Two German Dances by Ludwig van Beethoven; Howard KilbertReview by: Wendell MargraveNotes, Second Series, Vol. 10, No. 3 (Jun., 1953), p. 489Published by: Music Library AssociationStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/892216 .

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or print anything which does not have immediate statistical support; and, to be sure, the contemporary Hit Parade adula- tion of a song, which shall be nameless, ab-out a fenestrating animal (complete with sound effects) would seem to sup- port such a position. The works in hand, however, are chiefly for the consumption of school bands, which are educational institutions as well as organizations for entertainment. To try to elevate the taste of the participants by cheap razzle- dazzle is like making the lever of Archi- nedes out of damp spaghetti.

I am pleased that almost all of the works reviewed have full scores. I have fought this battle for a long time, and am happy that enough other people feel strongly about it so that the publishers are going to the additional trouble and expense of making these indispensable tools of the conductor available to hlin. So far as I know, the feeling of obliga- tion, on the part of the composer, to make his music difficult to read and inacces- sible to the performer passed with the vogue of the riddle canon.

I deplore one tendency in the arrange- ments. Except for those of Erik Leidzen, no distinction is made between cornet and trumpet. The two instruments are different in timbre and in capabilities. Both are essential to a good band. Listen, if you have the chance, to the brilliant, incisive, almost percussive trumpet play- inlg of Harry Glantz of the NBC Sym- phony, and to the broad lyricism and technical agility of Oscar Short of the Navy Band, one of the last of the great school of virtuoso cornetists, and you will see what I mean. Ludwig van Beethoven: Polonaise [and] Ecossaise. Composed for military band. Adapted for concert use by Erik Leidzen. New York: Associated Music Publishers, 1952. [Each score, 8 p., $1.00; condensed score, $30 each; each set of parts, including condensed score, $2.50; extra parts, $.30 each]

These pieces were tossed off for a military band in Baden in 1810. They are easy and agreeable. The "adaptation for modern band" by Erik Leidzen indi- cates that the "modern band" is supposed

to be an all-hands affair, where the rest is a device reminiscent of sabotage, or worse. I fail to see how the charm of the Ecossaise is expected to be enhanced by having five percussion players work- ing hard all the time. Possibly the dance was meant to be danced by couples in football suits, with mud cleats. I sug- gest that the conductor who uses this piece (and it is well worth using) cut out bass drum, snare drum, and cymbals except at the sforzandi, and that the triangle be permitted to sound only be- tween rehearsal numbers 2 and 3. Ludwig van Beethoven: Two German Dances. Arranged by Howard Kilbert. New York: G. Schirmer, 1952. [Full band with condensed score, $5.00; full band with condensed and full scores, $7.00; symphonic band with condensed score, $8.00; symphonic band with con- densed and full scores, $10.00; full score, 53 p., $3.50; condensed score, $1.25; extra parts, $.50 each]

Two nice small pieces, arranged in good taste. The arranger apparently doesn't feel the compulsion, noted else- where, to have all members of the band play all the time, so there is opportunity for changing color and for artistic per- formance. These pieces are easy, and very good. Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer Le Journal du Printemps, Suite No. II] Arranged by Keith Wilson. New York Associated Music Publishers, 1951. [Ful band, $6.00; symphonic band, $8.00; ful score, 40 p., $3.50; condensed score $1.00; extra parts, $.40]

I recommend this work withou,t resei vation. It is simple, direct, and beautiful It is an admirable selection from th pen of one of the greatest of the "oh scure" composers-obscure only becaus of changing fashions and the expense. o music nrintinz in hiz -ra

G. F. Handel: Concerto Grosso for Symphonic Band, with two solo flutes and solo Bb clarinets. Transcribed by Don Malin. New York: Remick Music Corp., 1952. ["A" set of parts, $7.50; "B" set of parts, $6.00; "C" set of parts, $4.50; extra condensed score, 19 p., $1.25; extra parts, $.50 each]

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