
The Eighth Candle, a Hanukkah-themed composition by Steve Reisteter, is graded for mature bands at the Grade 4 or 5 level. It commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek tyrant Antiochus over 2,180 years ago. The story of Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, is recalled in this piece, which begins with a hymn-like section, followed by an energetic dance of celebration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Steve Reisteter |
| Format | Set of Parts Collection/Songbook Score and Parts |
| Level | Grade 4 or 5 |
| Usages | School and Community |
| Publisher | Arrangers' Publishing Company |
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What You'll Learn

The Eighth Candle is a Hanukkah piece for concert bands
"The Eighth Candle" is a Hanukkah piece for concert bands, composed by Steve Reisteter. It is a symphonic treatment of original themes that conveys a sense of reverence and solemnity. The sheet music for this piece is available from various publishers, including the Arrangers' Publishing Company and Sheet Music Plus.
The grade level of "The Eighth Candle" is indicated as Grade 4 on the Sheet Music Plus website, while the J.W. Pepper website lists it as MA (mature). The piece is intended for mature or advanced bands and is suitable for holiday concerts.
The sheet music for "The Eighth Candle" is available in a softcover format and includes a score and parts for the concert band. The collection has dimensions of 9.0 x 12.0 x 0.771 inches.
"The Eighth Candle" is a well-regarded piece for concert bands, providing a reverent and solemn musical selection for Hanukkah celebrations. It offers a symphonic treatment of original themes, making it a fine choice for mature bands to include in their holiday performances.
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It's suitable for mature bands and grade 4 and above
"The Eighth Candle" is a symphonic piece of music composed by Steve Reisteter. It is a fine Hanukkah selection for mature bands and bands of grade 4 and above. The sheet music is available in softcover format from the Arrangers' Publishing Company. The piece conveys a sense of reverence and solemnity, making it a good choice for holiday concerts.
The Eighth Candle is designed for concert bands and is intended for more advanced musicians. It is not a beginner-level piece, as indicated by its grade level rating. The sheet music is physically quite large, measuring 9.0x12.0x0.771 inches, and it includes a score and parts for the entire concert band. This allows each member of the band to have their own part to play, creating a full and rich sound when performed by a mature band.
The piece is a thoughtful and respectful treatment of original themes, and its level of difficulty makes it a good challenge for more experienced bands while remaining accessible to grade 4 musicians. It is a good choice for school and community bands looking for a more advanced piece to perform during the holiday season, particularly for Hanukkah celebrations.
While the piece is designed for bands of grade 4 and above, it is also suitable for more mature bands. The difficulty level and emotional tone of the music make it a good choice for more experienced musicians looking for a thoughtful and reverent piece to perform. The Eighth Candle offers these bands a chance to showcase their skills while still being accessible to slightly less experienced musicians.
Overall, "The Eighth Candle" by Steve Reisteter is a sophisticated and solemn piece of music suitable for mature bands and bands of grade 4 and above. It is a good choice for holiday concerts, particularly during Hanukkah, and its level of difficulty makes it a challenging yet rewarding piece for more advanced musicians while remaining accessible to slightly less experienced players.
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It was composed and arranged by Steve Reisteter
"The Eighth Candle" is a fine Hanukkah selection composed and arranged by Steve Reisteter, an American composer, educator, and musician. Reisteter was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1957, and has had a long career in music. He is a graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High School and earned a degree in music education from Lebanon Valley College. He went on to obtain a master's degree in theory and composition from Ohio University.
Reisteter is a talented clarinetist, playing with the Allentown Band and the Allentown Symphony Orchestra for over three decades. He is also a former member of the Charleston (West Virginia) Symphony. As a pop musician, he has performed alongside renowned artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Bob Hope.
In addition to his performances, Reisteter has composed music performed by numerous symphony orchestras and bands. One notable example of his compositional work is the original score for "Nosferatu", a silent film presentation. Reisteter's score adds a unique dimension to the classic tale, with its dark and nasty undertones. The music includes a fugue for a chase scene and a Slovak polka, enhancing the film's atmosphere and providing a memorable auditory experience.
