SKU: A0.755042

Fantasie Variation on Mazurek Dabrowskiego was commissioned in 2010 by David Wozniak. Wozniak suggested using the Polish National Anthem as the basis of a composition that can serve as a fiery opener to a concert. After a short introduction, the anthem is stated using a repetitive rhythmic motif in the piano. Variation one is a minor variant that has a chromatic obligato in the saxophone on the repeat. After a two measure interlude in 4/4 that breaks up the 3/4 meter of the mazurka, Variation two begins. This variation uses motives from the anthem to create a new saxophone melody. Variation three changes meter often and is more technical and angular. A repeat of the minor variant brings the first fast section to a close. After a transition to a slower tempo, a mysterious variation with sudden outbursts occurs. It uses a lot of feminine endings that are characteristic of some Polish music. The tempo slows once again before variation seven which is a lyrical and romantic treatment of motives from the anthem. The final fast section begins with a rhythmic 5/8 variation that changes to 6/8 for the second part of the anthem’s structure. An ornamental version of the anthem with the mazurka rhythm returns at the end before a rousing coda brings the work to a close. This composition is recorded by David Wozniak and Krista Wallace-Boaz on the Emeritus label American Fusion CD.

SKU: A0.587889

16 Favourite Easter Hymns for Solo Alto Saxophone and Piano is a beautiful collection of well-known traditional Easter hymns. Both the Piano score and separate Alto Saxophone part are included in the single PDF file.

16 Favourite Easter Hymns for Solo Alto Saxophone and Piano are simply arranged in easy keys and are fun to play for soloists with a year or two’s experience and above. The piano part is a little more difficult. Teachers and students alike will find 16 Favourite Easter Hymns for Solo Alto Saxophone and Piano useful for building ensemble, reading and rhythmic skills.

The hymns are in alphabetical order and are as follows…

·     All Creatures of Our God and King, (Lasst Uns Erfreuen)

·     All Hail the Power of Jesus Name, (Coronation)

·     Before the Throne of God Above, (Before the Throne)

·     Blessed Assurance, (Blessed Assurance)

·     Christ the Lord is Risen Today, (Easter Hymn)

·     Crown Him with Many Crowns, (Diademata)

·     The Day of Resurrection, (Ellacombe)

·     Just as I Am, (Woodworth)

·     I Know that My Redeemer Lives, (Bradford)

·     It is Well with My Soul, (Ville du Havre)

·     A Mighty Fortress is Our God, (Ein Feste Burg)

·     Nothing But the Blood of Jesus, (What Can Wash Away My Sin)

·     There is a Green Hill Far Away, (The Green Hill)

·     Thine Be the Glory, (Judas Maccabeus)

·     Were You There? (Were You There?)

·     When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, (Hamburg)

 There are many more top quality arrangements and compositions by David McKeown for you to browse at http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/david-mckeown/6203

SKU: A0.967660

Arranged by veteran instrumental educator and performer, Lawrence Underwood, as the fourth installment in his A Christmas Portfolio series, this brand new setting of I Saw Three Ships is as much fun to play as it is to hear! The arrangement opens with a jaunty, nautical 6/8 feel before entering a lyrical section. The piece then shifts gears momentarily, heading into a 4/4 march feel before evoking a feel of the highlands as we return to 6/8, building in intensity until its dramatic conclusion. Suitable for use in church or as a showpiece in any holiday setting, this piece is sure to be an audience and performer favorite!

SKU: A0.1302600

This is Halloween from The Nightmare Before Christmas, by Danny Elfman, for alto sax and piano accompaniment, easy beginner, short version.

This is Halloween from The Nightmare Before Christmas, composed by Danny Elfman, is a dark and whimsical musical masterpiece that captures the eerie and enchanting spirit of Halloween. With its hauntingly catchy melody and playful yet sinister lyrics, the song introduces the inhabitants of Halloween Town and sets the stage for Tim Burton's iconic animated film. Elfman's distinctive vocals as Jack Skellington and the eerie choir of ghoulish characters create a spine-tingling atmosphere, while the dynamic orchestration blends elements of rock and orchestral music to create a Halloween anthem that's both spooky and fun, making it an enduring favorite among fans of the film and the holiday alike.

