Bands v orchestras?

[Demonic Clarinet]

So we all know the vast, vast majority of what is discussed on this site is orchestral music. I was wondering, though.

What do you all think of wind bands? They're pretty rare compared to orchestras (and most of the first concert band music was transposed from orchestra music). However, some concert band music is pretty awesome and, in my opinion, winds can do basically anything strings can do, better.

[Don]

So we all know the vast, vast majority of what is discussed on this site is orchestral music. I was wondering, though.

What do you all think of wind bands? They're pretty rare compared to orchestras (and most of the first concert band music was transposed from orchestra music). However, some concert band music is pretty awesome and, in my opinion, winds can do basically anything strings can do, better.

And I was under the stupid impression that different instruments exist because they do different things.

[MISHUGINA]

So we all know the vast, vast majority of what is discussed on this site is orchestral music. I was wondering, though.

What do you all think of wind bands? They're pretty rare compared to orchestras (and most of the first concert band music was transposed from orchestra music). However, some concert band music is pretty awesome and, in my opinion, winds can do basically anything strings can do, better.

Care to elaborate?

[Florestan]

in my opinion, winds can do basically anything strings can do, better.

They can't do pizzicato, neither col legno. 

[karlhenning]

Though I must admit there are things a demonic clarinet can do, of which no stringed instrument is capable 

[mahlertitan]

a piano can do almost anything, who needs winds if you got a piano?

[karlhenning]

a piano can do almost anything

Good luck with sustained tones . . . .

[mahlertitan]

Good luck with sustained tones . . . .

"almost", but that's what the pedals are for? right?

[karlhenning]

"almost", but that's what the pedals are for? right?

Good luck with crescendo on sustained tones 

[PaulR]

Good luck with crescendo on sustained tones 

Get an electric piano and turn the volume up......

never mind.....

[jochanaan]

It's really sad that so few great composers have chosen to write for band--but there are some very fine works from noted composers, and some good stuff from others who specialize in concert band music.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Felix Mendelssohn: Overture in C (I suspect this requires some transcribing for a modern band)
Gustav Holst: Suites #1 and #2
Vincent Persichetti: Symphony #6
Alan Hovhaness: Symphony #23 "Ani"
John Barnes Chance: Incantation and Dance; Blue Lake Overture; Variations on a Korean Folk Song

And Mozart's Gran Partita, K361, uses enough diverse winds to be almost a proto-band work.

[Sownman]

And Mozart's Gran Partita, K361, uses enough diverse winds to be almost a proto-band work.

What about Mozart's Wind Serenades ? They're wonderful.

Steve

[12tone.]

Winds are good, but I like brass.  Brass quintets to brass orchestra.  Wow! 

Any chamber pieces for brass or maybe something orchestral for brass?

[PerfectWagnerite]

It's really sad that so few great composers have chosen to write for band--

And my favorite: Copland's An Outdoor Overture.

[johnQpublic]

Winds are good, but I like brass.  Brass quintets to brass orchestra.  Wow! 

Any chamber pieces for brass or maybe something orchestral for brass?

I have both the LP recording and score of "Pictures at an Exhibition" scored for large brass ensemble and percussion!!!

[karlhenning]

Felix Mendelssohn: Overture in C (I suspect this requires some transcribing for a modern band)
Gustav Holst: Suites #1 and #2
Vincent Persichetti: Symphony #6
Alan Hovhaness: Symphony #23 "Ani"
John Barnes Chance: Incantation and Dance; Blue Lake Overture; Variations on a Korean Folk Song

And Mozart's Gran Partita, K361, uses enough diverse winds to be almost a proto-band work.

What, no Hindemith Symphony in B-Flat for Band? 

[karlhenning]

Any chamber pieces for brass or maybe something orchestral for brass?

What you want, lad, is the Hindemith Konzertmusik for brass and strings, Opus 50.  Run to that library!

[Demonic Clarinet]

Gustav Holst: Suites #1 and #2

I have heard these and yes, they are awesome. I will look out for those others, though, thanks.

Care to elaborate?

I'm not sure-I just never really liked strings, I've always felt as though a wind band playing something always sounded better than an orchestra playing something similar. The strings just don't sound full enough in my opinion.

Winds are good, but I like brass.  Brass quintets to brass orchestra.  Wow!

Any chamber pieces for brass or maybe something orchestral for brass?

Brass is a type of wind instrument...

[Bonehelm]

I have heard these and yes, they are awesome. I will look out for those others, though, thanks.

I'm not sure-I just never really liked strings, I've always felt as though a wind band playing something always sounded better than an orchestra playing something similar. The strings just don't sound full enough in my opinion.
Brass is a type of wind instrument...

Either your equipment is overdated and weak, or you haven't heard an orchestra that has string players at a level higher than elementary school...

[mahlertitan]

Brass is a type of wind instrument...