The specific James Curnow arrangement of Dmitri Shostakovich
’s Waltz No. 2 is a copyrighted work, so full PDF versions of the entire score and all parts are generally not available for free legally. However, you can access individual practice parts and official preview links below: 🎼 Sheet Music Links
Practice Parts (PDF): You can view and download specific instrument parts for this arrangement (e.g., Flute 1, Alto Sax, Drums, or Tuba) via the Sivuaani Archive.
Official Digital Purchase: Download and print the full set or individual parts instantly from Sheet Music Direct or Sheet Music Plus.
Full Set Purchase: The complete score and parts for concert band are available through Hal Leonard. 📱 Social Media Post Ideas
Option 1: The "Practice Room" Vibe (Best for Instagram/TikTok)
🎼 POV: You finally found the perfect waltz for the next concert.
There’s something about Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 that just hits different. It’s moody, elegant, and slightly haunting all at once. This James Curnow arrangement for concert band is a Grade 3 gem—perfect for getting that rich, orchestral sound without needing a full string section. 🎷🎺 Practice mode: ON. 🎶
#ConcertBand #Shostakovich #WaltzNo2 #BandGeek #SheetMusic #ClassicalMusic Option 2: The "Performance Tease" (Best for Facebook/X) Coming soon to a stage near you... 🎶
We’re diving into the iconic Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich, arranged by James Curnow. Originally written for a variety orchestra, this version brings those famous saxophone and brass melodies to life in a way only a wind ensemble can. Can you hear the "one-two-three" already? 💃🕺
#MusicEducation #ConcertBand #Shostakovich #JamesCurnow #BandDirectorLife
I can’t provide a direct PDF link or copy of the copyrighted score for Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich, arranged by James Curnow. However, here’s a guide to legally obtaining it:
Once you have legally acquired the PDF from Hal Leonard or Sheet Music Direct, here is how to make your performance shine:
Originally composed for Suite for Variety Orchestra (often mistakenly attributed to the Jazz Suite No. 2), Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 is paradoxical. It is a dance, but it feels like a cry. The saxophones introduce a haunting theme that is equal parts decadence and despair. waltz no 2 by dmitri shostakovich arr james curnow pdf link
Composed during a difficult period for Soviet artists, the music reflects a society forced to dance under oppression. This emotional duality makes it irresistible to arrangers.
So, if you cannot get a free PDF, how do you get a legal PDF? Fortunately, in the digital age, you can purchase a licensed digital copy.
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.
If you are looking for the "Waltz No 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich arr James Curnow PDF link" , stop searching for a free pirate version and click the official link above.
For less than the cost of two pizzas for your band, you get:
James Curnow gave the wind band a timeless gift with this arrangement. Support his work, buy the PDF, and watch your audience fall in love with Shostakovich’s tragic waltz.
Final Verdict: There is no free PDF link for the Curnow arrangement. The best link is the purchase button on SheetMusicDirect or JW Pepper. Buy it, rehearse it, and enjoy the greatest waltz ever written.
The sheet music on the conductor’s stand was crisp, smelling of fresh ink and industrial adhesive. At the top, in a bold, utilitarian font, it read: Waltz No. 2 – Dmitri Shostakovich, arr. James Curnow.
Elias adjusted his glasses. As a high school band director, he knew this arrangement was a masterpiece of compromise. Curnow had taken Shostakovich’s dark, cinematic irony—the soul of Soviet-era circus music—and translated it into something a group of teenagers could actually play without losing their minds.
He tapped his baton. "From the pickup to measure five. Saxophones, this is your moment to sound like you’re in a smoky 1950s ballroom, not a cafeteria. Ready?"
The downbeat fell. The tubas and trombones established the rhythmic heartbeat—oom-pah-pah, oom-pah-pah—a steady, mechanical pulse. Then, the alto saxophones entered. The melody was haunting, a swirling mist of sound that felt both playful and deeply sad.
In the third row, Sarah, the lead clarinetist, followed her part on the PDF she’d pulled up on her tablet. She loved the way Curnow distributed the themes. Shostakovich’s original was massive and intimidating, but this version felt like a conversation. The brass took the bold, regal sections, while the woodwinds danced through the triplets, light as air. The specific James Curnow arrangement of Dmitri Shostakovich
As the piece reached its crescendo, the room seemed to transform. The fluorescent lights of the band room faded, replaced by the flickering shadows of a grand hall. The students weren't just hitting notes; they were capturing that specific Shostakovich "smile through the tears."
When the final chord echoed and died against the acoustic foam walls, Elias didn't speak for a moment. He just looked at the score. "That," Elias whispered, "is why we play the classics."
He looked at Sarah. "Did you find that link I sent for the Curnow score?"
"I did," she said, tapping her screen. "The transition at measure 42 is much cleaner in this arrangement. It actually makes sense now."
Elias smiled. "Good. Let's take it from the bridge. And this time, let's make it swing."
Waltz No. 2: A Timeless Masterpiece
Dmitri Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2, arranged by James Curnow, is a captivating musical piece that has been enchanting audiences for decades. Originally composed by Shostakovich in 1937 as part of his Suite for Variety Orchestra, this waltz has become a beloved classic, showcasing the composer's mastery of melody, harmony, and orchestration.
The Original Composition
Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2 was written during a tumultuous period in Soviet Russia, when the composer was facing intense scrutiny and pressure from the government. Despite these challenges, Shostakovich managed to create a work that exudes elegance, sophistication, and a deep sense of Russian heritage. The waltz features a lilting melody, playful rhythms, and a rich harmonic texture that has captivated listeners worldwide.
James Curnow's Arrangement
James Curnow's arrangement of Waltz No. 2 for concert band or wind ensemble brings a fresh perspective to Shostakovich's timeless masterpiece. Curnow's arrangement maintains the essence of the original composition while adapting it to the unique characteristics of the wind ensemble. The arrangement showcases the versatility and expressive qualities of the band, with intricate instrumental lines, dynamic contrasts, and a keen sense of balance.
Musical Characteristics
Waltz No. 2, arranged by James Curnow, features several notable musical characteristics: IMSLP – Contains the original Shostakovich piano version
Performance Considerations
For performers, Waltz No. 2, arranged by James Curnow, presents several challenges and opportunities:
Conclusion
Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich, arranged by James Curnow, is a captivating musical work that continues to delight audiences worldwide. With its memorable melodies, rhythmic vitality, and harmonic richness, this waltz remains a timeless masterpiece of classical music. For performers, the piece offers numerous technical and interpretive challenges, as well as opportunities for creative expression and ensemble cohesion.
You can find a PDF link to the arrangement by searching online for "Waltz No. 2 Shostakovich Curnow PDF" or through online sheet music retailers such as Sheet Music Plus or JW Pepper.
(Please ensure to verify the accuracy of the PDF link and respect copyright laws.)
I cannot directly provide a PDF link due to copyright laws, as "Waltz No. 2" (from the Suite for Variety Orchestra) arranged by James Curnow is a commercially published work by Hal Leonard (often part of the Essential Elements Master Level series or Hal Leonard Concert Band Series).
However, here is a solid, actionable path to obtain the legal PDF:
Purchase a legal digital copy from sheet music retailers:
Check institutional access:
Free legal alternative (public domain):
If you need a free arrangement for educational use, consider checking MuseScore (user-uploaded transcriptions—quality varies, but search "Shostakovich Waltz 2 concert band").