World Famous Melodies: Flute: Instrumental Album

SKU: CF.WF232

ISBN 9781491153772. UPC: 680160911271.

Known internationally for superior flute editions, Robert Stallman continues his considerable expansion of the flute repertoire with re-creations, or “new” works for flute by Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven, Chopin, Dvořák, and other great composers.Conceived originally as a work for solo piano, this arrangement of Dvořák’s Suite in A Major for flute and piano is based on both the piano and orchestra versions. It is one in a series of Stallman’s “new” works for flute. Dvořák composed the Suite in A Major in 1894, inspired by his happy and fruitful stay in the “New World” —a period that produced some of his greatest works, full of thematic freshness, raw energy and folk influences, both American and Old World Czech. The “New World” Symphony, Cello Concerto, “American” Quartet, String Quintet in E≤ Major, the Violin Sonatina and this A Major Suite are all cut from the same musical cloth—textured with his personal impressions of the Wild West’s fascinating Indian and Afro-American music, its God-fearing and friendly people, its vast open spaces and its awe-inspiring natural beauty.
PrefaceConceived originally as a work for solo piano, the Suite in A Major was composed by Dvořák in 1894, during his famous two-year visit to the United States. He wrote the work in a mere ten days, and a year later made a full orchestration of it. The Suite was first performed in this second version in 1910 in Prague at the Rudolfinum. Dvořák, who died in 1904, never had a chance to hear a performance of this stirring orchestral realization.The Suite was inspired by the composer’s happy and fruitful stay in the “New World”, especially by his unforgettable summers spent in the quiet Czech-American village of Spillville, Iowa—a period that produced some of his greatest works, full of thematic freshness, raw energy and folk influences, both American and Old World Czech. The “New World” Symphony, Cello Concerto, “American” Quartet, String Quintet in Eb Major, the Violin Sonatina and this A Major Suite are all cut from the same musical cloth—textured with his personal impressions of the Wild West’s fascinating Indian and Afro-American music, its God-fearing and friendly people, its vast open spaces and its awe-inspiring natural beauty.Several of the Suite’s affecting melodies find echoes in these other, better known compositions of this American period. Wistful themes abound in all five movements, reflecting Dvořák’s transformative American experience as it found resonance in his own emotions. Contrasting with deeply felt, contemplative passages are Dvořák’s joyous and tempestuous expressions, which open the second, third and final movements.This arrangement for flute and piano is based on both the piano and orchestra versions. It is one in a series of my “new” works for flute by some of our greatest composers and I am delighted to add it to the collection. I predict that the A Major Suite will become a popular addition to our Romantic recital repertoire, much like the Dvořák Sonatina.—Robert StallmanMarblehead, Mass.June 1, 2018.

SKU: CF.SPS78F

ISBN 9781491153239. UPC: 680160910731.

Festival March is presented in a new edition arranged by Richard Summers. It is a tour de force composition for advanced bands and hearkens back to a bygone era during the golden age of the band movement. Directors and students will hear operatic music from composer Victor Herbert who is best known for his Christmas classic, Toyland. This is a richly scored masterpiece that deserves to return to standard status in concert band repertoire. We are proud to bring you this new setting of this cherished classic.
About the CompositionFestival March by Victor Herbert was written for the Pittsburgh Symphony and first performed under Herbert’s direction in Chicago on Dec. 9, 1901 celebrating the 12th anniversary of Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre. Also known as the Auditorium Festival March, he included it many times for programs of a festival nature. The main theme Auld Lang Syne, a famous Scottish folk song, is incorporated many times along with brass fanfares, interludes and march melodies. This band arrangement is very similar to the original orchestral composition. The missing string parts, the addition of the saxophone section and other band instruments, editing of the superimposed triplets against sixteenth notes, to one or the other, and articulations suitable for the band, were major challenges. The style of early twentieth-century American music is captured here. This arrangement will give band musicians access to a fine piece of music that could only be appreciated by orchestra musicians up to now. Although suitable for many occasions, this piece is a great way to begin or end a December holiday concert.  Notes to the ConductorVictor Herbert’s music can be interpreted in a romantic style, which is the conductor’s responsibility to read in nuance and musicality. The beginning and other triple-tonguing sections of this piece have a March of the Toys quality to it.  The interludes and Auld Lang Syne sections are legato and musical. The March sections can also be shaped musically.About the ComposerVictor Herbert was born in Ireland in 1861 and raised in Germany. When he moved to America in 1886, he joined the Metropolitan Opera as principal cellist and eventually composed many works including forty-three operettas on Broadway from the 1890s to World War I, including Naughty Marietta and Babes in Toyland. Victor Herbert conducted the Pittsburgh Symphony from 1898 to 1904 and then was the conductor of his own Victor Herbert Orchestra. He formed ASCAP with a group of composers in 1914 and was the director until his death in 1924. Among his thirty-one compositions for orchestra, Festival March was a favorite of his and was eventually published by Carl Fischer Music.  .