Waltz No 2 By Dmitri Shostakovich Arr James Curnow Pdf Link May 2026

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The Official Purchase Link (Mockup):

https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/XXXXX/Shostakovich-Waltz-No-2-Score-and-Parts

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Few pieces of classical music have permeated pop culture quite like Dmitri Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2. Originally from his Suite for Variety Orchestra, this piece—often erroneously attributed to his Jazz Suites—captures a unique blend of sarcasm, elegance, and cinematic grandeur.

For wind band conductors and music educators looking to bring this Russian masterpiece to the concert stage, the James Curnow arrangement is widely considered the gold standard. This article explores the piece, the arrangement, and how to find the performance materials for your ensemble.

Here are options to get James Curnow’s arrangement of Shostakovich’s "Waltz No. 2":

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Dmitri Shostakovich Waltz No. 2 is a masterpiece of "socialist realism" that hides a haunting, melancholic heart beneath its brassy, rhythmic surface. Originally composed in 1955–56 for the Soviet film The First Echelon waltz no 2 by dmitri shostakovich arr james curnow pdf link

, the piece followed a group of young volunteers sent to the harsh, remote wilderness of Kazakhstan to build new lives. Boston Symphony Orchestra

While it was written to sound celebratory and public-facing, many listeners hear Shostakovich's trademark irony—a "deceptive joy" that reflects the emotional complexity of living under a restrictive regime. The waltz gained modern worldwide fame after its inclusion in Stanley Kubrick's 1999 film Eyes Wide Shut Sheet Music International The Arrangement by James Curnow

For many musicians, the gateway to this piece is the widely performed arrangement by James Curnow

: Curnow adapted this "Variety Stage Orchestra" movement specifically for concert bands Accessibility

: While the original orchestral version includes unique instruments like the accordion and guitar, Curnow’s version (Grade 3) makes it accessible for high school and community bands while keeping the iconic saxophone and brass melodies intact. Where to Find the Sheet Music

You can find and purchase the James Curnow arrangement through these official music retailers: Why Is Shostakovich Waltz 2 So Popular?

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?" If you need the PDF immediately for your

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."

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."

Before diving into the arrangement, it is crucial to understand the source material. Dmitri Shostakovich (1906–1975) composed his Suite for Variety Orchestra in the 1950s. For decades, this suite was mislabeled as the Jazz Suite No. 2 (which is a different, lost work). The suite contains eight movements, but none is more famous than the Waltz No. 2.

The waltz is a masterclass in irony. On the surface, it is a cheerful, slightly brash dance tune. But listen closely—the saxophone countermelodies are melancholic, the trumpet solo is strained, and the bass line plods with a weary inevitability. This duality reflects Shostakovich’s life under Soviet oppression: forced to write "happy" populist music while smuggling in deep personal sorrow. The Official Purchase Link (Mockup):

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 a prolific American composer and arranger, known for his work with Curnow Music Press. He has a unique ability to adapt complex orchestral colors to the wind band without losing the original soul of the piece.

Important Note on Copyright: Dmitri Shostakovich’s music is still under copyright in most jurisdictions, and James Curnow’s arrangements are published exclusively through Curnow Music Press (distributed by Hal Leonard). Therefore, a "free PDF link" on the internet is almost certainly an illegal infringement of copyright.

As educators and musicians, it is vital to support composers and arrangers by purchasing legitimate copies.

How to legally acquire the score and parts:

To find the legitimate listing, search your preferred retailer for:

"Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich, arranged by James Curnow"