Conductor and educator Armand Hall talks about the journey of Florent Schmitt’s Dionysiaques (1913) to its pinnacle position in the concert band repertoire.

“In my estimation, Dionysiaques is the first truly artistic work created for large concert band … Regardless of how many times I listen to Dionysiaques, it always feels new and interesting.  It also suggests that Florent Schmitt considered the wind band ensemble to be ‘without limits’.”  — Dr. Armand Hall,  American conductor and educator Florent […]

Dionysiaques: Florent Schmitt’s Incredible Composition for Concert Band (1913-14)

One of the most fascinating and forward-looking works in the concert band repertoire was penned by Florent Schmitt back in 1913/14. Dionysiaques, Op. 62 was composed for France’s elite Garde Républicaine Band, which premiered the work in 1925. Dionysiaques is a brilliant, 11-minute tour de force that takes the listener on an incredible sound journey. Although […]