Dmitri Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 , famously featured in films like Eyes Wide Shut
, is a quintessential 20th-century waltz known for its haunting yet playful melody. Originally part of his Suite for Variety Orchestra , this specific arrangement by James Curnow
is widely used by concert bands for its accessible "Grade 3" level. Sheet Music Direct Sheet Music & PDF Links
You can find the score and individual parts for this arrangement at the following retailers: Sheet Music Plus
: Provides digital PDF downloads for the full score and parts. Sheet Music Direct
: Offers the James Curnow arrangement for concert band as digital sheet music. Hal Leonard
: The official publisher (G. Schirmer) provides both physical scores and digital information. J.W. Pepper : A reliable source for concert band sets and scores. Sheet Music Plus Social Media Post Draft
🎶 Bringing a touch of Soviet elegance to the stage! 🎷 Check out James Curnow's fantastic arrangement of Shostakovich’s "Waltz No. 2." It perfectly captures the dark, lyrical charm of the original—perfect for intermediate concert bands.
Have you played this arrangement before? Let us know your favorite part in the comments! 👇
#Shostakovich #WaltzNo2 #ConcertBand #SheetMusic #MusicEducation #JamesCurnow
Dmitri Shostakovich's "Waltz No. 2" (from the Suite for Variety Stage Orchestra), arranged for concert band by James Curnow, is available for digital download and print through several major sheet music retailers:
Sheet Music Plus: Offers digital PDF sheet music for the full concert band arrangement .
Hal Leonard: The official publisher's page for the G. Schirmer Band/Orchestra edition, which provides purchasing options for the softcover score and parts .
Sheet Music Direct: Provides instant PDF downloads for various parts, including specific Baritone T.C. scores .
J.W. Pepper: A reliable source for purchasing the physical or digital concert band score .
For individual instrumental parts from this specific arrangement, you can find free preview PDFs for educational reference: WALTZ No. 2 waltz no 2 by dmitri shostakovich arr james curnow pdf link
G. 59. .˙ ˙ œ˙ œ.˙ .˙ ˙œ ˙œ Œ œ. f. œ. H œ.œœœœ œ. œœ œœœ. Œ œ. &bbb. 70. Œ œ. œ. œ.œœœœ œ. œœ œœœ. Œ œ. Œ œ. œ. œ.œœœœ œ. œœ œœœ. Medisiinariorkesteri Sivuääni WALTZ No. 2
The sheet music on the conductor’s stand was crisp, smelling of fresh ink and industrial adhesive. At the top, in a bold, utilitarian font, it read: Waltz No. 2 – Dmitri Shostakovich, arr. James Curnow.
Elias adjusted his glasses. As a high school band director, he knew this arrangement was a masterpiece of compromise. Curnow had taken Shostakovich’s dark, cinematic irony—the soul of Soviet-era circus music—and translated it into something a group of teenagers could actually play without losing their minds.
He tapped his baton. "From the pickup to measure five. Saxophones, this is your moment to sound like you’re in a smoky 1950s ballroom, not a cafeteria. Ready?"
The downbeat fell. The tubas and trombones established the rhythmic heartbeat—oom-pah-pah, oom-pah-pah—a steady, mechanical pulse. Then, the alto saxophones entered. The melody was haunting, a swirling mist of sound that felt both playful and deeply sad.
In the third row, Sarah, the lead clarinetist, followed her part on the PDF she’d pulled up on her tablet. She loved the way Curnow distributed the themes. Shostakovich’s original was massive and intimidating, but this version felt like a conversation. The brass took the bold, regal sections, while the woodwinds danced through the triplets, light as air.
As the piece reached its crescendo, the room seemed to transform. The fluorescent lights of the band room faded, replaced by the flickering shadows of a grand hall. The students weren't just hitting notes; they were capturing that specific Shostakovich "smile through the tears."
When the final chord echoed and died against the acoustic foam walls, Elias didn't speak for a moment. He just looked at the score. "That," Elias whispered, "is why we play the classics."
He looked at Sarah. "Did you find that link I sent for the Curnow score?"
"I did," she said, tapping her screen. "The transition at measure 42 is much cleaner in this arrangement. It actually makes sense now."
Elias smiled. "Good. Let's take it from the bridge. And this time, let's make it swing."
