SKU: A0.813969

Saxophone Quintet - Intermediate - Digital Download. This arrangement of Silent Night, or in German, Stille Nacht, would be a wonderful addition to any music library and could be performed for Christmas concerts, recitals, and, especially, church services. It is equally suitable for junior and senior high school students and even older musicians. Depending on their ability, younger 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.

Silent Night is probably the most popular Christmas carol ever written. It was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr and was first performed on Christmas Eve at St. Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, a small village in present-day Austria. A young Catholic priest, Father Joseph Mohr, had written the poem, Stille Nacht, in 1816 and had gone to Oberndorf in 1817. The melody was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, schoolmaster and organist in the nearby village of Arnsdorf. On Christmas Eve, 1818, Mohr brought the words to Gruber and asked him to compose a melody and guitar accompaniment for that night's mass, after river flooding had possibly damaged the church organ. The church was eventually destroyed by repeated flooding and has since been replaced with the Silent-Night-Chapel.

According to Gruber, Karl Mauracher, an organ builder who serviced the instrument at the Oberndorf church, was enamored with the song, and took the composition home with him to the Ziller Valley in Tyrol, Austria. From there, two traveling families of folk singers, the Strassers and the Rainers, included the tune in their shows. The Rainers were already singing it around Christmas, 1819, and once performed it for an audience that included Franz I of Austria and Alexander I of Russia. They also gave the first performance of the song in the United States in New York City in 1839. By the 1840's, the song was well known and was reported to be a favorite of Frederick William IV of Prussia. During this period, the melody changed slightly to become the version that is commonly heard today. The version of the melody that is generally used today is a slow, meditative lullaby, or pastoral, differing slightly from Gruber's original which has a moderate tempo. The song has been translated into about 140 languages and has been recorded by many singers across many music genres. The version sung by Bing Crosby in 1935, has sold over 10 million copies as a single.

In this arrangement of Silent Night, Regis Bookshar has kept the basic form of this familiar Christmas carol, but has also included a descant during the third verse. Also, in addition to this version for a Saxophone Quintet, consisting of 2 Alto Saxophones, 2 Tenor Saxophones and 1 Baritone Saxophone, there are other arrangements of Silent Night available for a variety of instrumental ensembles. There are Quintets and Octets readily available for purchase. Please take the time to look for other versions of this composition. You may find something else that might 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 wide 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 wonderful arrangement of Silent Night will continue to entertain both performers and audiences alike for years to come.

SKU: A0.813803

O Spirit All-Embracing (Thaxted) (Bb) (Saxophone Quintet) - Intermediate - Digital Download. This marvelous arrangement of O Spirit All-Embracing, a hymn tune based on the Andante Maestoso section from Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from Gustav Holst's The Planets, would be a fabulous addition to any music library and could be performed for church services, especially Weddings and Funerals, but would be appropriate any time during the church year. However, if you are looking to perform this selection for concerts or recitals, I would suggest you look for the arrangement of Jupiter (Andante Maestoso from Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from The Planets), also by Regis Bookshar. These arrangements are suitable for high school and college students but professional musicians would also enjoy playing these selections as well. Included are a score and a complete set of parts (9 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 Quintet version of this composition quite often for numerous weddings and other special occasions.
The Planets, written between 1914 and 1917 by the English composer Gustav Holst, premiered at the Queen's Hall in London, on September 29, 1918 for an invited audience of about 250 people. In the fourth movement, Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity, Holst portrays Jupiter's supposedly characteristic abundance of life and vitality. Nobility and generosity are allegedly characteristics of those born under Jupiter, and in the slower, middle section marked Andante Maestoso, perhaps the most well-known theme from The Planets (and the theme on which this arrangement is based), Holst provides a broad tune embodying these traits. In 1921, Holst adapted the theme to fit the patriotic poem I Vow to Thee, My Country by Cecil Spring Rice, and was written as a unison song with orchestra. It did not appear as the hymn tune until 1926, when Holst harmonized this melody, named Thaxted, named after the English village where he had lived for many years. Holst's friend Ralph Vaughan Williams included it in Songs of Praise. It has since been performed at numerous occasions, most notably for the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales in 1981, and also at the funerals of Princess Diana in 1997, Margaret Thatcher in 2013 and Senator John McCain where it was performed at the Washington National Cathedral on September 1, 2018. In addition to being used as the melody for the solemn, patriotic hymn I Vow to Thee, My Country, other settings of this hymn tune also include O God, Beyond All Praising, by Michael Perry in 1982, O Spirit All-Embracing by Delores Dufner in 1995 and We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God, a paraphrase of the Te Deum Laudemus by Stephen P. Starke in 1999.
Regis Bookshar thought that it would be wonderful if other instrumentalists could have the opportunity to play this beautiful melody, so, in addition to the Trumpet Quintet version and this version for a Saxophone Quintet, consisting of 2 Alto Saxophones (one of which has the lead), 2 Tenor Saxophones and 1 Baritone Saxophone, he has made quite a few other arrangements of this selection. There are Quintets 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 added as often as possible. I'm certain that this beautiful arrangement of O Spirit All-Embracing based on the Andante Maestoso section from Ju.

