click for larger image

Sample sheet music

Title	A Festival Prelude (1956)
Article no.	9245490
Category	Concert/wind/brass band
Subcategory	Contemporary Music (1945-present)
Instrumentation	Ha (concert/wind band)
Format	PrtStm (full score and parts)
Country of publication	USA (us)
Publisher *	Hal Leonard Publishing
Publisher's article no. *	HL 00006781
Delivery publisher *	Hal Leonard Europe
Series title	Concert Band Series
EAN (GTIN) *	0073999067811
UPC *	073999067811
Year of publication	1962
Price	click here
Composer	Reed, Alfred
Difficulty level	4
Evaluation level of countries	A4 (Austrian D level); D4 (German upper level)
Duration	4:30
Additional info/contents	Composed in the 1950s (1957), this masterpiece by the late Alfred Reed showcases his signature style and total mastery of wind orchestration. This concise work, consisting of a single theme and two fanfare figures woven throughout, stands out as a true classic in the repertoire. Prt PicFlt Flt 1,2 Ob 1,2 Fag 1,2 EsClr Clr 1,2,3 AClr BClr CAClr CBClr ASax 1,2 TSax BSax Trp 1,2,3 Cnt 1,2 Hrn in F 1,2,3,4 Trb 1,2,3 Brt (BC+TC) Tub KB Tmp BD SD MCym Trng
Sample sheet music	click here
Sample score *	click here
Sound sample *
Video sample *
Listen to this in the Musicainfo Radio *	click here
Available	yes

Programme notes *: Alfred Reed's composition "A Festival Prelude" stands as an impressive masterpiece in the world of brass music. With this festival overture, Alfred Reed, known for his innovative contributions to the genre, created a piece that impresses with its powerful orchestration, emotional depth and technical sophistication. Alfred Reed, born in 1921, is one of the outstanding composers and arrangers for wind orchestras of the 20th century. Since its premiere, “A Festival Prelude” has had a permanent place as an established work in the repertoire of wind orchestras. The composition represents Reed's ability to combine traditional structures with modern expressions. The structure of "A Festival Prelude" follows a festive overture characterized by clear sections and thematic developments. Reed creates a multi-layered soundscape that ranges from majestic fanfares to lyrical passages. The style of the composition combines elements of classical heritage with contemporary harmonies and rhythmic textures, resulting in a rich and dynamic listening experience. One of the outstanding features of the composition is the masterful orchestration, which underlines Reed's virtuosity as an arranger. The instrumental diversity of the wind orchestra is cleverly used to create an impressive range of sounds. From the powerful brass to the warm woodwinds to the sonorous percussion instruments, a fascinating combination is created that makes the work a feast for the senses. Reed gives "A Festival Prelude" an emotional depth and expressivity that goes beyond conventional festival music. The melodic lines are imbued with lyrical beauty, while at the same time powerful passages create a festive atmosphere. This emotional range gives the piece a timeless quality that continues to fascinate after repeated listening. The complexity of the composition places high demands on the technical skills of a wind orchestra. From sophisticated rhythms to virtuoso passages, the composition offers musicians the opportunity to showcase their skills at the highest level. The balanced integration of different groups of instruments requires precise ensemble work and demands the highest level of discipline from the musicians. "A Festival Prelude" by Alfred Reed remains a fascinating work of brass music that reflects the creative brilliance and stylistic diversity of this outstanding composer. The composition combines festive splendor with emotional depth and technical sophistication, making it a masterpiece that inspires both musicians and listeners alike. This piece remains a timeless contribution to brass music that worthy represents Alfred Reed's artistic vision. Quelle/Source: musicainfo.net (KI) Information: Hal Leonard Wind Repertory Project

	Format
	A Festival Prelude (1956) (concert/wind band), full score and parts
	A Festival Prelude (concert/wind band), full score
	4.Österreichischer Blasmusikwettbewerb, audio CD  out of print
	Alfred Reed and Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, audio CD
	Alfred Reed Live #4: Acclamation, audio CD
	BCL - Band Classic Library #6, audio CD
	Diagram, audio CD  out of print
	One of our own: Alfred Reed, audio CD  out of print   Remaining stock available
	Overtures #2 (Windmaster Series #5), audio CD
	Stadtkapelle Feldkirchen, audio CD
	Teaching Music through Performance in Band #4, Grade 4, 3 compact discs

To order this item please log in (click here).

* Fields with a star are only visible for club members after registration.

In order to see the demo scores you need Adobe Reader, which you can download free. Just click on the following link.

In order to listen to the sound samples you need an MP3 player, which you can download free, for example: