Final Countdown
Joey Tempest (arr. Robert Buckley)
General Info
Year: 1986 / 2014
Duration: c. 3:00
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Rock song
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $55.00; (digital) - $55.00 | Score Only (print) - $5.00
Instrumentation (Flexible)
Full Score
Part 1
- Flute
- Oboe
- B-flat Soprano Clarinet
- B-flat Trumpet
- Violin
Part 2
- B-flat Soprano Clarinet
- E-flat Alto Saxophone
- B-flat Trumpet
- Violin
Part 3
- B-flat Soprano Clarinet
- E-flat Alto Clarinet
- E-flat Alto Saxophone
- B-flat Tenor Saxophone
- Horn in F
- Violin
- Viola
Part 4
- Bassoon
- B-flat Tenor Saxophone
- Trombone
- Euphonium
- Horn in F
- Cello
Part 5
- Bassoon
- B-flat Bass Clarinet
- E-flat Baritone Saxophone
- Trombone
- Euphonium
- Tuba
- String Bass
- Electric Bass
- Cello
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:
- Bells
- Chimes
- Drum Set
- Suspended Cymbal
- Tambourine
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
Although this familiar hit was recorded by the Swedish group Europe more than 20 years ago, it remains a popular rock anthem today. This version for flexible instrumentation captures all the high energy of the original, adding a bit of contemporary flair.
- Program Note from publisher
The Final Countdown is a song by Swedish rock band Europe, released in 1986. Written by Joey Tempest, it was based on a keyboard riff he made in the early 1980s, with lyrics inspired by David Bowie's Space Oddity. Originally made to just be a concert opener, it is the first single and title track from the band's third studio album. The song reached number one in 25 countries, including the United Kingdom, and was certified gold in that country in 1986.
The song is a favorite at sporting events, often being played to rally crowds. It has also become a staple of high school and college pep bands for the same purpose.
- Program Note from Wikipedia
N.b. The original rock tune was entitled The Final Countdown. The present Buckley arrangement is entitled Final Countdown.
Media
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
Works for Winds by This Composer
Adaptable Music
- Final Countdown (Flex instrumentation) (arr. Buckley) (1986/2014)
All Wind Works
- Final Countdown (Flex instrumentation) (arr. Buckley) (1986/2014)
- The Final Countdown (arr. Vinson) (2007)
Resources
- The Final Countdown (Song), Wikipedia Accessed 25 July 2020
- Heritage Encyclopedia of Band Music. "Joey Tempest." Accessed 25 July 2020
- Perusal score