Pulitzer Prize winning composer Michael Colgrass’s Urban Requiem headlines this recording. This nearly half hour work explores the technical and expressive qualities of the saxophone quartet, as well as providing an aural experience that vividly describes life in the Big Apple. Scott Lindroth’s exciting Spin Cycle explores a variety of timbral and rhythmic aesthetics and is reflective of many of the technically exhilarating works currently being written for wind band. October demonstrates Eric Whitacre’s exceptional melodic gift as well as his use of the sonorities of wind and percussion instruments. Finally, the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine by the American March King, John Philip Sousa, reminds us of the magic of his exceptional compositional talents and of the tradition of the wind band in the 21st century American music scene.

“Bravo to Naxos for starting Wind Band Classics series! It is a much needed resource for wind band aficionados, and it is wonderful that the major classical music label is developing a series devoted to the wind band. Now people from all over the world can have access to the finest wind band music available in one location.” Director of Bands, Peabody Conservatory of Music