MUSIC FOR SAXOPHONE - Quartet Compositions - Quartet Arrangements - Quintets, and larger - Octets - Christmas - Duets - Piano - Band - Tutor

SAXOPHONE QUARTETS - ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS Wizzy Izzy (AATB) is written for a student quartet I know, which has an enthusiastic and virtuoso 1st Alto (Izzy) who loves the more challenging repertiore. Her colleagues, especially George, are not so sure, so this is a short showpiece for the first Alto player with a less ambitious accompaniment. Wizzy Izzy - Alun Cook listen to mp3 Hard for Alto 1 Saxiana (AATB) is a three movement set of dances, each "Elizabethan" in style but they all become rather more Elizabeth II as they progress. Manic Minstrels starts as a stately dance, elegant and refined, but the musicians seem to have been at the wine as they gradually deviate into a rather more "blue" version, before recovering their composure and very nearly regaining control by the end. A Knight Remembered starts as a simple Pavane, but becomes more lush as time goes by. Not technically demanding but requires control and musicianship to bring off to full effect. This movement is also available for Clarinet Quartet and is regularly performed in this guise. Revel without a pause has a gutsy drive to it, but is not too difficult, so a good challenge for a student group. Manic Minstrels - Alun Cook listen to mp3 Easy/Moderate A Knight Remembered - Alun Cook listen to mp3 Easy Revel without a Pause - Alun Cook listen to mp3 Moderate Surface Tension (AATB), a three movement suite, starts with Try Hard. A driving baritone line and some intricate rhythms should prove excellent entertainment for the musicians! The contrasting Jazzablanca is infused with an off-beat drive that requires a really controlled ensemble to keep the swing intense but the pace relaxed. It does rise to a top G for the 1st Alto. Try Harder is supposed to be challenging, with the lead instrument being the Tenor saxophone. The hardest part is getting the "gasps" sounding loud enough! They need to sound as if the players are trying really hard, which of course they are, which is why they can't gasp .. Hey Ho! (You'll need to look at the score to understand) Try Hard - Alun Cook listen to mp3 Moderate Jazzablanca - Alun Cook listen to mp3 Moderate Try Harder - Alun Cook listen to mp3 Difficult Affaire du Coeur (AATB), a folk-song of mourning with, rich harmonies and plenty of scope for flexibility within the ensemble. The notes should not be a challenge for any standard ensemble, but musicianship is definitely required to make the most of this song. Affaire du Coeur - Alun Cook Easy Henry's Dilemma Hark back to the days of Henry V and the battle of Agincourt. Although not written with a detailed programme in mind, it is easy to make up a story to go with the piece, as required by my young sons (Knights, Castles, Horses.etc). Written for SATB, there is also an Alto part as an alternative for the Soprano part. It has three continous sections, but the final section can stand alone. Henry's Dilemma - Alun Cook Difficult A Touch of the Vespas (SATB) will make an excellent encore piece, with a fast and furious pace a necessity. It requires some highly skilled playing. Apart from the obvious dexterity required, there must be an evenness of tone both individually and between members of the quartet. Is the buzzing from the wasps or the scooters? A Touch of the Vespas - Alun Cook Very Hard Oily Rag (AATB). Having just arranged "Maple Leaf Rag" for quartet I decided to write my own bit of ragtime. It has emerged as a spectacular little show piece, ideal as an encore (if you have the stamina). It twists and turns and slips and slides and provides a healthy challenge but is certainly achievable. The parts are spread over three pages as there is no time for page turns. Breathing places are suggested in the repetitive section of the Tenor and Baritone parts, but try to keep these to a minimum. If you can, you will love playing this! Oily Rag - Alun Cook Very Hard SAXOPHONE QUINTET AND SEXTET Capriol Suite - 1. Basse Danse The lovely Capriol Suite, with its unique mix of harmonic styles is brilliantly suited to the saxophone ensemble. Five parts are needed to cover all the harmonies and it can be performed as AATTB or AAATB. A Soprano Saxophone part is provided as an option instead of 1st Alto but it does go to low Bb, as the arrangement was written with Alto in mind. Basse Danse from Capriol Suite - Warlock Easy The Santa Express Written for 6 saxophones (AAAATB or AAATTB), this is a light-hearted piece in the Christmas spirit! It starts with the instrumentalist "huffing" into their instruments to acheive a steam locomotive sound - very effective when done well - very dangerous with youngsters, but you can always miss the first 8 bars! The Santa Express has proved highly popular and is also available for 2 Altos with Piano, as a Piano Duet, and for full Orchestra. The Santa Express (Sextet) - Alun Cook Moderate The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba is one of those pieces that seem to work for almost any combination of instruments. It is ideal for saxophones and rather than the standard quartet, this arrangement is for a sextet which makes it much more approachable for student ensembles. Scoring is for 4 Altos, Tenor and Baritone but I have provided an Alto 5 part as an alternative for the Tenor Saxophone, and a Tenor 2 part as alternative to the Baritone. The Alto 5 part acts as a adequate replacement for Tenor if needed, but the Tenor 2 is not ideal as the depth of tone given by the baritone is impossible to replace. I know many school ensembles do not have the luxury of a baritone, hence the inclusion of this part. There are also Soprano parts as alternatives to Altos 1 and 2. You need one strong player (Alto 1) - the other parts are not too hard. Arrival of the Queen of Sheba - Handel Moderate Multi-Purpose Fanfare This fanfare was commissioned for the opening of a multi-purpose building - short and to the point! Scored for 4 Altos, 1 Tenor(optional), and Baritone Multi-purpose Fanfare - Alun Cook Easy SAXOPHONE OCTET Oily Rag. Feeling brave? Very brave?? This spectacular “Oily” Rag twists and turns and slips and slides and is a real challenge for any group of players (no hiding away on the 2nd Tenor part!). Originally written for quartet, I have expanded and added to it to take advantage of the flexibility provided by the larger ensemble. Written for SSAATTBB with an optional additional Bass Saxophone Part. Oily Rag (Octet) - Alun Cook listen to mp3 Difficult Boris Goes to Dublin. "Boris" was originally written as a showpiece for Alto Saxophone and Wind Band (or piano), but following a request from the Equinox Saxophone Octet I have arranged it for that combination (SSAATTBB) and I'm glad they asked as it is works very well for 8. The solo part passes around the group and provides a fair challenge for most players. An optional Bass Saxophone part is included as an alternative to the 2nd Baritone, and may be used in addition to the two baritone parts. Two players may also double-up on wood block and cymbal (or Tam-Tam if you have that luxury). The MP3 file is courtesy of Kathleen Maxwell and www.saxtravaganza.com who performed it with a contra-bass saxophone - it's a great sound! Boris Goes to Dublin (Octet) - Alun Cook listen to mp3 Difficult Brandenburg 5 - 1st Movement. An enjoyable challenge for the big ensemble (SSAATTBB with optional Bass part). I confess to be nervous about tackling the long keyboard section, but in the end this proved the most exciting and enjoyable section to write. The parts are all playable and the difficulties are divided fairly evenly throughout the parts. Enjoy! Brandenburg 5 - mov.1 - J.S.Bach listen to mp3 Difficult Clair de Lune requires beautiful ensemble playing exploring the soft dynamic rage of the saxophone family. As a piano piece, pianists play this with enormous flexibility and to achieve this (in a controlled way) within a large group of saxophonists will prove challenging unless, of course, you have a superbly musical ensemble! Clair de Lune - Debussy listen to mp3 Difficult España is an exuberant extravaganza for octet (with optional Bass Saxophone), it will make an excellent concert opening. I have tried to capture the essence of the original and tempos should be flexible and largely at the discretion of the performers. España - Chabrier listen to mp3 Difficult SAXOPHONE DUET Altissimo. A flashy duet, challenging to play and not too long! The title, Altissimo, is used as in "Altos are the best" rather than being written in the altissimo register. Altissimo - Alun Cook Difficult Santa Express. Listed elsewhere (for sextet) but also available for 2 Altos and piano. This is a light-hearted piece in the Christmas spirit which has proved very popular. The Santa Express (2 Altos) - Alun Cook Moderate SAXOPHONES AT CHRISTMAS The Santa Express Written for 6 saxophones (AAAATB or AAATTB), this is a light-hearted piece in the Christmas spirit! It starts with the instrumentalist "huffing" into their instrument to acheive a steam locomotive sound - very effective when done well - very dangerous with youngsters, but you can always miss the first 8 bars! The Santa Express has proved highly popular and is also Also available for 2 Altos with Piano, as a Piano Duet, and for full Orchestra. The Santa Express (Sextet) - Alun Cook Moderate God Rest You Merry Gentlemen My favourite Christmas arrangement for Saxophones! It covers a range of styles from a heavy gutsy start, to lyricism and delicacy in the various verses. It can be played as a