Prelude from 'Tristan and Isolde' (Wagner)

Wagner finished the first act of 'Tristan and Isolde' on the last day of 1857 and two years later he finished the entire opera. Yet it was not until 1865, after various disasters had prevented the piece being performed, that it was heard in public and the sensational opening of the Prelude at a stroke created a different harmonic framework for late 19th century music and beyond.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Level: 5 | Duration: 9:25

Instrumentation
1st Flute
2nd Flute
1st/2nd Oboe
English Horn
1st Bb Clarinet
2nd Bb Clarinet
3rd Bb Clarinet
Eb Alto Clarinet
Bb Bass Clarinet
1st/2nd Bassoon
1st/2nd Eb Alto Saxophone
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone

1st Bb Cornet
2nd/3rd Bb Cornet
1st/2nd Bb Trumpet
1st/2nd F Horn
3rd/4th F Horn
1st/2nd Trombone
3rd Trombone
Euphonium
(TC Baritone)
Tuba

String Bass

Timpani

Program Notes
Wagner finished the first act of 'Tristan and Isolde' on the last day of 1857 and two years later he finished the entire opera. Yet it was not until 1865, after various disasters had prevented the piece being performed, that it was heard in public and the sensational opening of the Prelude at a stroke created a different harmonic framework for late 19th century music and beyond.

Now, thanks to Geoffrey Brand's masterly arrangement, concert bands can experience Wagner's remarkable conception. Purists may argue that bands should prefer original works for the medium. But our musical understanding is not complete without reference points and who is to say that if we happen to play in a band not an orchestra we should not have the first-hand opportunity to experience these master works?