Johann Strauss Jr. Vergnügungszug (Pleasure Train Polka)
Vergnügungszug is a polka composed by Johann Strauss II in 1864. It was written in1864 and was inspired by the opening of the Austrian Southern Railway – the Südbahn – which operated many 'pleasure trains' offering trips from Vienna to the countryside.Johann Strauss Jr.’s polka uses triangles in imitation of train bells and of horns to suggest the sounds of the train. The trio section’s melody continually hints at the train's motion. To conclude the train’s journey, Strauss utilizes high chords before a dizzying flourish underlined by a powerful roll on the snare drum.
Franz von Suppe Poet and Peasant Overture
Dichter und Bauer (Poet and Peasant) was premiered in 1900, after composer Franz von Suppé's death, made into an operetta in 3 acts using music by Suppe . It premiered, however, as incidental music by Suppé dedicated to a Karl Elmar on August 24, 1846 at the Theater an der Wien, in Vienna.
Eduard Strauss Bahn frei! (Fast Track); Polka, op. 45
Bahn frei!, also known as the Fast Track Polka or simply Track’s Clear was composed in 1869. It was about this time that the railroad craze, as a new means of transportation, was seizing Vienna and most of continental Europe. The Viennese would often take day trips on the train to nearby villages for picnics and other enjoyable outings. It was not unusual, once one boarded the train, for there to be a delay before the train would leave on its way. Bahn Frei! meant, all clear, the track is free, we can go. The music is vibrant and the main theme gallops along with almost ecstatic high spirits.
Jay Ungar Ashokan Farewell
Ashokan Farewell is a piece of music composed by the American folk musician Jay Ungar in 1982. For many years it served as a goodnight or farewell waltz at the annual Ashokan Fiddle & Dance Camps run by Ungar and his wife Molly Mason, who gave the tune its name, at the Ashokan Field Campus of SUNY New Paltz (now the Ashokan Center) in Upstate New York. The tune was used as the title theme of the 1990 PBS television miniseries The Civil War. Despite its late date of composition, it was included in the 1991 compilation album Songs of the Civil War.
Ervin Rouse/Charlie Harmon Orange Blossom Special
Orange Blossom Special is a fiddle tune about a luxury passenger train of the same name. The song was written by Ervin T. Rouse (1917–1981) in 1938 and was first recorded by Rouse and his brother Gordon in 1939. Often called simply "The Special" or "OBS", the song is commonly referred to as "the fiddle player's national anthem."
Perkins/Marino Stars Fell on Alabama
The title of the song appears to have been borrowed from the title of the 1934 book of the same name by Carl Carmer. It refers to a spectacular occurrence of the Leonid meteor shower that had been observed in Alabama in November 1833, "the night the stars fell." As reported by the Florence Gazette: "There were thousands of luminous bodies shooting across the firmament in every direction. There was little wind and not a trace of clouds, and the meteors succeeded each other in quick succession." One of the earliest popular recordings of "Stars Fell on Alabama" was by the Guy Lombardo Orchestra. This arrangement was composed by former ASO Music Director Amerigo Marino.
John Williams/Paul Lavender A Tribute to John Williams
This movie medley features music from six classic John Williams scores. You’ll hear familiar tunes from Star Wars, Jaws, Superman, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and E.T. John Williams has won 5 Oscars, 3 Emmys, 4 Golden Globes, and 21 Grammy Awards.
Meredith Wilson/Ricketts Seventy Six Trombones from The Music Man
This piece is an orchestral arrangement of the song from The Music Man. The Music Man won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1957 over West Side Story. This arrangement by Ted Ricketts really brings the spirit of the song to life.
Robert Lowden Disney Magic
This medley of Disney classics begins with Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah and continues to showcase music from Cinderella, Mary Poppins, and Pete’s Dragon.
Robert Lowden Armed Forces Salute
An impressive tribute honoring our men and women of the Armed Forces. Includes: The Caisson Song; Semper Paratus; The Marines' Hymn; The U.S. Air Force and Anchors Aweigh.
Michael Kamen/ Arr. Roy Phillips Band of Brothers: Suite for Orchestra
Based on the lovely anthem from the HBO mini-series, this rich arrangement builds to a dynamic climax through each variation of the thematic material. Even if you haven't seen the movie, this is energetic concert literature that will be appreciated by performers and listeners as well.
Samuel Ward America the Beautiful
The lyrics for America the Beautiful were written by Katherine Lee Bates in 1893. The music was composed by Samuel A. Ward in 1882. The lyrics and music were first published together in 1910.