concert piece or as an accompaniment for a congregational carol. It works well with doubled parts the more the merrier - but care must be used to maintain the balance all the parts are so enjoyable to play it is easy to get carried away! God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen - Trad Moderate Personent Hodie - Fantasia (Saxophone Quartet). This Christmas Carol is based on an old German melody made popular by Gustav Holst. It has a strong driving melody and is usually sung by the men of a choir. This arrangement uses the melody quite loosely and exploits its ambiguous rhythmic feel. A soprano part is available although its range necessitates some compromises. If you would a like a shorter version (or wish to avoid the Fugue), a judicious cut may be made from the last beat of the bar before letter G to the upbeat to letter J. Personent Hodie - Trad Moderate For Unto Us a Child is Born from "The Messiah" is frequently performed at Christmas, and this arrangement is fun to play and not too difficult, although Alto 1 needs to be a bit nifty around the high notes. This arrangement is best suited to AATB but I've included a Soprano part in case you want to play SATB but if you do, you also need the SATB 2nd Alto part instead of the original Alto 2 part. For Unto Us a Child is Born - Handel Moderate The Huron Carol (Quintet AAATB or AATTB) has one of the most beautiful and simple melodies I know and I just had to do something with it for saxophones. The result has a slightly "rocky" feel and is not an accompaniment for choir, just incidental music for the season, and would work particularly well in a resonant acoustic. The 3rd Alto part is an alternative for 1st Tenor and needs a strong player. Huron Carol - Canadian Trad. Moderate A Winter's Tale (Christmas Lullaby) Soothing music to lull your children to sleep, but like all good stories there are moments of intrigue and suspense. This is the original scoring for 3 Bb Clarinets, 2 Alto Saxophones and Bass Clarinet. The individual parts are not hard but they are quite independent at times. A Winter's Tale - Alun Cook (Christmas Lullaby) listen to mp3 Moderate SAXOPHONE TUTOR ABC Saxophone Tutor ABC Saxophone Tutor. I have been using this tutor for many years having struggled to find one that provided a simple, step by step approach with plenty of repertoire for even the slowest student. This tutor works! Teachers like it and students enjoy it. It tackles the notes in a sensible order and does not claim to be a teach-yourself book. A good teacher is essential for a well rounded technique. It is free! ABC Saxophone Tutor Beginner

SAXOPHONE AND BAND Boris Goes to Dublin "Boris" has a challenging solo part and is written as an "audience friendly" showpiece for Alto Saxophone and Wind Band. The band parts are well cued as bands vary in size, and could be played by quite a small ensemble. If you have full band you may need to lighten the scoring in places. The solo part is a good Grade 8 (UK) standard. The band parts are not excessively difficult. It can also be found on this site as a concert piece with piano and in an arrangement for Saxophone Octet. The MP3 file has a "live" saxophonist playing with a synthesized accompaniment but it gives a good feel for the piece. Boris goes to Dublin - Alun Cook listen to mp3 Moderate   SAXOPHONE QUARTET - ARRANGEMENTS Jupiter - from Holst's "The Planets" (AATB). Probably my favourite composer - just listen to "Hammersmith" to find out what I mean, or any movement of "The Planets" suite. Holst was way ahead of his time. As a musician, I always write what I would like to play and this seemed like a brilliant challenge, but I have to confess that I didn't think it would "sell" well, but it has proved very popular. It is suprisingly playable and not as daunting as you might think! Jupiter from The Planets - Holst Very Difficult Dido's Lament - When I am laid in Earth - from Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" (AATB) is often noted as possibly the saddest music ever written. I have used a very low range for most of this lament, so skill and control are required throughout to maintain a good balance. Dido's Lament - Purcell Moderate Carmen. A set of six movements from Bizet's Opera, which may be played as a suite or as individual movements (AATB). The march Les Toreador is probably the most famous melody from the opera. A Soprano part is provided but Alto is ideal, especially if you can manage the top G. The Intermezzo has a beautiful melody giving an excellent opportunity to show off the expressive nature of the soloists. In the Aragonaise the alternative Soprano part is rather low but will work well if the player and instrument enjoy low B's. The Danse Boheme is very energetic and a busy for everyone, although the Baritone player may not agree. A