur: 2:15SKU: HL4490817 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2
Concord Celebration
Incorporating a continuous set of variations (style, harmony, rhythm) on the Westminster Chimes of London’s Big Ben, this concise overture in one tempo celebrates an energetic and powerful spirit that the sounding of bells evokes in all of us. Nicely paced with simple meter changes and textural varieties. Dur: 2:45SKU: HL04005357 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 1
Cumberland Gap Overture (A Wilderness Adventure)
Featuring mini-variations on the folk tune Cumberland Gap, this easy overture provides a musical portrait of travel through the Appalachian Mountains. Composed in a single tempo, there is still plenty of contrast in dynamics and scoring, plus fun effects. Dur: 2:20SKU: HL04005439 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 1.5
Dance of the Tumblers (from The Snow Maiden) Rimsky-Korsakov/arr. James Curnow
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 1.5Dance of the Tumblers (from The Snow Maiden) Rimsky-Korsakov/arr. James Curnow
From Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera Snow Maiden, “Dance of the Tumblers” is considered to be one of this composer’s most well known themes. Although brief in duration, this vibrant and energetic dance contains a wealth of music, and with its light-hearted spirit, is a perfect teaching tool for young players. Dur: 1:35SKU: HL04003199 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 4
Dublin Sketches
James Curnow’s Dublin Sketches features a rich blend of textures and moods and represents a distinctive work in the repertoire for mature bands. Composed as a theme and set of three variations, the final variation has the flavor of a traditional Irish jig. Dur: 8:00
SKU: HL4004795 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 1
Excelsior!
With its Latin title translated as “onward and upward” this brief yet energetic overture for second-year players captures the spirit of adventure found in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1841 poem of the same name. The energetic pulse and powerful melodies will engage the imagination of your young players. Dur: 2:20SKU: HL04004332 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
Fire of Eternal Glory (Novorossiyek Chimes)
Although considered to be a small work in Shostakovich’s catalog, “The Fire of Eternal Glory” was one of his best known works in the USSR. A recording of the piece, originally written for the war memorial in Novorossiyek, has been playing continuously at that location since its construction in 1960, possibly making it one of the most frequently played pieces of classical music in existence. James Curnow’s arrangement for young band begins with delicate sounds from the bells, and builds to a tremendous climax for full band. Dur: 2:30SKU: HL50490464 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3.5
Folk Dances
Here is one of the most popular works of Russian master composer Dmitri Shostakovich skillfully adapted by James Curnow. Filled with humor and vitality, this single-movement work is an engaging and worthy entry in the repertoire for younger bands. Dur: 4:35 (Grade 3-1/2)Audio recorded on “Down from the Shimmering Sky” (44003669) ~ The Orchestra of Lithuanian Armed Forces – James Curnow, conductor
SKU: HL50486976 -
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Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 5
Hail the Champions
Commissioned for the University of Akron Symphonic Band, this dynamic work celebrates 100 years of music composed for the Olympic Games. Based on three primary themes, the first is a brilliant fanfare that serves as an introduction as well as a unifying link throughout. Second is the 1896 Olympic Hymn (music by Spyros Samaras) set in a beautiful lyric style which builds to a magnificent climax juxtaposed with the opening fanfare. The final section presents a new version of Mr. Curnow’s own Olympic Fanfare and Theme for the Olympic Flag which was commissioned for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and performed again in 2000. The dramatic closing is again combined with elements of the opening fanfare. Dur: c. 6:40(Recorded by the University of Akron Symphony Band – Dr. Galen S. Karriker, Director of Bands. Premiere performance conducted by James Curnow)
SKU: HL04004791 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
Holiday Bells
The sound of chimes and bells can evoke the Christmas spirit in all of us. This sparkling and joyful medley of familiar carols features a distinctive orchestration and style, and is sure to become a holiday favorite. Includes: Westminster Chimes, The Merry Bells All Ring, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day and Ukrainian Bell Carol.SKU: HL4003395 -
String Orchestra, String Orchestra Grade: 2.5
In the Hall of the Mountain King
Now available in a full arrangement for younger players, here is Grieg’s famous movement with the familiar accelerando and the big applause-seeking ending. A well-known classic that will please most any audience. (Grade 2)SKU: HL4490908 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3.5
In the Valley of the Sun
Commissioned by the Sun City (AZ) Concert Band, In the Valley of the Sun is composed in a three-part overture format opening with a rollicking and rhythmic Western-style theme. The slow middle theme musically depicts the beauty of the Arizona desert with a flowing, yet angular melody. In the third section, the Western flavor returns to draw the work to an exciting and driving conclusion. (Grade 3.5) Dur: 5:50SKU: HL04003378 -
String Orchestra, String Orchestra Grade: 2
Japanese Folk Fantasy
Once again, James Curnow provides another of his skilled medleys of traditional folk melodies, this time taken from the rich musical history and culture of Japan. This terrific multi-cultural performance and teaching piece includes: Sakura (Cherry Blossoms), Hotaru Koi (Come, Firefly) and Mizuguruma (The Water Wheel).SKU: HL4491227 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2
Jingle Jangle Bells
Featuring the familiar carols ′Jolly Old St. Nicholas′ and ′Jingle Bells′, here is a creative and concise overture that interweaves melodies from both tunes. Using a single tempo throughout and a bright festive mood, this is perfect as a holiday opener or closer!SKU: HL4006049 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 1
Jingle Ye Merry Gentlemen
Cleverly combining Jingle Bells with God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, here is an entertaining arrangement for young players reminiscent of an old-fashioned sleigh ride. It’s fun, it’s jolly and it brings to life the Christmas season.SKU: HL4003940 -
String Orchestra, String Orchestra Grade: 2
Joyous Holiday
Designed for developing groups, this new holiday piece is a welcome addition for concert programming. Based on the familiar tune “Oh How Joyfully,” it brings a upbeat, festive flair, in a setting that remains accessible to all groups.SKU: HL4491930 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
Jubilee (Variations on “Saints Bound for Heaven”)
Based on the “shaped note” melody “Saints Bound for Heaven,” Jubilee by James Curnow captures a feeling of joyful celebration through a series of unique and skillfully adapted variations. The opening strains are actually fragments of the first variation and occur before the main tune is introduced by low brass and woodwinds. The second variation features a euphonium solo and builds to a glorious climax with the full ensemble. The final variation is joyful and filled with energy, using flourishes in the woodwinds and fanfares in the brass for a grand conclusion to this marvelous work. (Grade 3.5) Dur: 5:30SKU: HL04003191
