World of Pageantry

Does anyone know where I can find an orchestral recording of this piece, or if one even exists? All I ever find is the North Texas Wind Symphony's recording of it from Luminaries, which I already have.

I don't believe an orchestra version exists. If I recall correctly, Shostakovich wrote "Folk Dances" directly for Russian bands, and it has just been arranged for "western" bands by H. Robert Reynolds and others. I don't think it's like "Festive Overture," where an orchestra piece was arranged for wind ensemble.

Ahhh, yeah. I just remember seeing there was a version transcribed by H. Robert Reynolds, so I assumed it was from orchestra to wind band. Thanks Hostrauser.

I don't think that I have ever heard an orchestral version of Folk Dances either. I have heard a solo piano version version (which I didn't really care for) but that's it other than the band one.

Perhaps I should know this but, what are the main differences between a Russian band and a western band?

I think the main difference is the presence of instruments that aren't just limited to Bb, C, F, and Eb, I believe.