Wald for Ensemble was composed by Hans Abrahamsen in 2008-09. Co-commission by the Schönberg Ensemble and BBC for Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.Programme NoteWald is in a way a series of variations from the beginning of my woodwind quintet Walden (1978). This thematical idea is very simple - a rising call of a fourth and the response in other voices. This idea is repeated several times but because the call has a slower pulse than the responses the process leads to them changing order.In Walden I borrowed the title from the Americanphilosopher Henry David Thoreau who in the middle of the eighteenth century in a little wooden hermit house at the bank of the lake Walden pond wrote the book Walden of his life and time in the forests. Here he experimented living for two years in order to come closer to nature and to see if it was possible to live simply without all the unnecessary needs created by society. The book is filled with poetry but is also cutting and critical of society. In my piece Walden I tried to search for the same simplicity handling the most simple material but at the same time trying not to lose the poetry.Wald is a twin piece to Walden but also to my former piece Schnee.Robert Schumann wrote in 1848-49 a wonderful piano piece Waldszenen. He wrote this collection of short pieces with beautiful titles like Einsame Blumen Vogel als Prophet and also Jäger auf der Lauer just a few years before Thoreau wrote his book Walden. For them the forest is the magical romantic place that gives a spiritual insight to man but also from where we get our food through hunting. For me the forest still has this magical quality and Wald has scenes with a hunting horn that calls (I many years ago played the magical 'Waldhorn' and remember playing in the forest near my home) flocks of birds that when agitated take

Start with some lush ninth chords add a smooth Latin beat with a bone solo some optional Latin percussion and a beautiful lyrical melody. These are all strong characteristics of this very playable chart from the composer of Fat City Swing.

This three-movement woodwind quintet begins in a lilting 6/8 meter in the key of C. The second movement features a melody that moves through all the instruments with ease. The reflective mood of the final movement features the flute and basson sharing the melodic introduction. Ranges are not extensive for this ensemble.

Amazing Grace never sounded so sweet! After a traditional chorale opening things get cookin’ with a modern salsa groove. While a great opportunity to feature your rhythm section the winds also have their chance to shine with an unaccompanied soli section. A written solo is provided for alto sax and this one will work with reduced instrumentation. You’ve heard this tune in a dixie style — now add a little Latin spice for a sizzling performance! (3:15)

This outstanding original is guaranteed to be the hit of your next concert! A full ensemble opening leads into a catchy melody before solo opportunities begin for alto sax and trombone (written solos are provided along with chord changes). Saxes then become the rhythm section in a fun a cappella winds feature followed by a shout chorus that really lives up to the name! This is one chart you will not want to overlook! (3:50)

Score and Parts-Alan Hovhaness' The Flowering Peach suite from Clifford Odets' musical retelling of the legend of Noah's Ark which opened on Broadway on December 28 1954.This suite from the incidental musicfor the play occasionally quotes complete movements from the actual stage production. In other places it presents a logical expansion of the music which in its shortened form fitted into specifically-timed scenes within theplay.Instrumentation: Alto Saxophone Clarinet Vibraphone Tam-Tam Timpani Piano and Harp.

A unique type of swing chart that will surely intrigue you and your ensemble! Opening with a mysterious whole-tone riff with growling trumpets this chart instantly makes a lasting impression. As the title implies the piece shifts moods several times though it stays in a fast swing throughout. A sax section feature plays with straight-eighth figures to further shift the mood. No solos — just pure ensemble writing that is sure to be a favorite! (3:50)

Rob Vuono has consistently had his beginning jazz charts performed at Midwest. Written for his daughter this phenomenal easy swing chart is full of energy. Trombones have some optional plunger work that really enhances the overall effect. Occasional piano fills are written out along with the rest of the rhythm. Consider this strongly for your next performance.

This relaxed swing chart really has a carefree feel. As it develops it begins to take on more and more attitude before arriving at an easy yet effective shout chorus. No solos to worry about in this one just straight-ahead ensemble writing that involves every member of the ensemble.

This timeless spiritual classic gets the front burner treatment from Disney writer Chris Sharp. A lush opening chorale gives way to a driving New Orleans street beat with tenor solo (as written or with changes) and an easy shout chorus. A real cooker!

Here's another Sharp arrangement of one of Johnny Mark's most familiar holiday classics. After a lush rubato chorale this up-tempo chart moves effectively between rock swing and salsa. A slow swing tag at the end is sure to bring down the house.

Flexible 4-Part Concert Pieces-Arranged for beginners these well-known and original pieces will successfully launch instrumentalists into the exciting and rewarding world of ensemble playing. The parts are of equal importance and are written within comfortable ranges for each instrument. An optional supporting piano part is provided to reinforce the ensemble if necessary.Instrumentation is flexible and any number of players can join each part.FREE BRASS ENSEMBLE OPTION These pieces in Vol. 2 are also suitable for brass ensemble and further parts for trumpet trombone and tuba are FREELY AVAILABLE from the Universal Edition website.PART 1 in C Bb or Eb: Flute Oboe Violin Clarinet or AltoSaxophone; PART 2 in C Bb or Eb: Flute Oboe Violin Clarinet or Alto Saxophone; PART 3 in C Bb or F: Violin Viola Clarinet Tenor Sax. or French Horn; PART 4 in C Bb: Cello Double BassTraditional: O du lieber AugustinVerdi Giuseppe: The force of Destiny (theme)Traditional: Loch LomondRae James: Premiership Blues

There are extensive historical notes and rehearsal suggestions provided by the arranger for your use in rehearsing and presenting this traditional American classic in concert. Written as a medium shuffle it has a great groove throughout. An optional vibe part is included.

Scored in the key of F this chart begins with a slow chorale written for the full horn section. A drum fill sets the tempo for the bright gospel rock section with trumpet tutti lead. An E above tuning C is all you need for your lead trumpet. No solos... just excellent ensemble writing.

Great medium-tempo funk that entertains and is fun to play. It opens with a tongue-in-cheek bari sax and bass bone soli with everyone involved in five short measures.