Customer Reviews

Program Notes for Band/G5723

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I have to write program notes for lots of bands and other musical groups, so when I heard about this large book, I bought it even though it came with a hefty price tag.

I am quite disappointed with the book, though. Though it does deliver on its promise to contain tons of program notes on pieces and their composers, one has to wonder which planet the author comes from.

You could attend, direct, and play in a wide variety of bands for your whole life and never hear of or otherwise encounter half of the composers (and by extension, their pieces) that are included in this book.

OK, no harm in having too much information! But when it comes at the expense of totally leaving out a great many major composers of band music, and then disregarding many oft-performed works by the composers that ARE included, you just have to wonder what's going on. Where is part two with the good stuff?

I have repeatedly found that this book comes up short just about every time I refer to it. Unfortunately, there seems to be no other (and better) book of its type out there.

Not a total waste, but very far short of the mark.