SKU: A0.956670

This cheerful jig originates from the North of England (although some sources suggest Ireland) and, as with many traditional tunes, it exists in a number of slightly different variants.  The Oyster Girl is often used for Morris or maypole dancing, as well as being a popular pub session tune.

Here, the tune is arranged for 4-part mixed woodwind combination of 2 flutes, oboe and either clarinet in B-flat or bassoon.  As well as being an enjoyable, upbeat piece to perform, this arrangement is also ideal as a demonstration of the different tone colours of the instruments, as each takes a turn with the melody.

Although classed as 'intermediate', the difficulty of the piece really depends on how fast you attempt to play it!

SKU: A0.956671

The Maple Leaf Rag is an early work by the African-American ragtime composer, Scott Joplin.  It was first published in 1899, although Joplin had been performing it for some years prior to this.  The composer was confident that the work would be a commercial success and, indeed, in due course, royalties from the piece provided him with a stable income for life.

Joplin wanted The Maple Leaf Rag performed at his funeral.  His widow opted not to honour this request, feeling that the music was stylistically inappropriate for such a sad occasion – a decision she later regretted.

This arrangement for mixed woodwind quartet of 2 flutes, oboe and either clarinet or bassoon is pretty challenging, both in terms of technique and stamina, hence its classification as 'advanced intermediate'.  If desired, players could opt to finish at the change of key at letter F, rather than performing the complete piece.

SKU: A0.1092511

Kyrie - by Francesco Durante; Woodwind Quartet – Intermediate – Digital Download. “Kyrie�, originally written for a four-part vocal ensemble by Francesco Durante, has now been transcribed, edited and arranged by Regis Bookshar, for a Woodwind Quartet, consisting of 1 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Bb Clarinet and 1 Bassoon. It would be a welcomed addition to any music library. This short composition, which lasts less than two minutes, will provide many students with the opportunity to practice breath control because of its long phrases, and to help them to continue to develop good intonation because many of the phrases cadence on a unison note. This selection could be performed for concerts, recitals and church services. It is suitable for high school and college students but professional musicians would also enjoy playing this selection. Included are a score and a complete set of parts (7 pages). This selection is one of the many arrangements from the Regis Bookshar Trumpet Ensemble’s extensive music library which are being made available for the first time. We have performed the Trumpet Quartet version of this composition for many church services, especially funerals, when we were asked to supply something more somber and introspective rather than the louder, more festive music which many people come to expect from a Trumpet Ensemble. Francesco Durante was an Italian composer who was born on March 31, 1684 at Frattamaggiore, in the Kingdom of Naples. At an early age he entered the Conservatorio dei poveri di Gesu Cristo, in Naples, where he received lessons from Gaetano Greco. Later he became a pupil of Alessandro Scarlatti at the Conservatorio di Sant’Onofrio. He is said to have succeeded Scarlatti in 1725 at Sant’Onofrio and to have remained there until 1742, when he succeeded Nicola Porpora as head of the Conservatorio di Santa Maria de Loreto, also in Naples. He held this post for thirteen years, until his death on September 30, 1755. His fame as a teacher was considerable, and, unlike his Neapolitan contemporaries, who attracted international notice with their operas, Francesco Durante achieved recognition through his church music, along with some vocal chamber and instrumental works. His concern was not quantity. A complete collection of Durante’s works, consisting almost exclusively of sacred music, was presented by Gaspare Selveggi, a Neapolitan art collector and music theorist, to the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris. The imperial library of Vienna also preserves a valuable collection of Durante’s manuscripts. The fact that Durante never composed for the stage brought him an exaggerated reputation as a composer of sacred music. He was considered one of the best church composers of his style and period. In his masses, requiems, litanies and Lamentations, he could provide strong expressive moments, as he does in this “Kyrie�. In addition to this arrangement for a Woodwind Quartet, Regis Bookshar has also made other arrangements of this selection. There are Quartets readily available for a wide variety of instrumental ensembles. Please take the time to look for other versions of this composition. You may find something else that may also suit your needs. I would also encourage you to search for other arrangements by Regis Bookshar, as well, as there are numerous arrangements in a variety of styles, also available for purchase. You may find something else which might interest you. Please continue to check periodically because new arrangements are being added as often as possible. I’m certain that this beautiful arrangement of Francesco Durante’s “Kyrie� will continue to entertain both performers and audiences alike for years to come.

SKU: A0.721710

La Réjouissance, from Music for the Royal Fireworks commissioned by King George II to celebrate the end of the War of the Austrian Succession. The first performance was followed by a great fireworks display in Green Park, London.

Duration about 2 minutes, 15 seconds.

For Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and Bassoon.

Arranged by Anne Christopherson GRSM ARCM at https://www.music-scores.com

SKU: A0.956666

This charming song is a tale of unrequited love, related by a young man as he rows homewards on Loch Tay.  It makes a lovely arrangement for the 4-part mixed woodwind combination of 2 flutes, oboe and clarinet/bassoon.

The tune is a variant on an old melody collected in the Moidart district of Scotland in 1870.  Words were later added by Harold Boulton, who also wrote the lyrics to the more famous Skye Boat Song.

Renowned for its salmon fishing, Loch Tay is the sixth largest freshwater loch in Scotland, stretching from Killin up to Aberfeldy.  A number of local landmarks are mentioned in the words of the Loch Tay Boat Song. 

SKU: A0.721269

Londonderry Air, also known as Danny Boy, or I Cannot Tell. The melody existed before any of the words known to us today, and has been recorded by many illustrious singers.

For Flute, Oboe, 2 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet &/or Bassoon.

About 2 minutes.

Arranged by Anne L Christopherson GRSM ARCM at www.music-scores.com

SKU: A0.721870

I will Take You Home Kathleen, for Flute, Oboe, 2 Clarinets and Bassoon.

A beautiful song adopted as an Irish ballad, sung by Elvis amongst many other talented people.

Arranged by Anne Christopherson GRSM ARCM at https://www.music-scores.com.

SKU: A0.524168

A classic Christmas carol reimagined as a woodwind quartet  for flute, oboe, Bb clarinet and bassoon, this arrangement of Silent Night begins simply but builds in intensity as it progresses, with ornamentation, variation, dynamic shading and incidental music by Enrique Granados.  Recommended for Christmas plays, pageants and programs, holiday recitals and Christmas concerts as well as for traditional Christmas church service and other seasonal worship events, as a prelude, postlude, an offertory, interlude, Christmas play overture, silent prayer accompaniment and special music.  17 pages of music (that includes the score and separate two-page pullout parts for each instrument).  Concert Key: F major
            Silent night, holy night / All is calm, all is bright / Round yon virgin, mother and child / Holy infant so tender and mild / Sleep in Heavenly peace / Sleep in Heavenly peace.

SKU: A0.956656

This piece is taken from the second set of Slavonic Dances, Opus 72, written by Czech composer Antonín Dvořák in 1886. His original set, Opus 48, had proved to be something of a breakthrough work, finally establishing Dvořák’s reputation well beyond his native land.

The dances are original melodies, inspired by, and drawing on, the character of traditional national dances – not, as is sometimes thought, works based on existing folk tunes, as was the fashion among composers at around that time.  Both sets of Slavonic Dances were originally written for piano 4 hands but, in response to a request from his publisher, the composer produced orchestrated versions shortly afterwards.

This is an arrangement for semi-flexible mixed woodwind quartet of 2 flutes, oboe and either B-flat clarinet or bassoon.  The piece makes a charming addition to general repertoire but could also be used as part of a programme of light background music at a wedding or function.