The piece follows a slow, ternary-like structure (A-B-A’) with a dramatic climax:
Unlock the soul of the American landscape with Jacob de Haan’s evocative concert piece, Virginia.
Now available as a complete digital download (PDF), this compelling work for intermediate to advanced concert band transports musicians and audiences to the rolling hills, historic valleys, and proud heritage of the Old Dominion. Perfect for festival, contest, or concert programming, Virginia offers a rich musical journey blending lyrical beauty with rhythmic drive. virginia jacob de haan concert band score and partspdf
Virginia is one of Jacob de Haan’s most beloved concert band works. It is a programmatic piece inspired by the American state of Virginia, blending lyrical melodies with energetic rhythms. The piece often opens with a haunting English horn (or alto sax) solo, evoking the Blue Ridge Mountains, before moving into faster, celebratory sections.
Composed by the internationally renowned Jacob de Haan (known for Oregon, Concerto d’Amore, and The Universal Band Collection), Virginia is a programmatic tone poem that captures the contrasting moods of the state—from the tranquil Blue Ridge Mountains to the bustling energy of its coastal harbors. The piece follows a slow, ternary-like structure (A-B-A’)
Before diving into the piece, it is essential to understand the composer. Jacob de Haan (born 1959) is one of the most performed contemporary composers for wind bands and brass bands in Europe. He is famous for his ability to weave folk melodies, modal harmonies, and cinematic orchestration into music that is both educational and professional.
His most famous works include Oregon, Concerto d’Amore, and the ubiquitous Ross Roy. However, Virginia stands apart. Unlike his overtly festive pieces, Virginia is a lyrical, almost melancholic tone poem that showcases the expressive capacity of a concert band. The concert band score and parts for "Virginia"
Key Fact: De Haan often draws inspiration from geographical locations and folk tunes. Virginia is believed to be inspired by the Appalachian region of the United States, blending European band traditions with American folk idioms.
The concert band score and parts for "Virginia" by Jacob de Haan can usually be found through: