James Curnow
Showing 25–48 of 59 results
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Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 1.5
Kodiak!
Named in honor of the mighty Alaskan grizzly bear, Kodiak! is a musical portrait of this beautiful creature and its surroundings – sometimes fierce, sometimes gentle; but always impressive. Listen for the bear’s “growl” represented in the bass drum! Dur: 2:00SKU: HL04004747 -
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Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2
Legend of Old Abe
Named after President Lincoln, “Old Abe” was a famous bald eagle who served as mascot for the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. Legend of Old Abe is a marvelously descriptive work for young bands that takes the listener on a journey of Old Abe’s exploits. From a peaceful and serene opening the work progresses through the sounds of conflict and battle. The mood turns reflective and then triumphant as the music celebrates this amazing true story. A wonderful cross-curricular opportunity for your bandroom as you bring history to life through music. Dur: 3:50SKU: HL04004330 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 4
March from Suite for Variety Orchestra, No. 1
The Suite for Variety Orchestra, No. 1 (1956) is a work by Dmitri Shostakovich in eight movements that draws from the composer’s earlier themes. The first of these movements is the delightful “March,” originally found in Korzinkina’s Adventures, Op. 59 (1940). James Curnow has skillfully adapted this work for band, sure to become a welcome addition to the repertoire for winds.SKU: HL50498728 -
String Orchestra, String Orchestra Grade: 2
Matryoshka (Festival of Russian Folk Songs)
A matryoshka is a Russian doll carved so that smaller ones fit within larger dolls of various sizes. They generally are beautifully hand painted in brilliant colors representative of the Russian peasantry. Matryoshka is a musical composition incorporating three diverse Russian folk songs very much like the Russian dolls…one song following the other.SKU: HL4491932 -
String Orchestra, String Orchestra Grade: 2.5
Mexican Folk Variations
The popular folk song “Chiapanecas” (Mexican Hat Dance) is the centerpiece of this energetic and festive work that adds a new approach to the familiar tune. Use your imagination to present and stage this terrific treatment that makes a delightful program number.SKU: HL4490904 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 4
Nexus for Solo Trumpet, Winds and Percussion
The word “nexus” is defined as a tie or link between people and events. Nexus for solo trumpet and band includes several links between composer James Curnow and educator Alfred Watkins, to whom the work is dedicated. A well-known theme (particularly to Mr. Watkins’ students) is drawn upon as the piece utilizes two primary musical settings – an energetic and agile scherzo that appears in the beginning and again at the end, contrasted with an expressive ballad theme.The soloist at the premiere (and on the recording) is Christopher Watkins, Alfred’s son. This is a well-crafted and rewarding work for soloist and band alike. Dur: 6:00 (Recorded by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Wind Symphony – Dr. Sue Samuels, conductor. Christopher Watkins, trumpet soloist.)
Also available for trumpet with piano reduction – HL00231702.
SKU: HL4004300 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2
Noel Fantasy
Here is a joyous celebration of the Christmas season featuring two familiar uptempo carols; the traditional French carol Noel Nouvelet and the 17th-century English carol The First Noel. James Curnow skillfully uses a set of variations and contrasting musical styles in weaving both tunes into an appealing and uplifting setting, perfect for any holiday concert.SKU: HL04003934 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 4
Ode to the Spirit of Man (Fantasy on Themes of Beethoven)
A powerful work for the symphonic band, Ode to the Spirit of Man is based on thematic material taken from the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and developed into a fantasy of kaleidoscopic nature. The opening is a joyful expression of the spirit of freedom and is based on the composer’s own themes derived from Beethoven’s music. Throughout the work, various themes from the symphony are interwoven, including Alla Marcia, Scherzo, Andante maestoso and finally the uplifting Ode to Joy. Dur: 5:15SKU: HL04003892 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
On the Tamiami Trail
Constructed between 1915 and 1928, the Tamiami Trail (U.S. Highway 41) provides over 260 miles of scenic Florida beauty between Tampa and Miami. On the Tamiami Trail reflects on this journey, and pays tribute to the Suncoast Concert Band of Sarasota (along the trail) and its director emeritus, Leo Laier. The opening fanfare sets the mood and leads to the energetic first theme. Subsequently a Latin influence is introduced along with an expressive middle theme before returning to the energetic flavor of the opening strains. A dynamic and varied overture for winds. Dur: 6:15SKU: HL4004286 -
String Orchestra, String Orchestra Grade: 2.5
Phantom Castle
James Curnow brings us a new programmatic work that’s fresh and appealing to string orchestras. In several contrasting styles and tempi, it gives a dark, bold sense of drama and offers several playing techniques that will resonate with your string students. The optional percussion adds great effects to heighten the musical intensity.SKU: HL4491316 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
Renaissance Suite
Here’s a superb way to introduce your band to the joys of early instrumental music. Jim Curnow’s well-conceived transcription is based on three 16th-century dances by Susato: I. Las Mourisque (Basse Danse), II. Mille regretz (Pavane), and III. La bataille (Pavane).SKU: HL24118010 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 0.5
Roman Juggernaut
Composed in a “pass in review” format, Roman Juggernaut describes through music these massive legions of military might. Featuring thundering percussion and blaring fanfares, one can easily imagine the spectacular pageantry of thousands of soldiers on parade.SKU: HL04003938 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2
Sagebrush
In the style of a lively hoedown, here is an entertaining fast-paced number that’s fun to perform and will sound great. There is plenty of built in contrasts in scoring dynamics as well as carefully placed percussion effects. A perfect change of pace! Dur: 2:00SKU: HL04003510 -
String Orchestra, String Orchestra Grade: 2
Sagebrush
In the style of a lively hoedown, here is an entertaining fast-paced number that’s fun to perform and will sound great with string ensembles. There is plenty of built in contrasts and easy fiddle styling to give it a true Americana feel. A perfect change of pace!SKU: HL4491225 -
String Orchestra, String Orchestra Grade: 2
Sound the Bells of Christmas
Three festive carols are skillfully combined into a terrific showcase for holiday programming. The familiar strains of these “bell” songs will make a superb concert opening for your holiday needs. Includes: Westminster Chimes, The Merry Bells All Ring, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day and Ukrainian Bell Carol.SKU: HL4491127 -
String Orchestra, String Orchestra Grade: 2
Sounds of the Season
Composed as a concert fanfare or opener for an exciting holiday concert, this brief, energetic piece is a collection of snippets or motifs from many well-known carols. Included are: Good King Wenceslas, Joy to the World, Angels We have heard on High and Jingle Bells.SKU: HL4491936 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 5
Spanish Dance (from “The Gadfly”)
Originally composed for the movie The Gadfly, this brilliant dance number was later included in the Suite for Variety Orchestra No. 2. Carefully crafted in this adaptation for symphonic band, this is an exciting and explosive work suitable as an opener or encore selection. Dur: 2:40SKU: HL50499653 -
String Orchestra, String Orchestra Grade: 2.5
Stille, Stille, Stille
This German carol continues to appeal to all audiences with its melodic simplicity and adaptability to instrumental settings. James Curnow’s arrangement is skilled in every way, offering a superb program choice for your holiday program. Dur: 3:00SKU: HL4490819 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land) (Young Band Edition)
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3The Promise of Living (from The Tender Land) (Young Band Edition)
James Curnow has skillfully adapted this classic Copland work for younger players while maintaining the transparency and integrity of the original. Solo lines and chamber-like playing is beautifully offset with rich, full ensemble passages. A marvelous addition to the repertoire of classic adaptations for young bands.SKU: HL48021277 -
String Orchestra, String Orchestra Grade: 2
The Rocking Carol
James Curnow’s setting of this traditional Czech carol is a gentle moving lullaby, well-known throughout Europe and a welcome holiday performance choice for strings. It also includes short, easy solo moments to feature your best players.SKU: HL4491504 -