SKU: A0.813804

O Spirit All-Embracing (Thaxted) (Bb) (Saxophone Quintet) - Intermediate - Digital Download. This marvelous arrangement of O Spirit All-Embracing, a hymn tune based on the Andante Maestoso section from Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from Gustav Holst's The Planets, would be a fabulous addition to any music library and could be performed for church services, especially Weddings and Funerals, but would be appropriate any time during the church year. However, if you are looking to perform this selection for concerts or recitals, I would suggest you look for the arrangement of Jupiter (Andante Maestoso from Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from The Planets), also by Regis Bookshar. These arrangements are suitable for high school and college students but professional musicians would also enjoy playing these selections as well. Included are a score and a complete set of parts (9 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 Quintet version of this composition quite often for numerous weddings and other special occasions.
The Planets, written between 1914 and 1917 by the English composer Gustav Holst, premiered at the Queen's Hall in London, on September 29, 1918 for an invited audience of about 250 people. In the fourth movement, Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity, Holst portrays Jupiter's supposedly characteristic abundance of life and vitality. Nobility and generosity are allegedly characteristics of those born under Jupiter, and in the slower, middle section marked Andante Maestoso, perhaps the most well-known theme from The Planets (and the theme on which this arrangement is based), Holst provides a broad tune embodying these traits. In 1921, Holst adapted the theme to fit the patriotic poem I Vow to Thee, My Country by Cecil Spring Rice, and was written as a unison song with orchestra. It did not appear as the hymn tune until 1926, when Holst harmonized this melody, named Thaxted, named after the English village where he had lived for many years. Holst's friend Ralph Vaughan Williams included it in Songs of Praise. It has since been performed at numerous occasions, most notably for the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales in 1981, and also at the funerals of Princess Diana in 1997, Margaret Thatcher in 2013 and Senator John McCain where it was performed at the Washington National Cathedral on September 1, 2018. In addition to being used as the melody for the solemn, patriotic hymn I Vow to Thee, My Country, other settings of this hymn tune also include O God, Beyond All Praising, by Michael Perry in 1982, O Spirit All-Embracing by Delores Dufner in 1995 and We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God, a paraphrase of the Te Deum Laudemus by Stephen P. Starke in 1999.
Regis Bookshar thought that it would be wonderful if other instrumentalists could have the opportunity to play this beautiful melody, so, in addition to the Trumpet Quintet version and this version for a Saxophone Quintet, consisting of 2 Alto Saxophones, 2 Tenor Saxophones (one of which has the lead) and 1 Baritone Saxophone, he has made quite a few other arrangements of this selection. There are Quintets 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 added as often as possible. I'm certain that this beautiful arrangement of O Spirit All-Embracing based on the Andante Maestoso section from Ju.

SKU: A0.813832

Largo (from Symphony No. 9 in E minor) (From the New World) (Db) (Saxophone Quintet) - Intermediate - Digital Download. This marvelous arrangement of the Largo, based on the second movement of Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 in E minor, would be a fabulous addition to any music library and could be performed for concerts, recitals and church services, especially Funerals, but would be appropriate any time during the church year. This arrangement 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 (19 pages). This selection is one of the many arrangements from the The Regis Bookshar Trumpet Ensemble's extensive music library which are being made available for the first time.

Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 (subtitled From the New World and popularly know as the New World Symphony), was composed by Antonin Dvorak in 1893 while he was the director of the National Conservatory of Music of America from 1892 to 1895. It premiered at Carnegie Hall in New York City on December 16, 1893 and has been described as one of the most popular of all symphonies. The second movement of the symphony, upon which this arrangement is based, is marked Largo, and begins with a harmonic progression of chords which is then followed by a solo instrument playing the famous main theme.

Dvorak was interested in Native American music and the African-American spirituals he heard in North America. While director of the National Conservatory he encountered an African-American student, Harry T. Burleigh, who sang traditional spirituals to him. Burleigh, later a composer himself, said that Dvorak had absorbed their spirit before writing his own melodies. Dvorak stated:
  
  I am convinced that the future music of this country must be founded on what are called Negro melodies. These can be the foundation of a serious and original school of composition to be developed in the United States. These beautiful and varied themes are the product of the soil. They are folk songs of America and your composers must turn to them.

He further explained how Native American music influenced his symphony:

  I have not actually used any of these (Native American) melodies. I have simply written original themes embodying the peculiarities of the Indian music, and, using these themes as subjects, have developed them with all the resources of modern rhythms, counterpoint, and orchestral colour.

In 1893, a newspaper interview quoted Dvorak as saying, I found that the music of the negroes and of the Indians was practically identical, and that the music of the two races bore a remarkable similarity to the music of Scotland. Most historians agree that Dvorak is referring to the pentatonic scale, which is typical of each of these musical traditions.

Dvorak was influenced not only by music he heard, but also by what he had seen, in America. He wrote that he would not have composed his American pieces as he had if he had not seen America. It has been said that Dvorak was inspired by the wide open spaces of America, such as the prairies he may have seen on his trip to Iowa in the summer of 1893. Notices about several performances of the symphony include the phrase wide open spaces about what inspired the symphony and/or about the feelings it conveys to listeners.

The theme from the Largo was adapted into the spiritual Goin' Home (often mistakenly considered a folk song or traditional spiritual) by Dvorak's pupil, William Arms Fisher, who wrote the lyrics in 1922. Regis Bookshar thought it would be wonderful if other instrumentalists could have the opportunity to play this beautiful melody, so, in addition to this version for a Saxophone Quintet, consisting of 2 Alto Saxophones, 2 Tenor Saxophones and 1 Baritone Saxophone, he has made quite a few other arrangements.

SKU: A0.813125

Saxophone Quintet - Advanced/Intermediate - Digital Download. This selection, For Unto Us a Child is Born, from George Frideric Handel's world-famous oratorio, Messiah, would be an excellent addition to any music library. Originally written for a four-part chorus accompanied by a small orchestra, this selection has been arranged for a Saxophone Quintet, consisting of 2 Alto Saxophones, 2 Tenor Saxophones and 1 Baritone Saxophone, by Regis Bookshar, without losing any of the vitality of the original version. I'm certain that this exciting arrangement will entertain both performers and audiences alike for years to come. It is perfect for Christmas concerts and church services, is suitable for high school, college and professional performers and is one of my all-time favorite arrangements. Included are a score and a complete set of parts (34 pages). Handel's original version is written in the key of Concert G. This version is written in the key of Concert F, to make it a little easier for some younger performers. This arrangement will prove to be a challenge for many players, especially during long passages played using one breath. Other versions of this selection, in both the keys of Concert F and the original key of Concert G, are available for a variety of instrumental ensembles. If you are considering having an organist or other keyboard player perform with this selection, I would suggest that you purchase the version in Concert G rather than the one in Concert F. Also available are numerous other arrangements in a variety of styles. I would encourage you to search for other arrangements by Regis Bookshar. You may find something else which might interest you as well. I'm certain that this arrangement will please students and audiences alike.

SKU: A0.813715

Jupiter (Andante Maestoso from Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from The Planets) (Saxophone Quintet) - Intermediate - Digital Download. This marvelous arrangement of the Andante Maestoso section from Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from Gustav Holst's The Planets, would be a fabulous addition to any music library and could be performed for concerts and recitals but if you are considering using this selection for church services in which a congregation may sing along, I would suggest that you look for the arrangements of either I Vow to Thee, My Country, O God, Beyond All Praising, O Spirit All Embracing or Thaxted, also by Regis Bookshar. They are all based on the same excerpt from Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from The Planets. These arrangements are suitable for high school and college students but professional musicians would also enjoy playing these selections as well. Included are a score and a complete set of parts (9 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 Quintet version of this composition quite often for numerous weddings and other special occasions.
The Planets, written between 1914 and 1917 by the English composer Gustav Holst, premiered at the Queen's Hall in London, on September 29, 1918 for an invited audience of about 250 people. In the fourth movement, Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity, Holst portrays Jupiter's supposedly characteristic abundance of life and vitality. Nobility and generosity are allegedly characteristics of those born under Jupiter, and in the slower, middle section marked Andante Maestoso, perhaps the most well-known theme from The Planets (and the theme on which this arrangement is based), Holst provides a broad tune embodying these traits. In 1921, Holst adapted the theme to fit the patriotic poem I Vow to Thee, My Country by Cecil Spring Rice, and was written as a unison song with orchestra. It did not appear as the hymn tune until 1926, when Holst harmonized this melody, named Thaxted, named after the English village where he had lived for many years. Holst's friend Ralph Vaughan Williams included it in Songs of Praise. It has since been performed at numerous occasions, most notably for the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales in 1981, and also at the funerals of Princess Diana in 1997, Margaret Thatcher in 2013 and Senator John McCain where it was performed at the Washington National Cathedral on September 1, 2018. In addition to being used as the melody for the solemn, patriotic hymn I Vow to Thee, My Country, other settings of this hymn tune also include O God, Beyond All Praising, by Michael Perry in 1982, O Spirit All Embracing by Delores Dufner in 1995 and We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God, a paraphrase of the Te Deum Laudemus by Stephen P. Starke in 1999.
Regis Bookshar thought that it would be wonderful if other instrumentalists could have the opportunity to play this beautiful melody, so, in addition to the Trumpet Quintet version and this version for a Saxophone Quintet, consisting of 2 Alto Saxophones, 2 Tenor Saxophones (one of which has the lead) and 1 Baritone Saxophone, he has made quite a few other arrangements of this selection. There are Quintets 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 added as often as possible. I'm certain that this beautiful arrang.

