Here are several reputable sources where you can legally buy and download the PDF:
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.
James Curnow’s arrangement, published by , is specifically designed for Grade 3 (Intermediate) young concert bands. It successfully preserves the "oom-pah-pah" rhythmic drive and the lyrical, haunting saxophone melodies that define the original work. Waltz No. 2 from Suite No. 1 for Variety Orchestra waltz no 2 by dmitri shostakovich arr james curnow pdf link
When searching for the it is important to look for authorized sheet music distributors. Because Shostakovich's works are protected under international copyright laws, complete score and part PDFs are rarely available for free legally. Where to Find Legal Links and Purchases:
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. Here are several reputable sources where you can
The full score requires a standard concert band complement:
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. For performers, the piece offers numerous technical and
The piece exploded in popularity after being used in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut (1999). Since then, it has been arranged for every conceivable ensemble—from symphony orchestras to accordion duos.
James Curnow is highly respected in the wind band world for his ability to translate massive orchestral textures into clear, achievable parts for concert bands without losing the emotional core of the music.
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."