SBO: This review is a bit of a departure from our usual focus on Grade .5 to Grade 3 literature. Dan Brown, author of the The Da Vinci Code among other novels, has recently released a composition for orchestra, also transcribed for wind ensemble, entitled Wild Symphony. The work is in 21 short movements, each one depicting a different animal in the menagerie of the Wild Symphony. The total playing time is about 45 minutes and the rental work includes use of the animation which is beautifully done. The orchestra and wind ensemble versions are not graded. However, I would put both in the Grade 5 level. The wind ensemble version is written for soprano, alto, tenor, bari, and optional bass saxes. The score reflects C trumpets, but BH parts are included. Four percussion parts, tympani, and piano are required. The orchestral version calls for 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 2 Bsn, 2 Tpt, 2 Hn, 2 Trb, and Tuba. There are extensive passages of divisi in violas and celli so orchestras with very small string sections might have problems. The website has samples and informative videos. This would be a terrific work for more advanced orchestras and wind ensembles to use in young people’s concerts.
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