Matt Johnston

Although Ferdinand David is mostly known as a composer for a couple of his instrumental works, namely a Concertino for Trombone, and this Concertino, Op. 12 for bassoon, perhaps he should be most well...

German bassoonist and pedagogue Julius Weissenborn is known primarily as an author and composer of method and etude books familiar to all bassoonists. However, he also composed a number of solo works,...

Eugene Bourdeau came from a family of bassoonists and eventually became the professor of bassoon at the Paris Conservatory from 1891 to 1922. Though not well-known as a composer, he composed three sol...

German bassoonist and pedagogue Julius Weissenborn is known primarily as an author and composer of method and etude books familiar to all bassoonists. However, he also composed a number of solo works,...

Camille Saint-Saëns composed this Romance, Op. 51, in 1877, originally in the key of D major for cello and piano. The form of the piece is relatively simple, opening with a lyrical melody over a repet...

Giovanni Bottesini (1821-1889) was widely regarded as the Paganini of the double bass and was one of the first champions of the instrument. Though he composed a wide range of music, from chamber music...

Although mostly known for his orchestral music and Requiem, Gabriel Faure (1845 - 1924) composed more than 70 works for voice and piano, and was once commended by Maurice Ravel for saving French vocal...

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835 - 1821) composed The Carnival of the Animals, one of his most popular works, in 1886. Though private performances were given during his lifetime, the first public performance...

Holst's First Suite in E-flat is one of the most influential works in the concert band repertoire and consists of three contrasting movements (Chaconne, Intermezzo, March) all based on a singular moti...

Which of the Holst Suites is your favorite? Here is another cornerstone in the concert band library which consists of four movements (March, Song Without Words - 'I'll Love My Love', Song of the Black...

Bach's Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor (BWV 582) is one of the most influential works for organ ever written. A haunting passacaglia followed by a fugue using a similar theme. Instrumentation: E-Flat...

This is one of Beethoven's most popular and well-known works from Piano Sonata in C minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique'. A lovely adagio sure to please any audience. Instrumentation: E-Flat Clarinet, 3 B-Flat...

Here is a transcription of the third movement of Georges Bizet's only symphony. It was requested by Mitchell Estrin at the University of Florida because he remembered playing a transcription of this p...

Originally arranged for University of Tennessee Clarinet Choir for their 2011 tour of China, this work features five traditional Chinese folk songs in a medley lasting about 5-6 minutes. The songs inc...

This is the fugue from one of the most popular organ works of the 20th century, Dupre's Prelude and Fugue in G Minor, op. 7, no. 3. Another haunting organ piece, this fugue feels like a jig, but is mu...

One of the most important and beautiful pieces ever written for chamber wind ensemble. This arrangement of the pastoral third movement sounds like a relaxing summer day, though it is perfect for any t...

A very fast march that is very impressive and fun to play! It is interesting to pair this piece on a program with Sousa's Thunderer and then let the audience compare and contrast. Instrumentation: E-F...

A lovely setting of this familiar song. Works great for church services or weddings, but can really be played anywhere. Instrumentation: 4 B-Flat Clarinets, Alto Clarinet/Basset Horn - (optional 5th B...

An exhilarating transcription of this wonderful overture. A challenge for every player that is sure to please any audience. Instrumentation: E-Flat Clarinet, 5 B-Flat Clarinets, Alto Clarinet/Basset H...

This is one of Percy Grainger's most famous settings. The music itself is not that difficult, however the challenge lies in bringing forth the melody without burying it underneath the beautiful harmon...

A brisk Irish reel featuring every instrument in the choir. Instrumentation: E-Flat Clarinet, 4 B-Flat Clarinets, Alto Clarinet/Basset Horn, Bass Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet/Contralto/String Bass

A popular English Morris Dance tune set by Percy Grainger. In his manuscript, Grainger states 'this setting is not suitable to dance Morris Dances to'. Despite this, it's a fun piece to play! Instrume...

As performed by the University of Florida Clarinet Choir on their CD, 'Wind in the Reeds'. A very challenging and rewarding transcription! Instrumentation: E-Flat Clarinet, 4 B-Flat Clarinets, Alto Cl...

A favorite transcription of the arranger thus far. This has to be one of the most beautiful and lush pieces in the orchestral repertoire, taken from lesser-known opera Hansel and Gretel. Instrumentati...

This is a fairly difficult transcription of the overture from Danish composer Carl Nielsen's opera, Maskarade. Fun parts for everybody with this rewarding and challenging piece! Instrumentation: E-Fla...