Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 192
978-1-4422-6864-7 • eBook • February 2017 • $85.50 • (£66.00)
Christopher M. Cicconi is director of bands and assistant professor of music education at Towson University. Conductor of the Towson University Symphonic Band, he also teaches courses in conducting, methods of teaching instrumental music in secondary education, and brass methods. Prior to his arrival in Maryland, Cicconi earned a doctor of musical arts degree from the University of Miami, where he was awarded a Henry Mancini Fellowship.
Preface
Citation Guide
List of Abbreviations
Composition Catalog
Appendix A: Works Listed by Title
Appendix B: Works Listed by Duration
Appendix C: Composer Index
Appendix D: Composers Listed by Nationality
Appendix E: Works That Include Chorus, Solo Voice, Solo Instrument, and Obscure Instruments
Appendix F: Transcriptions and Arrangements
Appendix G: Orchestra l Transcriptions of Mark Hindsley
Appendix H: Marches of James Henry Filmore
Appendix I: Marches of Karl King
Appendix J: Marches of John Phillip Sousa
Appendix K: Publisher and Source Information
Bibliography
This compilation by Cicconi, part of the publisher's ‘Music Finders’ series, adapts the formula of David Daniels's Orchestral Music to other repertoires. Composers are listed with their vital dates, locations, and nationalities and a list of works providing title, date, duration, publisher, and detailed instrumentation. An indication of difficulty, often provided by band music publishers, would have been welcome. The criteria for what the author chose to include are not clear. The book purports to ‘catalog the vast new repertoire for wind band that has emerged since the last years of the 20th century’; however, a number of much-earlier composers are included, such as Czech-born American composer Karel Husa, who published band works as early as 1959…. Useful appendixes include listings of works by duration and works that include ‘chorus, solo voice, solo instruments, and obscure instruments.’…
Summing Up: Recommended.... Readers at all levels.
— Choice Reviews
The Band Music Handbook provides a user-friendly repertoire for concert band/wind ensemble written in the last quarter century of all levels of difficulty. The system of listing the required instrumentation for each composition, similar to the system historically used for denoting instrumentation in orchestral works, is particularly helpful. Christopher M. Cicconi’s handbook will be a great addition to the libraries of all wind band conductors and for university wind band literature classes; and it will certainly be on my office bookshelf!
— Stephen L. Gage, director of bands & orchestra, Youngstown State University Dana School of Music
The Band Music Handbook is a welcome addition to repertoire resources for conductors of wind bands. This easy to use guide allows one to take a thorough look at recent compositions or to simply choose works by composer, duration, featured instruments and soloists, or composer nationality. Like all compendiums of literature, Dr. Cicconi's is, of necessity, selective. However, a wide range of musical styles are represented, amply illustrating the artistic scope and depth found within the wind band's repertoire.
— Gary W. Hill, professor of music, and director of bands, Arizona State University
The Band Music Handbook by Christopher Cicconi is an invaluable tool for any conductor. The extensive listings are clear and organized in such a way that one can quickly find the relevant information. The wind equivalent of the Daniels' Orchestral Music—as essential as owning a score and baton!
— Thomas Sleeper, Director of Orchestral Activities The Frost School of Music