Band Classics: From Bach to Bernstein

The Walnut Creek Concert Band performs some of the best loved pieces in the Wind Band Repertoire on Tuesday, March 10 at 7:30PM at the Lesher Arts Center. Tickets are available through the Lesher Box Office or visit them online at www.LesherARTScenter.org Ticket prices are $17.00 adults and$14.00 for students and seniors.

The Band Classics: From Bach to Bernstein concert departs a bit from the normal community band program and delves into the rich musical heritage of the Concert Band Repertoire. Each of the works on the program represent significant composers and periods of music that have had a dramatic effect on the development of the modern day wind band.

All great music has a sense of inevitability, and can withstand the test of time, relating to listeners and performers in some significant way from generation to generation. Join us on March 10 to revisit some of your favorite pieces or to experience this works of art for the first time.

Here is a synopsis of the program:

Overture to Candide (1956) - Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

This wonderful transcription by Clare Grundman is one of the most popular of all concert openers. Brilliantly written and scored, flying at breakneck speed, it pumps up the adrenaline of players and listeners alike.

First Suite in Eb, Op. 28, No. 1 (1909) - Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

The First Suite in Eb by Gustav Holst, is considered one of the masterworks and cornerstones of the band literature. Thoroughly composed the piece centers around the opening motive and phrase. The three movements are titled, Chaconne, Intermezzo and March

La Fiesta Mexicana (1949) - H. Owen Reed (1910-2013)

This work is a Mexican folk song symphony composed by H. Owen Reed and is one of the first symphonies composed for the concert band. And brings to life the spirit of Mexico. The three movements are titled, Prelude and Aztec Dance, Mass and Carnival

Fantasia in G Major (BWV 572) (1705) - Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

This wonderful transcription by Richard Franko Goldman and Robert L. Leist was undertaken as a memorial to Edwin Franko Goldman, who was the first bandmaster to include the works of Bach regularly in the Goldman Band’s concert repertoire.

An Original Suite (1928) - Gordon Jacob (1895-1984)

An Original Suite is one of the most frequently played band pieces by Gordon Jacob. The word “original” in the title signifies that this was a new composition altogether, not a transcription, and not based on folk songs, like others of the time. The three contrasting movements are titled, March, Intermezzo and Finale

Lincolnshire Posy (1937) - Percy Grainger (1882-1961)

Considered Grainger’s masterpiece, the piece is composed of six movements, each adapted from folk songs that Grainger had collected on a 1905–1906 trip to Lincolnshire England Grainger dedicated his “bunch of Wildflowers” to “the old folksingers who sang so sweetly to me.” Songs performed are, “Horkstow Grange”, A Miser and his Man: A local Tragedy “The brisk young Sailor”: returned to wed his True Love and “The Lost Lady Found”: Dance Song

Symphonic Concert March, G. Bonelli, arranged by Nicholas Falcone

This operatic concert march written in the Italian style features flowing melodies, contrapuntal technique, and contrasting rhythms with vocally modeled soloistic melodies, and dynamic contrasts.

The Walnut Creek Concert Band is comprised of volunteer musicians, both amateur and professional, from a cross section of various backgrounds and professions. For the past 28 years the band has been recognized as the Official Band of the City of Walnut Creek.

Under the musical direction of Harvey Benstein, the band performs throughout the year in the Lesher Arts Center and at outdoor and patriotic programs at Civic Park in Walnut Creek.

www.LesherARTScenter.org

Visit the Walnut Creek Concert Band Website at

www.walnutcreekband.org