In the Steppes of Central Asia

This famous tone poem has been arranged by Craig Levesque for Brass Ensemble.

Borodin wrote of the original:

“In the silence of the monotonous steppes of Central Asia is heard the unfamiliar sound of a peaceful Russian song. From the distance we hear the approach of horses and camels and the bizarre and melancholy notes of an oriental melody. A caravan approaches, escorted by Russian soldiers, and continues safely on its way through the immense desert. It disappears slowly. The notes of the Russian and Asiatic melodies join in a common harmony, which dies away as the caravan disappears in the distance.”

Instrumentation:

• Trumpet 1 in E♭ (C part provided)
• Trumpet 2 and 3 in B♭ (C parts provided)
• Flugelhorn
• 2 Horns
• 2 Trombones
• Bass Trombone
• Euphonium (Baritone part provided)
• Tuba
• Timpani
• Percussion – Tambourine, Cymbal, Triangle

The timpanist can cover the percussion if the tambourine and triangle are stand mounted.