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