Valdres: Concert Band Conductor Score

Name: Valdres: Concert Band Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-BD00969C
Price: 10.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Johannes Hanssen / arr. Robert W. Smith

Grade: 2 (Easy)

Item: 00-BD00969C

$10.00

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The Norwegian March Valdres is a respected composition found in the libraries of fine concert bands throughout the world. Robert W. Smith has reworked this piece, reducing the level of difficulty so that it can be enjoyed by almost any concert band. Sophisticated and elegant.

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Series: Belwin Young Band

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 16

UPC: 029156003703

SKU: 00-BD00969C

More about this title

About the Composer: Johannes Hanssen

Johannes Hanssen (1874-1955) was a Norwegian composer and conductor whose marches became staples of Scandinavian musical culture. His gift for melody and orchestration made his works accessible to amateur and professional ensembles alike, establishing him as a central figure in Norwegian band music. Valdres, one of his most celebrated compositions, captures the spirit of the Norwegian landscape and remains a touchstone for concert bands seeking repertoire with both elegance and national character.

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Why we love this

Robert W. Smith's arrangement preserves the sophisticated character of this Norwegian masterwork while bringing it within reach of developing ensembles. At Grade 2, the piece demands musical maturity without requiring virtuosity, making it an ideal choice for bands ready to move beyond purely instructional repertoire into genuine concert literature. The result feels unhurried and stately rather than simplified.

What to expect

Valdres evokes the dignity and understated beauty of the Norwegian landscape. The melody unfolds with natural grace, supported by warm harmonic colors that feel both confident and reflective. There is an inherent nobility in the music that players sense immediately.

Who it's for

Developing concert bands seeking meaningful repertoire beyond method-book material. This score works for ensembles that have command of fundamental technique and are ready to work on musicality, phrasing, and ensemble balance.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the melodic lines with legit legato articulation rather than short marching-style tonguing; the Norwegian character depends on flowing, singing phrasing.
Balance the harmony so that countermelodies in lower voices remain present and distinct; this arrangement features a richer harmonic tapestry than many Grade 2 pieces.
Allow space for the piece to breathe at structural transitions; resist the urge to rush into new sections, letting each phrase settle before moving forward.
Attend to dynamic contrast between sections; the arrangement achieves sophistication partly through careful light and shade rather than aggressive contrasts.

How to use it

Program this as a concert opener or mid-concert interlude to establish a refined tone. It pairs naturally with other European folk-inspired concert band repertoire and works equally well as a standalone feature that showcases your band's emerging musicality. The piece also serves as an accessible introduction to the masterwork literature that should define a serious concert band's identity.