Prelude No. 20: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Frédéric Chopin / arr. Jerry Brubaker
Grade: 2 (Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0001488
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Description
Frederic Chopin's Prelude No. 20 is familiar since it was used as introductory material for Barry Manilow's "Could It Be Magic." The rich chordal style in a minor key evokes a mildly somber mood and will be a satisfying program addition. (3:06)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Prelude No. 20: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Young Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
124
SKU:
00-PK-0001488
More about this title
About the Composer: Frédéric Chopin
Frédéric Chopin (1810, 1849) was a Polish composer and pianist who fundamentally transformed how the piano could express intimate emotion and harmonic sophistication. His preludes, nocturnes, and études became cornerstones of Romantic repertoire, prized for their lyrical depth and technical innovation. Chopin's influence extends far beyond concert halls; his melodies have entered popular culture through countless adaptations, including the Barry Manilow hit that introduced millions to this particular prelude.
In the education sphere, Chopin's works teach students about harmonic language, voice leading, and the relationship between technical difficulty and expressive power. His music rewards careful listening and rewards patient rehearsal with performances of genuine maturity.
Why we love this
This arrangement introduces young bands to genuine Romantic masterwork without overwhelming them. Chopin's harmonic language and emotional restraint translate beautifully to Grade 2 concert band, and the modest three-minute duration makes it realistic for a full ensemble to learn and perform with musicality. The chordal texture ensures all sections participate meaningfully.
What to expect
A quiet dignity settles over the ensemble as the minor key and rich harmonies unfold. The mood is introspective and contemplative, never heavy, with a quality of gentle resignation that draws listeners in. Chopin's lyrical restraint shines through even in band instrumentation.
Who it's for
Concert bands performing at Grade 2 level seeking substantive repertoire with historical weight and emotional maturity. Directors programming pops concerts or mixed repertoire will appreciate how recognizable this piece is to audiences while maintaining artistic credibility.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melody with subtle dynamic swells rather than sudden accents; Chopin's voice sings through sustained phrasing, not punctuation.
- Balance the chord voices carefully so the inner harmonies emerge without drowning the top line; this is where the arrangement's richness lives.
- Allow slight breathing room at phrase endings rather than rushing to the next section; minor key writing gains depth from small silences.
- Let the conductor guide tempo flexibility gently through the form; this piece rewards a touch of expressive freedom rather than metronomic precision.
How to use it
Position this as a contrasting ballad between more energetic works on a concert program, or pair it with other Romantic-era arrangements to explore the era's harmonic language with younger students. It works equally well as an opening number that establishes a thoughtful tone for the evening.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing independent voice lines within a harmonic texture
- Sustaining musical line through minor key expression without drama
- Responding to subtle conducting gestures for tempo and phrase shaping
- Listening critically to intonation in sustained chord passages