Written in 1954, Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture” was composed for the 37th anniversary of the October Revolution. While this fiery work was originally composed for orchestra, it has over time become a standard in the wind band repertoire, combining jubilant brass fanfares with soaring melodies and intense woodwind technical passages. According to legend, Shostakovich composed the entire work in just a few hours, rushing to meet a concert deadline in only three days. Shostakovich’s friend, Lev Lebedinsky, elaborates, “The speed with which he wrote was truly astounding. Moreover, when he wrote light music he was able to talk, make jokes and compose simultaneously, like the legendary Mozart. He laughed and chuckled, and in the meanwhile work was under way and the music was being written down.”

We hope you enjoy this exuberant rendition of Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture!"

Festive Overture Dmitri Shostakovich
The United States Air Force Band
Recorded on October 2019, New World Center, Miami, FL