Diversion (revised edition)

Diversion was composed while Bernhard Heiden served as Assistant Bandmaster for the 445th US Army band during World War II. This revised print edition has been carefully edited, correcting minor errors with bar numbering to match the 2015 Southern band publication. The influence of the composer’s mentor, Paul Hindemith is evident in the tonal but non-diatonic harmonies, paired with Heiden’s own elegant melodic writing. Constructed in a loose rondo form, the work is light and tuneful, revealing a mastery of instrumentation. Graceful lines for the solo saxophone contrast with distinctive tutti sections, providing interesting variety and underlining climactic moments. The revised band edition is published by Southern Music (S938).