Waltz No 2 By Dmitri Shostakovich Arr James Curnow Pdf Link

While there are several transcriptions of this waltz, James Curnow’s version is arguably the most performed by concert bands.

Few pieces of classical music have permeated pop culture quite like Dmitri Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2. Originally from his Suite for Variety Orchestra, this piece—often erroneously attributed to his Jazz Suites—captures a unique blend of sarcasm, elegance, and cinematic grandeur.

For wind band conductors and music educators looking to bring this Russian masterpiece to the concert stage, the James Curnow arrangement is widely considered the gold standard. This article explores the piece, the arrangement, and how to find the performance materials for your ensemble.

Few pieces of 20th-century orchestral music have penetrated popular culture as deeply as the Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich. Its melancholic, yet swinging melody has been featured in films like Eyes Wide Shut, video games, and countless commercials. However, for concert bands, a specific arrangement stands above the rest: the version arranged by James Curnow. waltz no 2 by dmitri shostakovich arr james curnow pdf link

If you are a band director searching for the "Waltz No 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich arr James Curnow PDF link" , you are likely looking for this specific, powerful transcription for symphonic band. This article will explore why this arrangement is legendary, who James Curnow is, and—most importantly—how to legally acquire the PDF link for your ensemble.

Because direct links expire or change, here is the specific search string to use on any music retailer:

"Waltz No. 2 Shostakovich Curnow Hal Leonard" While there are several transcriptions of this waltz,

Look for the "Digital" or "ePrint" badge. Do not click on "Printed" unless you want physical shipping.

As of 2025, Shostakovich’s works are under copyright in most of the world (until 2025-2030 in many territories due to life-plus-70 rules). Furthermore, James Curnow’s arrangement is actively sold via Hal Leonard (which now distributes the Curnow Music Press catalog).

Pro Tip: A 100% free, public domain PDF link for this specific arrangement does not legally exist. Sharing a PDF without paying for the license violates copyright law and harms the marching band/concert band publishing industry. "Waltz No

Once you have acquired your legal PDF link, here are three rehearsal tips from professional wind band conductors:

While there are dozens of arrangements of the Waltz No. 2, the version by James Curnow (published by Hal Leonard) is the definitive setting for concert band.

James Curnow is a legendary figure in band literature. His approach to transcribing orchestral works for wind band focuses on maintaining the original color while respecting the technical limitations of young and intermediate players.

The second time the melody appears, it is in the trumpets. They must play with a mute (straight mute) and at a piano dynamic. Too many bands blast this. The magic is in the contrast between the muted trumpet and the open saxes.