David Irish » Suite From “The Mikado”

Suite From “The Mikado”

Found in the prestigious Teaching Music Through Performance in Band, Volume 9, Suite from “The Mikado” (a.k.a. The Mikado Suite) was commissioned by Thomas G. Leslie for the UNLV Wind Orchestra. Following its premiere in February 2010, it was recorded on the Klavier label by Leslie and the UNLV Wind Orchestra in April 2010. Found on “Marquee Mojo” (K11185), the CD features movements 1,2,3, and 5, while the fourth was omitted due to a lack of recording time. The inspiration to arrange these enjoyable tunes came together from an erroneous labeling on a YouTube video claiming Three Little Maids from School to be “circus music.” The style sounded very fitting for the wind band and was set as a finale or encore for wind orchestra. The single movement was presented to Leslie, who quickly requested several more movements, turning the work into a suite for wind orchestra. Under the guidance of Anthony LaBounty, the entire arrangement took shape over the next 12 months, with adjustments being made through the dress rehearsal and even after the premiere in February 2010 and recording two months later. The final edits were completed in June of 2010 and was performed by the University of North Texas Symphonic Band, under the direction of Dennis Fisher in September 2010. It has also been featured on Wind and Rhythm, a radio show heard on NPR.

The suite structure is modeled after Robert Russell Bennett’s Suite of Old American Dances with a technically challenging opening movement (Overture, If You Want to Know), slow second movement (Willow, Tit-Willow), fast third movement (Here’s a How-de-do), lyrical fourth movement (Braid the Raven Hair), and crowd pleasing finale (Three Little Maids from School). Ensemble, section, and solo challenges exist throughout as the suite requires stylistic sensitivity and musical crafting of the conductor. The suite is cross-cued for symphonic band, to aide bands not using string bass, cello, contra clarinets, contra bassoon, soprano sax, harp, and/or piano, though using as many of these as possible will ensure a more transcription-like performance. As a final bonus, each movement is in the original key, allowing for convenient vocal accompaniment, if so desired. The individual movements range from grade 3-5.

The work is available for purchase from the arranger. Each movement can be purchased individually or all 5 purchased at a discount. Delivery is in convenient PDF for instant delivery with permission to make multiple copies of the score for rehearsal evaluation and contest judging. A full score PDF may be purchased, as well. If physical parts are needed to be mailed, additional fees will apply. Payment may also be made with Bitcoin. Other inquiries should be made to David Irish at david@davidirishmusic.com

The UNLV Wind Orchestra recording the first movement of “Suite from ‘The Mikado'”

Performances:

UNLV Wind Orchestra
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Thomas G. Leslie, conductor
April 2010

Movement 1 – Overture, If You Want to Know