Melanie Thorne

A tango-based solo for alto sax and piano.  It includes some key clicks and progresses through a range of styles. (Grade 5-6)

Sample Score

J S Bach ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

This is a demanding piece for saxophone ensemble, but worth the practice!
This arrangement is faithful to the original but contains a small cut in the
1st movement which makes it more appropriate for wind players.
(Grade 6-8)
[SSAATTBB]

Sample score

Pamela Campanelli

‘Contrasting Moods’ is both fun to listen to and play.  Each movement includes melodies that entice the listener through a sophisticated structure.  There are five contrasting movements that include a funk style, folk style, canon structure (in the most musical sense), shanty style and the last movement contains fast, short bold phrases using canon and variations.  In short, there should be something for everyone! (Grade 6-8)
[SATB]

Sample score

Camille Saint-Saëns ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of the famous ‘Danse Macabre’ by Camille Saint-Saëns. (Grade 5-8)
[SSAATTBB]

Sample Score

W.A. Mozart ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

This is an arrangement of the famous overture to the opera
‘Don Giovanni’ by Mozart.  It works especially well for
saxophone players and there is plenty of interest in all parts.
(Grades 6-8)
[SSAATTBB]

Sample score

Pauline Gordon

A composition for Soprano or Tenor saxophone and piano by Pauline Gordon.  This Suite comprises of 3 contrasting movements – all with character and humour.  The first movement is set at a fairly fast tempo in a syncopated style.  The second movement is in a ‘swing’ bluesy style and the third movement is fast and rhythmic.

Sample score

Pauline Gordon

A Lively, syncopated composition with a Scottish feel to the music,
reflecting the time spent by the composer at the Gartmore
Saxophone course. Grade 6-8
[SSAATTBB]

Sample score

Gioacchino Rossini ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

This overture is from an early opera by Rossini.  It is typical of Rossini’s
lighthearted yet energetic style.  The original was forward-looking
with the instruction for the Second Violins to tap their bows on their
music stands.  In this arrangement, the tapping is replaced with ‘key taps’. (Grade 5-8)
[SSAATTBB]

Sample score

Claude Debussy ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

‘La Cathédrale Engloutie’ is one of the preludes included in Debussy’s first volume of piano preludes published in 1910.  There are many specific techniques that are required by pianists and these are replicated, as far as possible, by the different saxophones.  The original requires a complete exploration of the entire range of the piano – this has been slightly reduced due to the ranges of the wind instruments,  however, it is still very effective. (Grade 5-8)
[SSAATTBB]

Sample score

Melanie Thorne

Nine duets that have been composed for an educational purpose with a teacher and pupil part.  The music explores different styles, tonalities and techniques.  This is a good introduction to duet playing. (Grade 2-4)
[AA or TT]

Sample score

Peter Tchaikowsky Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of five movements of the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikowsky.  There are several different styles included and a twist from the original for some of them.  There is melodic interest in all four parts.  Grade 6-8
[SATB]

Sample score

Melanie Thorne

Three Rag-based solos for either Alto or Tenor sax and piano.  The first piece ‘Opening Rag’ is set at a lively tempo with some interesting interplay with the piano.  The Second piece ‘Ragout’ is a little more relaxed, but still maintains the ‘rag’ characteristics.  The last piece ‘Boogie Rag’ is fast with a driving rhythm maintained throughout. (Grade 4-5)
[A or T/Pno]

Sample score

Pauline Gordon

A ‘cool swing’ composition by Pauline Gordon.  Its feline characteristics
depict the unpredictable.  As the composer says, where she lives
“the cats who come to pay a visit, eat some treats and stroll
nonchalantly off down the lane”. Grade 6-8
[SSAATTBB]

Sample score

George Gershwin ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

‘Rialto Ripples’ was composed in 1917 and is George Gershwin’s first published instrumental piece – it is also his only piano rag.  This is a fun piece to play and clearly demonstrates Gershwin’s emerging style. (Grade 5-6)
[SATB]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

This trio is in Swing-time throughout with a short, slower tempo bluesy
section.  All parts have some melodic interest.  It lasts just over 2 minutes.
(Grade 3-5)

Sample Score

William Boyce ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of the very popular Symphony No. IV by
William Boyce.  This is a very tuneful work and would be a
popular item for concerts.  The key is compatible with the
Clarinet Choir arrangement. (Grade 5-7)
[SSAATTBB opt. Timps]

Sample Score

Antonín Dvorák arranged by Melanie Thorne

The ‘American’ String Quartet is one of Dvorák’s most famous chamber works and was written in 1893 whilst the composer was working in the United States, and there are many american influences in this composition.  This arrangement is not without challenges for the saxophone quartet, but the style and character of the original have been carefully maintained. (Grade 7-8+)
[SATB]

Sample score