SKU: A0.813684

I Vow to Thee, My Country (Thaxted) (Bb) (Saxophone Quintet) - Intermediate - Digital Download. This marvelous arrangement of I Vow to Thee, My Country, a hymn tune based on the Andante Maestoso section from Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from Gustav Holst's The Planets, would be a fabulous addition to any music library and could be performed for church services, especially Weddings and Funerals, but would be appropriate any time during the church year. However, if you are looking to perform this selection for concerts or recitals, I would suggest you look for the arrangement of Jupiter (Andante Maestoso from Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from The Planets), also by Regis Bookshar. These arrangements are suitable for high school and college students but professional musicians would also enjoy playing these selections as well. Included are a score and a complete set of parts (9 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 Quintet version of this composition quite often for numerous weddings and other special occasions.
The Planets, written between 1914 and 1917 by the English composer Gustav Holst, premiered at the Queen's Hall in London, on September 29, 1918 for an invited audience of about 250 people. In the fourth movement, Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity, Holst portrays Jupiter's supposedly characteristic abundance of life and vitality. Nobility and generosity are allegedly characteristics of those born under Jupiter, and in the slower, middle section marked Andante Maestoso, perhaps the most well-known theme from The Planets (and the theme on which this arrangement is based), Holst provides a broad tune embodying these traits. In 1921, Holst adapted the theme to fit the patriotic poem I Vow to Thee, My Country by Cecil Spring Rice, and was written as a unison song with orchestra. It did not appear as the hymn tune until 1926, when Holst harmonized this melody, named Thaxted, named after the English village where he had lived for many years. Holst's friend Ralph Vaughan Williams included it in Songs of Praise. It has since been performed at numerous occasions, most notably for the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales in 1981, and also at the funerals of Princess Diana in 1997, Margaret Thatcher in 2013 and Senator John McCain where it was performed at the Washington National Cathedral on September 1, 2018. In addition to being used as the melody for the solemn, patriotic hymn I Vow to Thee, My Country, other settings of this hymn tune also include O God, Beyond All Praising, by Michael Perry in 1982, O Spirit All Embracing by Delores Dufner in 1995 and We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God, a paraphrase of the Te Deum Laudemus by Stephen P. Starke in 1999.
Regis Bookshar thought that it would be wonderful if other instrumentalists could have the opportunity to play this beautiful melody, so, in addition to the Trumpet Quintet version and this version for a Saxophone Quintet, consisting of 2 Alto Saxophones (one of which has the lead), 2 Tenor Saxophones and 1 Baritone Saxophone, he has made quite a few other arrangements of this selection. There are Quintets 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 added as often as possible. I'm certain that this beautiful arrangement of I Vow to Thee, My Country based on the Andante Maestoso se.

SKU: A0.813857

Saxophone Quintet - Advanced/Intermediate - Digital Download. This marvelous arrangement of the March from Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's extremely popular, The Nutcracker Suite, would be a fabulous addition to any music library and could be performed for concerts and recitals but would be most appropriate during the Holiday season. This selection has been arranged to keep all of the intensity and excitement of the original composition and 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 (25 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.

The Nutcracker is an 1892 two-act ballet with a score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It has enjoyed enormous popularity since the late 1960's and is performed by countless ballet companies, primarily during the Christmas season, especially in North America. Tchaikovsky's score has become one of his most famous compositions. Some critics have called it astonishingly rich in detailed inspiration and from beginning to end, beautiful, melodious, original and characteristic. The ballet's first complete performance outside Russia took place in England in 1934. The first complete United States performance was on December 24, 1944, by the San Francisco Ballet. It was such an enormous success that the San Francisco Ballet has presented The Nutcracker every Christmas Eve and throughout the winter season, debuting new productions in 1944, 1954, 1967 and 2004. In Salt Lake City, it has been performed every year since 1963. The New York City Ballet gave its first annual performance in 1954. In addition to annual live stagings of the work, many productions have also been televised or released on home video.

The Nutcracker continues to be one of Tchaikovsky's most popular compositions and contains some of his most memorable works. Tchaikovsky made a selection of eight of the numbers from the ballet before the ballet's December 1892 premiere, forming The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a, and is intended for concert performance. The suite was first performed, under the composer's direction, on March 19, 1892. The suite became instantly popular with almost every number encored at its premiere.

Regis Bookshar thought that it would be wonderful if other instrumentalists could also have the opportunity to play some of these wonderful compositions, originally scored for a full orchestra, and has arranged two of the selections, the popular March and the Russian Dance for a wide variety of instrumental ensembles. So, in addition to this version of the March for a Saxophone Quintet, consisting of 2 Alto Saxophones, 2 Tenor Saxophones and 1 Baritone Saxophone, he has made quite a few other arrangements of this selection for various Quintets and Octets and are readily available. If you should decide to purchase this arrangement of the March, I would highly encourage you to also consider purchasing the arrangement of the Russian Dance as well. Scheduling the March followed by the Russian Dance would be a very satisfying addition to any concert or recital. Please take the time to look for other versions of these compositions. You may find something else that might also suit your needs.

I would also encourage you to search for other arrangements by Regis Bookshar, as there are numerous selections 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 wonderful arrangement of the March from Tchaikovsky's marvelous holiday favorite, The Nutcracker Suite, will continue to entertain both performers and audiences al.

