Historical information about Händel's Water Music Suites is limited, but certainly these works were intended for two, possibly three, parties given by King George I on the Thames River, London, between 1715 and 1736. Händel and his orchestra played on a barge. Since then the some twenty-two separate original pieces have been organized into three Suites and nicknamed 'Water Music?, each having a separate key and likely corresponding to these river parties. This transcription of Water Music Suite II for saxophone quartet has two purposes: to make this music available to saxophonists for performance and education, and to provide in one volume the entire Suite II. The exception to the latter, because of the limits of endurance, is the exclusion of the short Adagio, a brief interlude between the fi rst two movements. Included though are the Allegro, Hornpipe, Minuet, Lentement, and Bourree. These works were originally meant for an outdoor performance, and one of the original intentions of the saxophone was to play in French military bands, also an open-air purpose. The original scoring of brass, woodwind, and string instruments (but no continuo) transcribe well for saxophones. Matching the ranges of instruments of the original to the saxophone quartet was a primary objective. In addition, this arrangement strives to disperse melodic material to all four saxophones so as to make the arrangement pleasing to all the members of the quartet while providing variety to an audience. Any dynamic, articulation, and tempo markings are to be taken only as suggestions so as to allow interpretation by the performers. The musical study and performance of all styles while using examples of composition and performance that represent excellence is necessary for saxophonists who wish to be well-rounded musicians. For the above reasons saxophonists are urged to listen to recordings of the original orchestration in order to learn and imitate proper interpretation of Baroque style. There are currently a number of excellent recordings of Handel's Suites on period instruments, such as (but not limited to) those by conductors John Eliot Gardiner, Christopher Hogwood, and the ensemble Tafelmusik. The Lewis-Clark State College Saxophone Quartet has for many years enjoyed performing Suite II for concerts, ceremonies and social settings, and I thank Advance Music for the opportunity to bring these great works to the profession. / 4 Saxophones (SATBar)

Music Minus One Alto Sax-After years of neglect the saxophone quartet is rapidly regaining favor as an ensemble capable of the highest standards of musical expression. This is why many excellent composers especially those of French origin have written some of their best music for saxophone quartet so that today there exists a large repertory for this ensemble many of the best of which are included on this MMO album. Includes compositions by Pierne Boccherini Cailliet Clerisse and Hermann. Magnifique! Includes a high-quality printed music score and a compact disc containing a complete performance with soloist then a second version with the accompaniment minus you the soloist. Performed byArthur Ulichy alto saxophone

Michael Nyman is a composer pianist librettist writer musicologist photographer and film-maker whose work encompasses opera concert music and film soundtracks of which The Draughtsman's Contract and The Piano arethe best-known. Since founding the Michael Nyman Band in 1977 which tours the world he has worked with leading film directors and has collaborated with artists such as Mary Kelly Damon Albarn Carsten Nicolai and the recentOscar winning Man on Wire star Phillippe Petit.Songs For Tony for String Quartet was composed in 1993 in memory of Tony Simmons.'I began writing a saxophone quartet on New Year's Eve 1992. Inthe early afternoon of 5th January 1993 I was informed that my friend and business manager Tony Simmons had died after a long and heroic fight against cancer. I immediately sat down and wrote the music which became the fourthsong in what became a 'memorial' quartet. The previously composed music was scrapped as I decided to give each player in turn an 'aria' of his own.The first song is a transcription of an actual song - 'Mozart onMortality' - which I wrote for the Composers Ensemble in the spring of 1992. The text by Mozart himself is all too appropriate: 'I may not see another day'. The second song is adapted from the music for the scene in JaneCampion's film The Piano where the mute Ada (Holly Hunter) pushes her chief means of communication her piano overboard. This film was the last major deal that Tony negotiated on my behalf. The third song a soprano sax solo isbased on a tune I composed some years ago but was saving for a special occasion.' - Michael Nyman

A fabulous romp in pseudo big band style: Saunders at his best. Paul is an experienced musician well known throughout the London West End show scene.On the sample MP3 file on this website Hillbilly Hobos is performed by James Mainwaring on all saxes.

Medium Slow Rock. Par REINSHAGEN FRANK. Medium Slow Rock / Niveau : Moyen / Pop and rock / Recueil / 4 Instruments Mélodiques, Guitare, Piano, Basse, P

Largo Al Factotum-Probably Rossini's most famous aria scored for Saxophone Quartet. Enjoyable to listen to and great fun to play. The set includes a score and six parts allowing flexibility of instrumentation. Grade: 6 - 8

Les quatre danses qui composent ce recueil ont pour objectif de compléter la formation individuelle et, surtout, de faire aimer la musique d'ensemble. Les arrangements ont été spécialement écrits pour des clarinettistes ayant déjà 2 ou 3 années de pratique. Dans ces quatuors, chaque partie a un rôle précis et indispensable, que ce soit au niveau mélodique, rythmique, ou encore harmonique.MULBERRY BUSHCette célèbre danse traditionnelle anglaise, caractérisée par un 6/8 allant, débute par une exposition du thème, d'abord à l'unisson octavié, puis sous forme de mélodie harmonisée. Contrastant avec l'introduction, un développement de la mélodie s'ensuit, soutenu par des notes en valeurs longues. Une reprise du thème mène le développement vers une conclusion colorée.HAURRAK IKA SUZUELa gaieté se manifeste dès l'introduction de cette danse traditionnelle à caractère ostinato ternaire. L'accompagnement de la quatrième voix nous plonge dans un mouvement de valse malgré le chiffrage de mesure en 6/8. La mélodie est alternativement exposée par les première et quatrième voix tandis que les deuxième et troisième voix, plus discrètes, développent un soutien harmonique.BOUBLITCKHYCette danse aux accents typiquement russes est particulièrement intéressante dans la mesure où elle permet aux instrumentistes d'élaborer une lecture très personnelle. Malgré les indications de tempos, l'interprétation reste libre, dégageant un charme unique mêlant joie et nostalgie.DANSE BASQUE ESPAGNOLEDès les premières mesures de cette charmante Danse basque espagnole, la musique dépeint l'ambiance de cette magnifique région d'Espagne. L'introduction à l'unisson affirme admirablement le mode mineur quand survient, le mode Majeur. Le contraste est saisissant. La mécanique d'opposition entre Majeur et mineur s'installe et se répète avant d'aboutir à une conclusion brève mais déterminée. / Quatuor De Saxophones / 20 pages / niveau : Facile - Elémentaire / Set (Conducteur et parties séparées)

Sentiment Samba pour quatuor de saxophones! Nouvel arrangement de Valentin Hude avec des rythmes de base et une belle mélodie apporte une ambiance estivale à la salle de répétition. Jouable avec instrumentations variables: SATB, SAAB, AATB, AAAB / Quatuor De Saxophones