Band

Claudio Monteverdi composed this toccata as an instrumental introduction for the opera L'Orfeo (1607). According to the composer, this introduction should be played three times before the rising of the curtain, making it the first overture in the history of opera. The story of Orfeo, who enchanted nature with his music, is tragic, as he loses his beloved Eurydice and decides to retrieve her from the underworld. On their return journey one glance back at her is fatal: he loses her for the second time. This arrangement for wind band makes an ideal opening piece. The toccata is played three times, just like the original - the first time by a quintet (two trumpets and three trombones).

Severe and permanent damage to this hand prevented Robert Schumann from pursuing a career as a concert pianist. However, this tragedy allowed Schumann to compose an exquisite body of work, including orchestra, chamber and vocal works. He most frequently composed for his own instrument, the piano. Henk Hogestein has chosen the famous Reverie from Scenes from Childhood and turned it into a moving arrangement for concert band. Dur: 3:00

For this work in popular style, Roland Kernen uses two well-known Christmas melodies. In the introduction we hear O Little Town of Bethlehem, followed by a lively version of Silent Night. Subsequently, the attractive carol O Little Town of Bethlehem is featured more extensively. Two for Christmas is a fine addition to your contemporary Christmas repertoire.