Strike Up the Band Overture

"Strike Up the Band" is the overture to the musical of the same name, composed in 1927 (revised in 1930) on the theme of war criticism. The original band version is based on the number written for the musical, which Gershwin himself later recomposed as a concert overture. The arranger, Mr. Matsudai, first encountered this work when he was a commentator for classical music programs on NHK-FM and featured a performance conducted by Simon Rattle on his program. Thirteen years later, Mr. Matsudai made a long-awaited arrangement of the piece, which was premiered in June 1999 at a regular concert of the Hokkaido University of Education Hakodate Wind Orchestra under the direction of the arranger himself.

Mr. Matsushiro states, "In arranging this piece, I took special care not to spoil the characteristics of Gershwin's music: beautiful melodies that remain fresh even today, new harmonies, and a good rhythmic sense. He also states, "I took special care in the arrangement to ensure that Gershwin's music does not lose its originality.

(Teruaki Matsushiro)