Music Reviews for Banddirector.com
by Vince Corozine
Selections from INDIANA JONES and the KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
Music by John Williams
Published by Alfred Music © 2008
Reviewed by Vince Corozine
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is an instrumental series arranged for flute, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, horn in F, and trombone. The arrangements are compatible with each other and can be played together or as solos. Each book contains a carefully edited part that is appropriate for the Level 2-3 player and a fully orchestrated accompaniment CD. The CD includes a DEMO track of each song, which features a live instrumental performance, followed by a PLAY-ALONG track.
A piano accompaniment book (optional) is also available. It includes a CD that features various instrument DEMO tracks from the series.
A string series arranged for violin, viola, and cello is available. The arrangements are compatible with each other and can be played together or as solos. Each book features a specially designed piano accompaniment that can be easily played by a teacher or intermediate piano student, and a carefully crafted removable part, complete with bowings, articulations, and keys well suited for the Level 2-3 player. A fully orchestrated accompaniment CD is also provided. The CD contains a DEMO track of each song, which features a live string performance, followed by a PLAY-ALONG track.
Due to level considerations regarding keys and instrument ranges, the arrangements in the wind instrument series are not compatible with those in the string instrument series.
Both the wind and string series are very well presented, with high glossy covers and numerous photos from the movie.
It would be helpful if the violin part included a reminder for the student regarding the use of open and covered strings, particularly the open A and E string. One can easily indicate a (4) above each to show that it is to be played fingered and not open, thus avoiding a strident or harsh sound on those particular notes.
The trumpet part goes to a high G on top of the treble staff and the clarinet is in a comfortable range.
Fingering charts are included in each of the wind instrument books.
For lovers of the Indiana Jones movies themes, this collection, even with only five selections, will work well for program material.
Unfortunately, there are only five songs in each book. The instrument books retail at $12.95 and the piano-string books at $14.95.
View this piece on Alfred.com
Vince Corozine Music , Author of "Arranging Music for the Real World" by Mel Bay Publications
Web: www.vincecorozine.com
e-mail: vince@vincecorozine.com