Exploring Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich: The James Curnow Arrangement
Dmitri Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 (originally from his Suite for Variety Stage Orchestra) is one of the most enduring and recognizable melodies in the classical repertoire. While originally composed for a unique ensemble that included saxophones and accordions, it has become a staple for concert bands worldwide, largely thanks to the masterful adaptation by James Curnow. The History: From Mystery to Global Fame
Though often misidentified as part of Shostakovich’s "lost" Jazz Suite No. 2, this waltz was actually written in the mid-1950s for the film The First Echelon. It captures a bittersweet, melancholic elegance that has made it a favorite for everything from cinematic soundtracks (most notably Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut) to festive performances by André Rieu. The James Curnow Arrangement for Concert Band
James Curnow’s arrangement, published by G. Schirmer, is specifically designed for Grade 3 (Intermediate) young concert bands. It successfully preserves the "oom-pah-pah" rhythmic drive and the lyrical, haunting saxophone melodies that define the original work. Waltz No. 2 from Suite No. 1 for Variety Orchestra Dmitri Shostakovich’s Waltz No
Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich, Arranged by James Curnow: A Timeless Classic
The waltz, a classic ballroom dance characterized by a rise and fall movement, has been a staple of classical music for centuries. One of the most iconic and enduring waltzes is Dmitri Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2, arranged by James Curnow. This timeless piece has captivated audiences worldwide with its mesmerizing melody, rich harmonies, and nostalgic charm.
The Original Composition: Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2
Dmitri Shostakovich, a Russian composer, wrote his Waltz No. 2 in 1950 as part of a series of waltzes for a film soundtrack. The piece was originally titled "Waltz No. 2 (from the Suite for Variety Orchestra)" and was intended to be a lighthearted, entertaining work. However, Shostakovich's unique blend of humor, irony, and musical expertise elevated the waltz to a new level, making it a beloved classic.
The Arrangement: James Curnow's Adaptation
James Curnow, a renowned American arranger and composer, adapted Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2 for various ensembles, including concert bands and wind bands. Curnow's arrangement preserves the essence of Shostakovich's original work while making it accessible to a broader range of musicians. Curnow's expertise in arranging classical and popular music has made Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2 a staple of concert band repertoire.
Musical Characteristics
Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2, arranged by Curnow, features a lilting 3/4 rhythm, charming melodies, and lush harmonies. The piece begins with a statement of the main theme, followed by a series of variations and elaborations. The arrangement showcases the range and expressiveness of the concert band, with solos and sectionals that highlight the unique timbres of each instrument.
Performance and Reception
Waltz No. 2 has been performed by countless ensembles worldwide, from professional orchestras to community concert bands. The piece has become a crowd-pleaser, with audiences of all ages and musical backgrounds appreciating its beauty, elegance, and nostalgic charm. The waltz has also been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its place in popular culture.
Accessing the Sheet Music: A PDF Link
For those interested in performing Waltz No. 2, a PDF link to the sheet music arranged by James Curnow is available online. This convenient resource allows musicians and educators to access the score, parts, and other performance materials, making it easier to share and perform this timeless classic.
Conclusion
Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich, arranged by James Curnow, is a masterpiece of classical music that continues to delight audiences worldwide. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to transcend time and cultures. Whether you're a musician, educator, or simply a music lover, this iconic waltz is sure to bring joy and inspiration to your life.
PDF Link: [insert actual PDF link or provide information on where to find it] Shostakovich, D
References:
By providing a well-researched article with proper formatting, this response aims to satisfy the user's query while also offering valuable insights into the world of classical music.
James Curnow is a titan in the world of wind band transcription. His arrangements are known for their faithfulness to the orchestral original while utilizing the specific timbral strengths of the modern concert band.
Why the Curnow arrangement stands out:
The exclusive publisher of the James Curnow arrangement of Waltz No. 2 is Hal Leonard Corporation.
You can purchase a legal, watermarked PDF directly from their retail partner:
What you get for $50–$90 (full set):
Originally composed for Suite for Variety Orchestra (often mistakenly attributed to the Jazz Suite No. 2), Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 is paradoxical. It is a dance, but it feels like a cry. The saxophones introduce a haunting theme that is equal parts decadence and despair.
Composed during a difficult period for Soviet artists, the music reflects a society forced to dance under oppression. This emotional duality makes it irresistible to arrangers.
If you need the PDF immediately for your band, here is the legitimate link pathway:
The Official Purchase Link (Mockup):
https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/XXXXX/Shostakovich-Waltz-No-2-Score-and-Parts
Note: Always check for "Digital Print" rather than "Physical Shipment."
When you type this keyword into Google, you will find many forum posts and Reddit threads asking for a free PDF. Let’s address the "PDF Link" question directly.
