Afro-american Symphony
Digital Sheet Music
By William Grant Still

Item Number: A0.1095398

From the Music of Black Composers Series is this brilliant arrangement of the first movement "Longing" of William Grant Still's Afro-American Symphony for a brass choir of four B-flat trumpets, four horns in F, three trombones, euphonium and tuba. William Grant Still's Afro-American Symphony was one of the most significant classical orchestra compositions of the early 1930s to incorporate African-American folk influences. Premiered by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in October 1931 at conductor Howard Hanson's notable American Music Festival, it brought the melancholy flavor of the Blues to the symphony. For William Grant Still the Blues was a distinct African-American musical contribution, separate from the spiritual and popular jazz, and he wanted to incorporate it into a symphonic work based on Western classical symphonic instrumentation and forms. As part of the early 20th Century Harlem Renaissance in New York City, this work was enthusiastically received across the USA and overseas. This brass choir arrangement of the first movement "Longing" will enliven many a concert with its colorful rhythms, soulful melodies and blues harmonies. Beyond brass ensemble programs or special events consider featuring your band or orchestra brass section on this memorable and exciting arrangement.

“The Music of Black Composers Series is a welcome and timely addition to the brass repertoire. Interesting music, expertly arranged, fun to perform, and well received by audiences. Highly recommended!” Wesley Nance, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Eastman School of Music

Interlochen Arts Academy, the University of Denver and Stetson University have purchased Charles Decker Music Press Music of Black Composer Series with arrangements for mixed brass ensembles of music from early jazz to chorus to orchestral works and Eastman School of Music uses the series brass quintet arrangements in their chamber music program.

Check out more than 50 Charles Decker Music Press publications for inexperienced to advanced musicians of mixed brass ensembles with music ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary new works for trios, quartets, quintets, brass choir and brass band. Many of the mixed brass ensemble editions include B-flat and alternate C trumpet parts, flugelhorn substitute for horn, and horn substitute for trombone. See also 40 homogeneous horn, trumpet and trombone ensemble works and the Music of Black Composers Series with arrangements for mixed brass ensembles ranging from early jazz to symphonic works at Charles Decker Music Press. All ensemble publications include recordings of the entire edition.

This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard’s global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.

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