"The Eighth Candle" by Reisteter is a symphonic piece that conveys a sense of reverence and solemnity. It is a Grade 4 level composition, suitable for mature bands to perform during holiday concerts. The sheet music is available through the Arrangers' Publishing Company, providing concert bands with a wonderful addition to their repertoire for Hanukkah celebrations.
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The sheet music is available in softcover format
"The Eighth Candle" is a symphonic composition by Steve Reisteter, offering a solemn and reverent treatment of original themes for the holiday of Hanukkah. Mature bands often perform this piece during their holiday concerts. The sheet music is available in softcover format from the Arrangers' Publishing Company, measuring 9.0" by 12.0" and comprising a score and parts. This edition is arranged for concert bands and is graded at the advanced level of Grade 4.
The softcover sheet music for "The Eighth Candle" can be purchased from various online retailers, such as Sheet Music Plus and JW Pepper. It is also available from Hal Leonard, a well-known publisher and distributor of sheet music. The softcover format is a convenient and popular option for musicians, as it is easy to handle and transport, making it ideal for practice and performance.
Sheet Music Plus offers a comprehensive package that includes a set of parts collection and a songbook score with parts. This option provides a physical copy of the sheet music, which is ideal for musicians who prefer a tangible format that they can annotate and carry with them. The softcover binding ensures that the book lies flat when open, facilitating ease of use during practice and performance.
JW Pepper, another reputable sheet music retailer, also offers the softcover edition of "The Eighth Candle." Their product includes a concert band score and parts, providing everything needed for a concert band to perform the piece. Additionally, they offer the option to purchase extra individual parts separately, ensuring that bands have the flexibility to obtain any additional scores they may require.
The softcover format of "The Eighth Candle" sheet music is a practical and accessible option for concert bands and individual musicians alike. Its availability through multiple retailers ensures that those interested in performing this Grade 4 composition can conveniently obtain the necessary sheet music in their preferred format. With its reverent and solemn tone, "The Eighth Candle" by Steve Reisteter is a beautiful addition to any mature band's holiday concert repertoire.
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It conveys a sense of reverence and solemnity
"The Eighth Candle" is a symphonic piece composed by Steve Reisteter. It is a Hanukkah selection intended for mature bands to perform during their holiday concerts. The composition conveys a sense of reverence and solemnity, commemorating the story of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.
The piece begins with an extended hymn-like section, creating an atmosphere of reverence and respect. This opening sets the tone for the entire composition, reflecting on the sacred nature of the holiday. The music evokes a sense of awe and devotion, capturing the essence of the Hanukkah tradition.
The reverence conveyed in "The Eighth Candle" is a tribute to the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek tyrant Antiochus more than 2,180 years ago. The legend surrounding this victory adds to the sense of solemnity, as it is said that after the battles, there was only enough oil to keep the ceremonial lights burning for one day, yet miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days. This miracle is reflected in the modern Hanukkah celebration, where candles are lit, one for each day of the holiday.
Reisteter's composition captures the solemnity and significance of this ancient tradition, creating a sense of reverence for the miracle that lies at the heart of Hanukkah. The music serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the enduring nature of hope, even in the face of adversity.
The sense of reverence and solemnity conveyed in "The Eighth Candle" is enhanced by the original themes and compositions created by Reisteter. Despite not growing up with Hanukkah songs or celebrations, Reisteter successfully crafted music that sounds authentically Hebraic. His unique compositions add to the overall sense of devotion and respect that the piece inspires.
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Frequently asked questions
The piece is intended for Grade 4 and Grade 5 students.
The grade level is intended for mature bands and students who are learning to play musical instruments.
It is a Hanukkah selection by Steve Reisteter that bands can program into their holiday concerts.
It is available as a set of parts collection/songbook score and parts, as well as a softcover book.
You can purchase it from websites such as Sheet Music Plus, JW Pepper, and Pender's.











































