Boris Goes to Dublin - Alun Cook

"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!

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		Hard

Brandenburg 5 - 1st Movement - J.S.Bach arr. Alun Cook

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!

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		Hard

Clair de Lune - Debussy arr. Alun Cook

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!

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		Hard

Fantasia on "The Dargason" - Holst arr. Alun Cook

Holst uses a similar arrangement to this in both his 2nd Suite for Military Band, and the St. Pauls's Suite for Strings. Holst juxtaposes the 16th Century English Folk Tune "Dargason", with "Greensleeves", purportedly written by King Henry VIII (although this is now pooh-poohed by those spoilsport historians!) Arranged for SSAATTBB with optional Bass part.

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		Moderate

Espaņa - Chabrier arr. Alun Cook

Espaņa 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.

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		Hard

Jupiter from "The Planets" - Holst arr. Alun Cook

As a musician, I always write what I would like to play and this seemed like a brilliant challenge, but I have been very suprised at how popular my quartet version of this has been. So, here is a large group version where the depth of sound of the big ensemble can really shine. An optional Bass part is provided. Mercury and Uranus are also available.

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		Very Hard		Also available for Quartet and Saxophone Choir

Mercury from "The Planets" - Holst arr. Alun Cook

Mercury, the "Winged Messenger" flies at high speed (even using Morse code). This companion piece to my arrangement of Jupiter and Uranus from Holst's Planets Suite is not perhaps quite as hard as it sound at first hearing. Scored for SSAATTBB, an optional Bass part is provided. Jupiter and Uranus are also availble.

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		Hard		Also available for Saxophone Choir

Oily Rag - Alun Cook

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.

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		Very Hard		Also available for Quartet and Saxophone Choir

The Santa Express - Alun Cook

Deep in the depths of the Kent countyside at Christmas time, the Steam Railways run "Santa Specials" as a Christmas treat for the young and old alike and this light-hearted composition gives a hint of both Christmas and the steam locomotives. This version is for Saxophone Octet (SSAATTBB with optional Bass). This popular piece is also available for Sextet, 2 Altos and Piano, Flute and Piano, Orchestra, Wind Band and as a Piano Duet

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		Moderate

Uranus from "The Planets" - Holst arr. Alun Cook

A companion piece for Jupiter and Mercury. Holst's brilliance in developing his four-note "idee fix" and slithering block chords present yet more challenges for the saxophonists in this arrangement. An optional Bass part is provided.

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		Hard		Also available for Saxophone Choir