Soprano part is provided but Alto preferred. Chanson du Toreador is exciting to play for everyone with a starring role for the Tenor player. No soprano part for this one. Prelude and Habanera I have not provided Soprano alternatives for these two movements as the range is too low. The Prelude does not have to be a Prelude to the Habenera. It will work equally well before the Aragonaise. Carmen - Les Toreadors - Bizet Easy/Moderate Carmen - Intermezzo - Bizet Easy Carmen - Aragonaise - Bizet Moderate Carmen - Danse Boheme - Bizet Easy/Moderate Carmen - Chanson du Toreador - Bizet Easy Carmen - Prelude and Habanera - Bizet Moderate Scott Joplin Rags. Scott Joplin's rags are ideally suited for the Saxophone Quartet, and The Strenuous Life particularly suits the inclusion of the Soprano Saxophone, my usual preference being for the smoother sound of 2 altos (an alternate "Alto for Soprano" part is included for those without the luxury of a Soprano). The Strenuous Life was written as a tribute to President Theodore Roosevelt and published in 1902. The Maple Leaf Rag is one of the most famous of Joplin's rags and quite demanding for the top two parts. You will hear this played at a wide variety of speeds, from the sedate Joplinesque style to a mad rush that may more truly reflect the "Tempo di Marcia" marking. It depends on your taste and the speed of your soprano player's fingers. The Easy Winners... Easy for the audience perhaps? The Soprano Saxophone is essential for this arrangement. The Easy Winners is quite a tricky little number but certainly one of my favourites. Ragtime Dance is a real delight. Described as a "two-step" it features "stop time" and the Pianist was asked to maintain the beat by stamping his foot and why not! All the instructions are in the parts not too fast and where to stamp. For AATB with an alternative Soprano part provided. The Strenuous Life - Joplin Quite hard The Easy Winners - Joplin Quite hard Maple Leaf Rag - Joplin Quite hard A Ragtime Dance - Joplin Quite hard MUSIC FOR WEDDINGS Have you thought about having a saxophone quartet for you wedding? Many of the items below would be suitable, from the famous Wedding March to some quiet incidental music. Wedding March - Mendelssohn Classic wedding music, but have you heard it all? The complete movement is a very well balanced piece and serves as good exit music for the long walk that is marriage! Wedding March - Mendelssohn Moderate Lohengrin - Prelude and March. Here Comes the Bride - eventually! There is a long section before the famous march emerges. This arrangement will work as a concert piece, or as music for a wedding. The piece may be cut to size if the betrothed just wants to walk up the isle to the March, or may be used elsewhere in the service complete. This first section is a real challenge. I haven't tried to use disguised breathing in the triplet sections as different players will manage differing amounts. Arranged for AATB, the range for the first Alto is high with some optional harmonics, but later on the range is too low for soprano, so I haven't provided an alternative part. Lohengrin - Prelude and March - Wagner Very Hard (Prelude) Easy (March) Overture to the Marriage of Figaro Any orchestral transcription for a small ensemble is a challenge, but "The Marriage of Figaro" fits almost effortlessly into the repertoire for Saxophone Quartet, and what a joy to play! Technically this is not too tricky although some neat tonguing is required and some one-handed page turns. The range of the quartet influences the selection of key and although compromises must be made, the voicing of the parts produces a musical balance and will certainly entertain both audience and players. Overture - Marriage of Figaro - Mozart Difficult Faure Pavane An exquisite orchestral piece, transcribed for saxophone quartet. Although the notes are not challenging, a great deal of skill and subtlety are required to maintain its character, so, be gentle with it! Pavane - Faure Moderate Flower Duet Elegant in its simplicity (and made popular by British Airways), this vocal duet transcribes beautifully for saxophones. I have provided a soprano part, but ideally the matched tones of two altos is what I had in mind. This is ideal music for weddings. Flower Duet from Lakme - Delibes Moderate Bach Double Concerto This transcription of the Bach Double Violin Concerto (1st Movement) features the 2 altos playing largely the solo lines but the nature of the music means that the other two parts have plenty to do. Although listed as "difficult" it is a good piece to work on with "up-and-coming" students as the technique is almost less of a problem than just keeping together. The tenor part in particular requires meticulous counting. The top G's in the 1s t Alto part are all given ossias, and I have provided