'Festive Overture' by Dmitri Shostakovich

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Written in 1954, Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture” was composed for the 37th anniversary of the October Revolution. While this fiery work was originally composed for orchestra, it has over time become a standard in the wind band repertoire, combining jubilant brass fanfares with soaring melodies and intense woodwind technical passages. According to legend, Shostakovich composed the entire work in just a few hours, rushing to meet a concert deadline in only three days. Shostakovich’s friend, Lev Lebedinsky, elaborates, “The speed with which he wrote was truly astounding. Moreover, when he wrote light music he was able to talk, make jokes and compose simultaneously, like the legendary Mozart. He laughed and chuckled, and in the meanwhile work was under way and the music was being written down.”

We hope you enjoy this exuberant rendition of Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture!"

Festive Overture - Dmitri Shostakovich
The United States Air Force Band
Recorded on October 2019, New World Center, Miami, FL

[snojetsst]

As a Bass trombonist myself, I thoroughly and completely enjoyed this concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra...

[Andrew_t_moran]

To the sound engineers who, in many ways are as much musicians as the performers to those of us who take this in as a recording: thank you. This is masterful sound engineering.

[GrangerGangster]

Holy bass trombone haha. That was an incredible performance and had me holding my breath through the whole coda!

[JamieSmith-fzmz]

I auditioned for the AF band program at Wright Patt in 1978. Passed the audition only to be told there was a 3 year waiting list for Tubas. Ended up in Security Police guarding a rock in Albuquerque. Oh, what might have been.

[forestgreensmile]

You can never have enough trombone…especially bass trombone! Winds and low brass shine

[corygates]

This might be the best recording of Festive Overture in existence. Easily the best I’ve ever personally heard!

Makes me wonder how many in the audience truly understand what they just witnessed. So jealous.

[愛戦士-tj]

It is clear that all the players create the overall sound by focusing on blending the most beautiful tones without using too much force. I want to send bravo to this wonderful performance.

[jeffhulrich]

I am proud to say that, over 35 years ago in my youth, I played Euphonium for this piece at high school, college, and professional level. One of my all-time favorites.

[thisguy]

MAN. That brass section is fantastic. They are dynamically flexible, have beautiful tone and sound quality, and have perfect articulation. I especially love that the conductor lets out the powerful brass when appropriate instead of holding them back like a lot of conductors nowadays do. I mean, he lets them get right up to the edge where just the slightest smidge over will become harsh and overpowering, but they never go over the edge. It gives so much life and excitement to the sound and I love it. Bravo!

[basst]

That bass trombone @ 0:26s puts a smile on my face every day 😊

[geoffwilliams]

As a former British Army Bandmaster, all I can say is-WOW! absolutely superb! The tempo was right on the edge, creating the excitement without being too fast. Also, sometimes a conductor can "get in the way", and this is one of the pieces, but the conductor here set the tempo and knew exactly when just to back off and allow the musicians to play, and taking control when need be. A masterful performance, and hats off to you all. I really enjoyed listening to what I believe is the very best performance of Shostakovitch I have EVER heard!

[bonniecameron]

The clarinet solo and beyond was my audition piece for college band. Thanks Dimitri for my higher education!

[stevennorris]

I love hearing the clarinets beginning at 1:37 playing the very long run across the break. That passage is not only technically difficult but also allows no place to breathe. Yet the clarinets accomplish it with such skill that everything sounds effortless. I stopped the tape and listened to that run over and over. Bravo. Truly good.

[Parkwaymania]

I remember playing this on alto sax in high school concert band. Man those runs! ugh. Beautiful recording!

[ClubNBH]

YEAAAAHH BASS!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!! THAT is how this piece should be played on bass trombone. Thank you.

[brucemoeller]

This brings back memories. Our H.S. Band played this at Festival. Demanding piece....but we achieved a "Command Performance" rating....the top. Thank you, Dr. Yardas for challenging us in preparing us for life.

[nicolasfernandes]

Just a few notes played below the original octave made all the difference. It showed the true sound of the bass trombone, bringing more power and brilliance to the work. Wonderful interpretation, congratulations to everyone.

[jml]

Playing this piece was one of the most special times of my life

[kenrup]

About as spirited and perfect performance as I've ever heard of this work.

[noahmarez]

This is easily one of the best recordings of Festive Overture and 3:39 gave me chills. My old teacher used to play bass trombone in this band and I know he'd laugh and say "hell yeah man" if he heard 0:25. Bravo!