Ode to the Spirit of Man - James Curnow

A powerful work for the symphonic band, Ode to the Spirit of Man is based on thematic material taken from the fourth movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and developed into a fantasy of kaleidoscopic nature. The opening is ajoyful expression of the spirit of freedom and is based on the composer's own themes derived from Beethoven's music. Throughout the work, various themes from the symphony are interwoven, including Alla Marcia, Scherzo, Andantemaestoso and finally the uplifting Ode to Joy. Dur: 5:15

Ode To Three Ships - Ludwig van Beethoven

Oder so - Franz Gerstbrein

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Odilia - Jacob de Haan

Odilia is an up-tempo and joyful ode to Baume-les-Dames, a village in the department of Doubs in Franche-Comt, Eastern France.The title is derived from the legend of Odilia of Alsace (venerated as Saint Odilia, or Odile), the daughter of the Duke of Alsace. She was born blind, and literally saw the light at the age of twelve at the convent of Baume-les-Dames. From this miraculous occurrence, she was dubbed Odilia -- child of light.Jacob de Haan was inspired by medieval dance music for the opening of this composition. In the slow movement that follows, a lyrical minor theme builds to a dramatic climax, which is followed by a calm passage featuring the repeatedlyrical theme. Finally, the medieval motif returns, this time presented in a festive gospel version.

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Odysseus and the Sirens - Dana Wilson

The Odyssey was written by Homer about 2700 years ago and tells of the adventures of the Greek hero Odysseus during his harrowing return trip home after fighting the Trojan Wars. This work is suggestive of his dramatic encounter with the sirens, famous for luring sailors to their death with their beguiling wind-like song. In this descriptive piece you can hear the wind-song becoming evermore insistent, the rocking of the ship, Odysseus' screams, and finally the sirens plunging to their death as they fail in their attempt to lure Odysseus. Learn more on YouTube! BandQuest, an exciting series of new music and accompanying curricula for band, is a program published by the American Composers Forum. The series was started as a response to feedback from music educators that there is a pressing need for new, fresh band music. The heart of this program is new works written by a diverse group of leading American composers who have created challenging pieces that are a true departure from standard middle school repertoire. Every BandQuest project includes a residency component in which the composer works collaboratively with a middle school as they create their new piece.Many BandQuest pieces are accompanied by an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to assist students as they learn the music and to integrate each piece with non-music studies. Visit www.bandquest.org to learn more about this innovative series, and email [email protected] to request a free downloadable audio catalog.

Odyssey - James Curnow

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Odyssey - Jay Chattaway

Once you've heard this electrifying journey into the day's pop and rock sounds, you'll definitely want it to highlight your next program!

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Odyssey for Percussion - Elliot Del Borgo

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Of A Distant Galaxy - Jack Bullock

Of A Distant Star - Ed Huckeby

Based on a poem by the composer, this piece for better bands displays both sensitive and exciting writing. Contrasting the power and excitement of the entire concert band in its full glory to the beauty and tenderness of the rubato section featuring solo woodwinds, this distinctive piece is wonderful material for concert or contest use.

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