If you are a conductor, band director, or serious instrumentalist, you have likely encountered the search for the "Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich arr James Curnow pdf link." This piece is one of the most beloved standards of the modern concert band repertoire. Its haunting melody, syncopated rhythms, and cinematic flair make it a perennial favorite for festivals, pops concerts, and encores.
However, finding a legitimate PDF of this arrangement can be a legal minefield. This article will explore the history of the piece, the genius of arranger James Curnow, why finding a free PDF is difficult, and where you can legally obtain the sheet music for your ensemble.
The "waltz no 2 by dmitri shostakovich arr james curnow pdf link" you are looking for does exist—but it is not a free pirated scan. It is a professional, legal digital download available from Hal Leonard / Sheet Music Direct.
Action Step:
sheetmusicdirect.com or jwpepper.com.Shostakovich Curnow Waltz No 2.By buying the arrangement, you honor the legacy of Shostakovich, support the work of arranger James Curnow, and ensure your ensemble has a flawless, legal copy for performance. Now, go enjoy one of the greatest waltzes of the 20th century.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Specific PDF links change frequently; always verify the copyright status in your country. As of 2025, the Curnow arrangement remains in full copyright under Hal Leonard LLC.
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.
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." waltz no 2 by dmitri shostakovich arr james curnow pdf link
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."
Here are options to get James Curnow’s arrangement of Shostakovich’s "Waltz No. 2":
I can search for a specific retailer’s product page or check availability by format (full score, clarinet part, concert band set) — which would you like?
(Also offering related search suggestions.)
The Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich, arranged by James Curnow, is a popular piece for concert bands. You can find the PDF and sheet music through these platforms:
Full Score & Parts: Available for purchase at Hal Leonard or J.W. Pepper.
Digital PDF Downloads: Individual parts (like Flute or F Horn) are available on Sheet Music Plus and Sheet Music Direct. The Story Behind the Music
Imagine a ballroom in a world where dancing is a form of defiance. Finding the Waltz No
It is 1955 in the Soviet Union. Dmitri Shostakovich, a man whose life has been a tightrope walk between state-sponsored fame and the threat of the Gulag, is tasked with writing music for a film called The First Echelon. The movie is meant to celebrate young volunteers working on remote farms—the "Virgin Lands"—under a harsh, freezing sky.
But Shostakovich doesn’t just write a simple "happy" tune. He crafts a waltz that feels like a ghost. Waltz No. 2 (arr Curnow) - Wind Repertory Project
Dmitri Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 , famously featured in films like Eyes Wide Shut
, is a quintessential 20th-century waltz known for its haunting yet playful melody. Originally part of his Suite for Variety Orchestra , this specific arrangement by James Curnow
is widely used by concert bands for its accessible "Grade 3" level. Sheet Music Direct Sheet Music & PDF Links
You can find the score and individual parts for this arrangement at the following retailers: Sheet Music Plus
: Provides digital PDF downloads for the full score and parts. Sheet Music Direct
: Offers the James Curnow arrangement for concert band as digital sheet music. Hal Leonard
: The official publisher (G. Schirmer) provides both physical scores and digital information. J.W. Pepper : A reliable source for concert band sets and scores. Sheet Music Plus Social Media Post Draft
🎶 Bringing a touch of Soviet elegance to the stage! 🎷 Check out James Curnow's fantastic arrangement of Shostakovich’s "Waltz No. 2." It perfectly captures the dark, lyrical charm of the original—perfect for intermediate concert bands.
Have you played this arrangement before? Let us know your favorite part in the comments! 👇 Go to sheetmusicdirect
#Shostakovich #WaltzNo2 #ConcertBand #SheetMusic #MusicEducation #JamesCurnow
Exploring Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich: The James Curnow Arrangement
Dmitri Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2 (originally from his Suite for Variety Stage Orchestra) is one of the most enduring and recognizable melodies in the classical repertoire. While originally composed for a unique ensemble that included saxophones and accordions, it has become a staple for concert bands worldwide, largely thanks to the masterful adaptation by James Curnow. The History: From Mystery to Global Fame
Though often misidentified as part of Shostakovich’s "lost" Jazz Suite No. 2, this waltz was actually written in the mid-1950s for the film The First Echelon. It captures a bittersweet, melancholic elegance that has made it a favorite for everything from cinematic soundtracks (most notably Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut) to festive performances by André Rieu. The James Curnow Arrangement for Concert Band
James Curnow’s arrangement, published by G. Schirmer, 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
The exclusive publisher of the James Curnow arrangement of Waltz No. 2 is Hal Leonard Corporation.
You can purchase a legal, watermarked PDF directly from their retail partner:
What you get for $50–$90 (full set):
Encourage the low brass (trombones and tuba) to play the "oom-pah" figure with a slightly harsh, marcato articulation. The piece should feel like a drunken, elegant stumble—not a pristine Viennese waltz.
This is the audition. The soloist must play with a dark, almost sultry tone (think Paul Desmond, not Charlie Parker). Use heavy vibrato on long notes. Curnow’s part includes a small cadenza-like flourish before the tutti—this must be played strictly in time, without rubato, to keep the band together.