In 1936, Sergei Prokofiev was commissioned by Natalya Sats and the Central Children’s Theatre in Moscow to write a musical symphony for children. Drawing from various sources, he created Peter and the Wolf, a work designed to introduce young audiences to the instruments of the orchestra. Prokofiev conducted both the Moscow premiere in May 1936 and the first English-language performance in Boston in 1938.
 
In this adaptation for brass band, Duncan Wilson has abridged the original 25-minute score into a concert-friendly 18-minute version. All core material and principal themes remain intact.
 
While the full band represents the character of Peter, the arrangement suggests seating the four other main characters (Bird, Duck, Cat, and Grandfather) slightly apart from the main ensemble. To enhance the performance, players may choose to develop their characters using costumes and accessories.
 
To view a rolling score video please visit https://youtu.be/l8aXh-LiWb4
 
Duration: approx. 18 minutes
 
Difficulty Level: 2nd Section +
 
This PDF download includes the full score and parts. 
 
Sheet music available at www.brassband.co.uk (UK) or satradecentral.org (USA)
 
Instrumentation Notes
The Cat: Written for baritone, though bands may substitute a euphonium if preferred. If this substitution is made, the 1st baritone player should read the euphonium part.
 
Instrumentation:
Narrator
The Bird (Soprano Cornet Eb)
The Duck (Flugel Horn Bb)
The Cat (Baritone Bb)
Grandfather (Bass Eb)
Solo Cornet 1&2 Bb
Solo Cornet 3&4 Bb
Repiano Cornet Bb
2nd Cornet Bb
3rd Cornet Bb
Solo Horn Eb
1st Horn Eb
2nd Horn Eb
2nd Baritone Bb
1st Trombone Bb
2nd Trombone Bb
Bass Trombone
Euphonium Bb
2nd Bass Eb
Bass Bb
Timpani
Percussion (2 players): Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals (clash and suspended), Woodblock, Triangle, Whip, Mark Tree, Glockenspiel, Xylophone & Tubular Bells