SKU: A0.813161

Saxophone Quintet - Advanced/Intermediate - Digital Download. This selection, And the Glory of the Lord, from George Frideric Handel's world-famous oratorio, Messiah, would be an excellent addition to any music library. Originally written for a four-part chorus accompanied by a small orchestra, this selection has been arranged for a Saxophone Quintet, consisting of 2 Alto Saxophones, 2 Tenor Saxophones and 1 Baritone Saxophone, by Regis Bookshar, without losing any of the vitality of the original version. I'm certain that this exciting arrangement will entertain both performers and audiences alike for years to come. It is perfect for Christmas concerts and church services, is suitable for high school, college and professional performers and is one of my all-time favorite arrangements. Included are a score and a complete set of parts (20 pages). Handel's original version is written in the key of Concert G but this version is written in the key of Concert F, to make it a little easier for some younger performers. However, this arrangement may still prove to be a challenge for some players. Other versions of this selection, in both the keys of Concert F and the original key of Concert G, are available for a variety of instrumental ensembles. If you are considering having an organist or other keyboard player perform with this selection, I would suggest that you purchase the version in Concert G rather than the one in Concert F. Other selections from Handel's Messiah are also available, as are numerous other arrangements in a variety of styles. I would encourage you to search for other arrangements by Regis Bookshar. You may find something else which might interest you as well. I'm certain that students and audiences will definitely enjoy this arrangement.

SKU: A0.813774

Thaxted (Bb) (Saxophone Quintet) - Intermediate - Digital Download. This marvelous arrangement of Thaxted, a hymn tune based on the Andante Maestoso section from Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from Gustav Holst's The Planets, would be a fabulous addition to any music library and could be performed for church services, especially Weddings and Funerals, but would be appropriate any time during the church year. However, if you are looking to perform this selection for concerts or recitals, I would suggest you look for the arrangement of Jupiter (Andante Maestoso from Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from The Planets), also by Regis Bookshar. These arrangements are suitable for high school and college students but professional musicians would also enjoy playing these selections as well. Included are a score and a complete set of parts (9 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 Quintet version of this composition quite often for numerous weddings and other special occasions.
The Planets, written between 1914 and 1917 by the English composer Gustav Holst, premiered at the Queen's Hall in London, on September 29, 1918 for an invited audience of about 250 people. In the fourth movement, Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity, Holst portrays Jupiter's supposedly characteristic abundance of life and vitality. Nobility and generosity are allegedly characteristics of those born under Jupiter, and in the slower, middle section marked Andante Maestoso, perhaps the most well-known theme from The Planets (and the theme on which this arrangement is based), Holst provides a broad tune embodying these traits. In 1921, Holst adapted the theme to fit the patriotic poem I Vow to Thee, My Country by Cecil Spring Rice, and was written as a unison song with orchestra. It did not appear as the hymn tune until 1926, when Holst harmonized this melody, named Thaxted, named after the English village where he had lived for many years. Holst's friend Ralph Vaughan Williams included it in Songs of Praise. It has since been performed at numerous occasions, most notably for the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales in 1981, and also at the funerals of Princess Diana in 1997, Margaret Thatcher in 2013 and Senator John McCain where it was performed at the Washington National Cathedral on September 1, 2018. In addition to being used as the melody for the solemn, patriotic hymn I Vow to Thee, My Country, other settings of this hymn tune also include O God, Beyond All Praising, by Michael Perry in 1982, O Spirit All Embracing by Delores Dufner in 1995 and We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God, a paraphrase of the Te Deum Laudemus by Stephen P. Starke in 1999.
Regis Bookshar thought that it would be wonderful if other instrumentalists could have the opportunity to play this beautiful melody, so, in addition to the Trumpet Quintet version and this version for a Saxophone Quintet, consisting of 2 Alto Saxophones, 2 Tenor Saxophones and 1 Baritone Saxophone (which has the lead), he has made quite a few other arrangements of this selection. There are Quintets 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 added as often as possible. I'm certain that this beautiful arrangement of Thaxted based on the Andante Maestoso section from Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from Gustav Holst's The.