Metropolitan Madness: Woodwind Quintet Conductor Score & Parts

Ed Neumeister's arrangement captures the swagger and harmonic sophistication of Donelian's writing while sitting perfectly for woodwind quintet voices. The work demands genuine musicianship from all five players, making it rewarding for ensembles ready to trade classical phrasing for rhythmic snap and jazz sensibility without sacrificing ensemble balance.

Metropolitan Madness pulses with urban energy and chromatic sophistication. The piece channels jazz idioms through classical ensemble texture, creating music that swings without abandoning precision and that feels both modern and rooted in tradition.

Woodwind quintets with solid technical chops and comfort improvising within written structures. This arrangement suits groups performing at festivals, competitions, or chamber concerts where a contemporary sound and advanced harmonic language add distinction to the program.

• Treat the rhythm section implied in the harmonic movement as your metronome; the soloists and accompaniment voices must lock together despite the written complexity.
• Balance the texture by letting horn and bassoon anchor the harmonic foundation while flute and oboe navigate the upper lines with clarity.
• Lean into the syncopation and use dynamics to shape phrases rather than relying on classical rubato; this piece responds to confident, groove-oriented conducting.
• Mark all accidentals carefully during rehearsal; the chromatic harmony typical of this crossover style will trip up sight-readers without advance study.

Use this as a closing encore after a classical first half, or pair it with other crossover repertoire to create a second set that showcases your ensemble's stylistic range. Its appeal as a festival piece also makes it ideal for preparing a competitive entry that stands out.

• Reading and executing complex syncopated rhythms across five independent lines
• Balancing harmonic blend in jazz-influenced contexts while maintaining classical ensemble discipline
• Interpreting chromatic harmony and voice leading in crossover arrangements
• Responding to swing and groove cues without losing notational precision
• Ensemble intonation in extended and altered harmonic territories