What is this | Composition | Contents | Description | To the music
Orchestral arrangement for brass band of the Biblical Sonata by Johann Kuhnau, in which various musical images vividly depict the famous story of David and Goliath, described in the 17th chapter of the First Book of Samuel. It consists of 2 parts, each containing 4 musical pieces – a total of 8 musical scenes.
The total duration is approximately 14 minutes.
Language of the score: German. 69 pages of score, 221 pages of orchestral parts.
August 29, 2024
Germany, 59379 Selm
DEMO • Paid content
Instrumental composition |
Woodwind section:
- 2 flutes (1 first, 1 second)
- 1 oboe
- 3 clarinets in B-flat (1 first, 2 second)
- 1 bassoon
Brass section:
- 3 horns in F (1 first, 2 second)
- 3 trumpets in B-flat (1 first, 2 second)
- 4 trombones (1 first, 2 second, 1 third)
Percussion:
- Timpani (2-3 kettles)
- Glockenspiel (2.5 octaves)
Main brass section:
- Minimum of 6 cornets in B-flat (2 first, 4 second)
- 2 alto horns in E-flat or F (1 first, 1 second)
- 2 tenor horns in B-flat (1 first, 1 second)
- 1 baritone in B-flat or euphonium in B-flat
- 2 tubas (1 first, 1 second)
Total: approximately 30-32 performers.
Table of Contents |
Part I
- The Boasting of Goliath
- The Fear of the Israelites and Prayer to God
- The Courage and Bravery of David
- The Battle Scene
Part II
- The Flight of the Philistines
- The Joy of the Israeli Soldiers
- A Concert in Honor of David’s Victory
- The Universal Rejoicing of the People
Description |
Part I
- The enormous and incredibly strong Goliath walks slowly and confidently (accented dotted rhythm) towards the army of Israel. He is convinced that there is no one equal to him. Periodically, he throws provoking remarks toward the Israelites (16th notes). His prolonged, unchecked mockery lasting for 40 days only strengthens his self-confidence.
- God’s people are in fear and sorrow. They are confused, crying (clarinets and bassoon, trombones and tuba) and praying (oboe, horn) for a long time, but there is no help.
- Energetic and determined David hears about what has happened and is outraged by the giant. He becomes more and more resolved to put an end to the giant’s pride. He does not doubt God’s help and support.
- The open battle: a loud dialogue of the approaching opponents (David — trumpets, Goliath — tuba, trombones) ends with the solo flight of a stone from a sling (trumpet). For a moment, everything stands still, a universal pause… and in the next moments, the 3-meter figure stumbles and slowly and clumsily falls to the ground. Funeral motifs of trumpets, trombones, and horns are heard with a major ending. This is the turning point and conclusion of Part I.
Part II
- Shocked by the sudden turn of events, the Philistines gradually regain their composure and start fleeing — first in small groups, then more massively and chaotically (running — 16th notes). They are pursued and struck by the inspired Israeli warriors (grouping of 2 eighth-note staccatos).
- The joy of the warriors over their victory. Pathos-filled, brilliant music full of valor.
- The joy of the women in the form of a small concert in honor of David’s victory.
- Universal rejoicing and the joy of the people. The music resonates through all the groups/registers, merging in the powerful final flow.
To the music
You can view the demo score, audio and ordering information here. →