SKU: A0.1302615

This is Halloween from The Nightmare Before Christmas, by Danny Elfman, for alto sax and piano accompaniment, easy intermediate, short version.

This is Halloween from The Nightmare Before Christmas, composed by Danny Elfman, is a dark and whimsical musical masterpiece that captures the eerie and enchanting spirit of Halloween. With its hauntingly catchy melody and playful yet sinister lyrics, the song introduces the inhabitants of Halloween Town and sets the stage for Tim Burton's iconic animated film. Elfman's distinctive vocals as Jack Skellington and the eerie choir of ghoulish characters create a spine-tingling atmosphere, while the dynamic orchestration blends elements of rock and orchestral music to create a Halloween anthem that's both spooky and fun, making it an enduring favorite among fans of the film and the holiday alike.

SKU: A0.549639

Duration: ca 5:20, Score: 8 pages, solo part: 3 pages, piano part: 4 pages.
One of Beethoven's finest and most famous works. Program for a recital, church meditation or school program.
Bring your best espressivo and plan to rehearse the many subtle dynamic changes.

Sonata Pathétique Op. 13

First of all, this is an arrangement of the second movement of Beethoven’s Sonata Pathétique. It seems like Beethoven wrote this piece before becoming troubled by deafness. Published in 1799, it consequently remains one of the most celebrated pieces Beethoven ever wrote. As a result of its popularity, the movement was therefore performed by Karl Haas. Hass recorded it for a popular radio show called: Adventures in Good Music.

Beethoven Background

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 –1827) was certainly a German pianist. Above all, he was probably one of the greatest composers in history. As a result, he is a pivotal character in the progress between the Classical and Romantic periods. He is certainly one of the most famous and hence important of all composers. Seems like his most familiar and noteworthy works include symphonies 1-9; piano concertos 1-5; and furthermore, the violin concerto. Also, certainly of extreme importance are the noteworthy 32 sonatas for the piano; the string quartets 1-16; the Missa solemnis; and likewise, his only opera, Fidelio.

Beethoven Overview

First of all, Beethoven was born and consequently raised in Bonn. Upon turning 21 he moved to Vienna probably to study composition with Haydn. That’s when he consequently grew a reputation as a brilliant pianist. Furthermore, he probably stayed in Vienna for the rest of his life. In his late 20s, it seems like his hearing certainly began to decline. It slowly declined until consequently, he was nearly totally deaf probably by the last decade of his life. As a result, he stopped conducting and performing. Nevertheless, he continued to compose. As a result, some of his greatest works probably come from this period.

First Period

Seems like we often divide Beethoven’s life into three periods. Period 1 begins with Beethoven’s arrival in Vienna. Hence, during this period, he mastered the Viennese style of Haydn & Mozart. He consequently began increasing the size and scale of his works. Furthermore, he experimented with extreme dynamics, and likewise extreme tempi. He worked similarly with chromatic harmony. His First and Second Symphonies, therefore, belong to this period. Other important works also belong here: the first six string quartets and the Sonata Pathétique, Op. 13.

Second Period

His second period probably began as soon as he realized that he was going deaf. During this period, it seems like he became obsessed with the idea of heroism. His works consequently become even larger and more massive. The most noteworthy of these include the symphonies 3 – 8, piano concertos 5& 6, 5 string quartets, several important piano sonatas (Waldstein and Appassionata), the Kreutzer violin sonata, the violin concerto and his only opera: Fidelio.

Third Period

In contrast, Beethoven's third period is branded above all by works of incredible intellectual depth, formal innovation, and penetrating expression. It seems like he continued to expand his works. Consequently, the string quartet Op. 131 spills over into seven connected movements. Likewise, in the Ninth Symphony, he adds choral forces to his orchestra probably for the first time in history. Even more, other works from this period include his Missa solemnis, the final 5 string quartets (including the enormous Große Fuge) and the final five sonatas for piano.

Register for free lifetime revisions and updates at www.jamesguthrie.co.