a Soprano part as an alternative although it is really intended for 2 altos. Double Concerto - J.S.Bach Difficult Brandenburg 3 - 1st Movement Bach for a more modern family of instruments! Why should the Strings have all the fun? Well, breathing isn't such a problem for them, but this is an arrangement of pure indulgence for the keen saxophonist. It is challenging, especially for the 1st Alto Player, who will need top 'G' and 'A' harmonics in their repertoire. Brandenburg 3 - 1st mov. J.S.Bach Very Difficult Brandenburg 3 - Last Movement The other half! There is plenty for everyone to do is this challenging piece. Breathing was the big issue when arranging it, and I think it just the baritone player who will find it a real challenge. Arranged for AATB (there is a soprano part for those you can’t find two altos). See above for the first movement, although in a different key, but I will produce a version soon to match this key in case you wish to perform the movements as a pair. Brandenburg 3 - last mov. J.S.Bach Very Difficult For Unto Us a Child is Born Also listed under Christmas Music, this is fun to play and not too difficult for Grade 6 standard players, although Alto 1 needs to be a bit nifty around the high notes. (This arrangement is best suited to AATB but I've included a Soprano part in case you want to play SATB but if you do, you also need the SATB 2nd Alto part instead of the original Alto 2 part) For Unto Us a Child is Born - Handel Moderate Halleluja Chorus A joyful celebration and maybe Handel would have enjoyed writing for saxophones! His music certainly transcribes well. Arranged for AATB but a Soprano part is included. Halleluja Chorus - Handel Moderate William Tell An arrangement for Saxophone quartet of the final section of the Overture to William Tell. I had my doubts when embarking on this project about the possibility of saxophonists tonguing fast enough to make it performable at an exciting speed, especially the 1st Alto part, but then I worked at my double-tonguing. I had always believed that double-tonguing was not widely used on saxophone but as I was the one having the play the 1st Alto part, I worked at it (a lot!) and found it very possible. My colleagues in our quartet had no difficulty with their parts so, after several performances, "I commend it to the house". William Tell - Rossini Difficult Dance of the Swans from Swan Lake. This is simple in structure but the key (demanded by the range) makes it quite hard to play. I intended this for AATB but the Alto 1 part is also transposed for Soprano and that extra bit of "quacking" in the low register might sound quite appropriate!! Dance of the Swans - Tchaikovsky Moderate Rondo from Abdelazer One of the most distinctive gems of English music, which ideally suits the blend of the saxophone quartet. The Alto 1 part is the only one which could be described as difficult because of the high range. As an alternative, I have included a Soprano Saxophone part in the set. Rondo from Abdelazer - Purcell Moderate SAXOPHONE(S) AND PIANO Boris Goes to Dublin Detailed elsewhere as a solo piece with wind band, I have also arranged "Boris" for Alto Saxophone and Piano. The MP3 above file has a "live" saxophonist playing with a synthesized accompaniment but it gives a good impression of the piece. Boris goes to Dublin - Alun Cook Difficult Wizzy Izzy was written for a student quartet I know, which has an enthusiastic and virtuoso 1st Alto (Izzy) who loves the more challenging repertiore. Her colleagues, especially George, are not so sure, so this is a short showpiece for Alto Saxophone arranged here for saxophone and piano. Wizzy Izzy - Alun Cook Difficult Wieldy Waltz Written originally as an "educational" saxophone quartet for 4 altos, this has metamorphosed into a solo piece of about grade 5. Excellent for developing the high notes above top C. Wieldy Waltz still has educational mileage as it explores a good range and addresses swing rhythms. Although generally technically undemanding there are a couple of bars that are quite challenging, making it a good GCSE performance piece. It is also available elsewhere on this website transcribed for Flute. Wieldy Waltz - Alun Cook Moderate Smoothies (2 Altos, Baritone and Piano). Sultry, seductive, sexy, sleek - so laid back as to be horizontal! Scored for 2 Altos, Baritone and Piano, a bass player could replace the baritone saxophone, and a very minimalist drummer who knows how to use brushes could be added. Take your time! Metronome speed is a maximum, and yes, the dissonances are supposed to be there. Smoothies - Alun Cook Easy Santa Express. Listed elsewhere (for sextet) but also available for 2 Altos and piano. This is a light-hearted piece in the Christmas spirit which has proved very popular. The Santa Express (2 Altos) - Alun Cook Moderate