Court Square: An Impression for Band (1954) by Joseph Scianni (1928-2018)

Court Square is worthy of its subtitle: an impression written for band. It’s an impression of a past world, an aesthetic, one that sounds fresh now as it did when American composer Joseph Scianni wrote the piece in 1954. The first section is a festive, lively tune reminiscent of a celebration at the Medieval Castle Court (and don’t forget the jesters). It then transitions to a slower chorale where a solo trumpet delivers a melancholic melody that transforms into a duet over dark chords. Opening material then returns in an andante tempo, only to return to the melancholy with oboe and flute leading on the way to the resolution. The opening music returns in the same lively fashion and is shortened as music builds to an exciting finish.
I can’t find any information regarding a premier or commission, and this recording from 1963 is one of a few recordings known to exist. All of them including this one are performed by the Christian Brothers Band. Feel free to check this and more music played in 1963 here: christianbroth...
Sources: www.esm.roches...
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