Aaron Rabushka wrote:
Perhaps I should know better than to debate what is or isn't an established classic, but how 'bout Korsakov's Concerto for Trombone and Band (which the Russian in me dearly loves no matter how many others find it a waste), and Tchaikovsky's March in B-Flat?
There is a wealth of older wind band music from throughout Europe -- from Viennese Harmoniemusik to French court and revolutionary music to Spanish Shawm bands, Italian civic bands, and early to the Posaunenchor etc.. I don't have any well-thought ideas about the continuity of repertoire in the present band world, but I'd bet that it has a lot to do with (a) military and nationalistic origins, and (b) fairly rigid ideas about the composition of the ensemble. Playing the Mozart _Grand Partita_ or the Stravinsky _Symphonies_ , both masterpieces, should be well within the capabilities of the best bands, but playing them will mean that a number of players will have to sit on the bench, which -- in the USA, at least -- goes against a certain egalitarian aspect underlying the ensemble. Or, perhaps it's practical: if they're not playing, how are you going to grade them or pay them? (Now that I think about it, maybe here's a niche for some composers -- to write pieces for wind bands that don't use the instruments required for either the Mozart or the Stravinsky. That way, the rest of the band has something to rehearse and play.)
Daniel Wolf _______________________________________________
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