8-3-16 "Candide Suite," Leonard Bernstein, adapted by Clare Grundman, US Marine Band

This week the Marine Band performed a mix of music with Danish, French, and Spanish influences, as well as popular works including Selections from Wicked by Stephen Schwartz and the Main Title from Star Wars by John Williams. Conducted by Assistant Director Maj. Michelle A. Rakers, the outdoor performances took place at 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 6, on the west terrace of the U.S. Capitol.

The concert began with American composer Joseph Turrin’s “Fandango,” featuring trumpet soloist Staff Sgt. Brandon Eubank and trombone soloist Staff Sgt. Daniel Brady. The showpiece includes rhythms of the Spanish dance known as the Fandango and, according to Eubank, is “full of exciting Spanish flair and expression. It is an instant crowd favorite.”

The composer is no stranger to the Marine Band since “The President’s Own” has performed his pieces throughout the years, including a 2002 performance of ‘Fandango’ at Alice Tully Hall in New York with guest soloists Phil Smith and Joe Alessi, both of the New York Philharmonic.

“I have always thought of the Marine Band as being one of the great ensembles,” said Turrin. “I grew up as a young composer listening to two groups—the Eastman Wind Ensemble and the U.S. Marine Band—and thought that someday I might be lucky enough to have my music performed by these two wonderful groups.”
Turrin continued, “I think the piece’s popularity, besides being a good showcase for the trumpet and trombone soloists, is its melodic and rhythmical energy which is a real plus for audiences.”

The concert concluded with Leonard Bernstein’s Candide Suite and the contemporary popular Selections from Wicked and Main Title from Star Wars.

Program Notes (http://www.marineband.marines.mil/Por...)