TITLE COMPOSER Born in Philedelphia in 1915, Vincent Persichetti became a virtuoso keyboard performer, an energetic musical scholar, and one of the most highly influential composers of this century. He taught at the Juilliard School of Music and the Philadelphia Conservatory. Over ninety of his compositions are published and many are recorded. He composed a number of works for band, including "Pageant", which he completed in 1953. It opens in a slow tempo, with a motive in the horn that returns in the second part of the piece as well. Its slow and solemn opening is followed by a vivacious parade theme, introduced by the snare drum. In the piece's conclusion, these two principal subjects are developed simultaneously to a lively climax. Here is Vincent Persichetti's "Pageant". Graf Zeppelin March Carl Teike German composer Carl Teike is known for some of the most popular march music of the early twentieth century. Although he joined the army at the age of 19 as a musician, he later retired to become a police officer. Throughout his police career, he continued to play in small theatre orchestras and to write marches, including "Old Comrades", which is probably his best known work. This march, written for the Graf Zeppelin, was given to us by a percussionist, Tobias Christoph, who played with us last year. Although he has now returned to his home in Germany, Tobias left with us a gift of several pieces, of which this is one: Carl Teike's "Graf Zeppelin March". The King And I Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein wrote the music and lyrics for a popular musical, "The King and I", which is based on Margaret Landon's novel, "Anna and the King of Siam". The story is set in Bangkok in the early 1860s, where Anna, an adventurous Englishwoman, is hired to serve as governess and tutor to King Mongkut's many children. Although Anna has serious quarrels with the dictator, the two eventually fall in love, and Anna's influence on the king helps to democratize the country. "The King and I" opened in 1951 and ran for 1,246 performances. Recently, a film called "Anna and the KIng", has demonstrated again the timeless appeal of this story. Here are some highlights from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King And I". Belphegor Engebert Brepsant We began with a good old British march, which you have probably never heard before, called Belphegor, by Engebert Brepsant. Little is known about this 19th century composer of sheet music and several pieces for the clarinet, but his march provides us the opportunity to warm up our instruments and wake up the percussionists before attempting to play Mendelsohnn. Overture to Ruy Blas Mendelsohnn/Charles J. Roberts The Overture to Ruy Blas is typical of this German composer’s beautiful, delicate instrumental overtures: Beethoven described Mendelsohnn's works as "more an expression of feeling than depiction". In 1839, "Ruy Blas" was composed as an overture to Victor Hugo’s romantic play of the same name, in which an underdog gains political power and eventually heroically sacrifices himself to save the queen’s life. Here is Charles J. Roberts' arrangement of Mendelsohnn's "Overture to Ruy Blas". Dixie Morton Gould Morton Gould is well-known as an arranger and composer for musical comedy, television, and movies. His sense of humour is particularly evident in this band arrangement of Daniel Emmett's tune, "Dixie". As you listen, please be aware that if the bottom suddenly drops out, or if the trumpets appear to be playing the wrong note, there is no cause for alarm; the piece is actuallt written that way. We hope you enjoy this unusual arrangement of a popular melody by Morton Gould. Highlights from the movie Dick Tracy arr. John Higgins Here's a great arrangement of highlights from the soundtrack of Warren Beatty's 1990 film, Dick Tracy, which stars Al Pacino, Catherine O'Hara, Dick Van Dyke, Dustin Hoffman, and others. In this colourful movie, the roaring twenties literally jump from the pages of the Dick Tracy comics and land on the big screen. Quite silly at times, but charming throughout, the movie's soundtrack features some pretty cool tunes, arranged for band by John Higgins. Here now are highlights from the movie Dick Tracy. Petite Suite Europeenne Andre Waignein Born in Belgium in 1942, André Waignein is well known for a number of works in chamber, vocal, symphonic, and band music. His current catalogue includes more than 300 published pieces and over 100 CDs. This Petite Suite presents three pictures of the European landscape: first, the flat country, second, the islands, and finally, the city of lights. The concert band will perfom movements one and two; then we will be joined one more time by our young guests in the the third movement, which is a lot of fun. Here is Andre Waignein's "Petite Suite Europeenne". more Thanks to Margi Corbett (MC Saskatoon Concert Band)

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