Concerto for Wind Ensemble (Grade 6) for Concert Band

Concerto for Wind Ensemble by Karel Husa (1921-). For Concert Band. G. Schirmer Band/Orchestra. Grade 6. Published by G. Schirmer.

Commissioned by the Michigan State University Alumni Band, this three movement work by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Karel Husa was the winner of the first Louis Sudler International Wind Band Composition Competition in 1983. Previously available only in rental, we are proud to offer this important work for publication.

A note from the composer: Divided into three movements, this work is a display of virtuoso passages given to solo instruments as well as to the groups of the ensemble. In the Fanfare of the first movement, the brass section “concertizes” in groups of four brass quintets (2 trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba or baritone), spread from left to right in back. The saxophones (S, A, T, B) are placed in front of the brass quintets, and the woodwinds occupy the front of the stage, with percussion on the left and right side. These groups, like the brass quintets, play in the concertante style, particularly in the first and last movements. At the same time, each movement contains individual solo passages (for example, timpani and flute in Movement I – “Drum Ceremony” and English horn and other low woodwinds in Movement II – “Elegy”). The composition of this piece was prompted by the excellence of wind and percussion players today, and by the incredible growth of wind ensembles, orchestras, and bands in the last 25 years. It is intended for their enjoyment.

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