Jim Arnold wrote:

>I am trying to find more information about an overture titled "The
>Universal Judgement".  It was composed for a composition competition
>around 1880 and was awarded first place.  My only experience with the tune
>was as a band arrangement.  Can anyone help with further info...possibly a
>label and number etc.  ...

"The Universal Judgement", by deNardis, was, from all I have read,
originally composed for concert band.  I have a reel to reel tape of the
University of Michigan Band playing it in a live performance dating from
the late 60s.  Having played it several times myself, I would call it a
poor man's Verdi Requiem, with which it has much in common, especially
the Dies Irae, trumpet calls and all.  I have never seen it available on
a commercial disc although university bands release countless recordings
that are not widely available.  It is likely on one or more.  It's
definitely a chop buster for the low brass, with nasty runs at the
beginning and a soaring euphonium melody at the end.  Highly recommended
for band buffs, but definitely not desert island music.

Greg Bright