Reynaldo Hahn ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne
An arrangement of this beautifully lyrical song.  It is well-known that Hahn was a pasticheur, and this example of French mélodie style works well for the saxophone ensemble.  (Grade 5-7)

Sample score

 

Melanie Thorne

A lively quartet written in a jazz style rondo form. (Grade 5-8)

[SATB]

Sample Score

Claude Debussy ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

The three works in this arrangement are contrasting, and are perhaps not as well-known as some of Debussy’s other works.  The first Minstrels was written in the years just before WW1, and the many changes of tempi and mood provide interest for both the performers and audiences.  The second piece Le Petit Berger is a relaxed reflective piece, exploring the sonorities of the instruments.  The final piece Danse Bohémienne is a very lively composition that was written in 1880 whilst Debussy lived in Russia, and the dance-like elements were influenced through the vitality of some Polish dances. (Grade 6-8)

[SATB]

Sample score

Melanie Thorne

A tango based quartet including many different styles. (Grade 5-8)

[SATB]

Sample Score

J S Bach ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of the Air from Bach’s Suite No. 3 in D. A straight

opening which then moves into a swing arrangement. (Grade 4-6)

[SATB]

Sample Score

Claudio Monteverdi ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An Impressive opener for concerts. (Grade 4-5)

[AAAT]

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J S Bach ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of the famous Badinerie from Suite No 2

in B Minor. (Grade 5-6)

[SATB]

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Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A Christmas arrangement with a variety of styles including Swing.

The titles in the Medley are ‘Joy to the World’,

‘Good King Wencelslas’, ‘Wassail Song’ and ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’.

(Grade 4-6)

[AAAT]

Sample Score

Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A medley of Christmas favourites including ‘In Dulce Jubilo’,

‘The Coventry Carol’ and ‘Deck the Hall’. (Grade 4-5)

[SAAT]

Sample Score

Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A medley of Christmas favourites including ‘In Dulce Jubilo’,

‘The Coventry Carol’ and ‘Deck the Hall’. (Grade 4-5)

[AAAT]

Sample Score

Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

This has been arranged to be performed as individual items or as

a complete medley.  It includes ‘Once in Royal’, ‘The Holly and the Ivy’,

‘Silent Night’ and ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’. (Grade 1-3)

[SAAB]

Sample Score

Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

This has been arranged to be performed as individual items or as

a complete medley.  It includes ‘Once in Royal’, ‘The Holly and the Ivy’,

‘Silent Night’ and ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’. (Grade 1-3)

[AAAA/TTTT]

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

Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of this famous folk tune, incorporating many

popular styles, including a swing-jazz element. (Grade 4-6)

[SAAB]

Sample Score

Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of this famous folk tune, incorporating many

popular styles, including a swing-jazz element. (Grade 4-6)

[AAAT]

Sample Score

Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of this famous folk tune, incorporating many

popular styles, including a swing-jazz element. (Grade 4-6)

[SATB]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

A lively quartet written in a jazz style Rondo form. (Grade 6-8+)

[SATB]

Sample Score

G F Handel ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A set of variations based on the Harmonious Blacksmith by Handel.

Two variations are in a swing style and the final variation requires

fluency in scales! (Grade 5-8)

[SATB]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

A three movement quartet exploiting different styles from Jazz

through to contemporary. (Grade 6-8)

[AATT]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

A three movement quartet exploiting different styles from Jazz

through to contemporary. (Grade 6-8)

[SATB]

Sample Score

Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A set of variations on this well-known tune, includes swing and

hoe-down styles. (Grade 4-5)

[AAAT]

Sample Score

Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A set of variations on this well-known tune, includes swing and

hoe-down styles. (Grade 4-5)

[AAAA/TTTT]

Sample Score

Ludwig van Beethoven ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A not-so irreverent arrangement of the 1st movement of Beethoven’s

5th Symphony.  It is very recognizable with some rock-style sections

and an interesting Baritone part. (Grade 6-8)

[AAAT]

Sample Score

Ludwig van Beethoven ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A not-so irreverent arrangement of the 1st movement of Beethoven’s

5th Symphony.  It is very recognizable with some rock-style sections

and an interesting Baritone part. (Grade 6-8)

[SATB]

Sample Score

Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of three English folksongs in various styles. (Grade 4-6)

[AAAT]

Sample Score

Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of three English folksongs in various styles. (Grade 4-6)

[SATB]

Sample Score

Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A challenging medley of traditional Irish melodies. (Grade 4-6)

[SATB]

Sample Score

Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A challenging medley of traditional Irish melodies. (Grade 4-6)

[AAAT]

Sample Score

Traditional ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A medley of Scottish tunes, arranged in many different styles, ranging from the traditional through to jazz. (Grade 5-6)

[SATB]

sample Score

Melanie Thorne

Two contrasting movements written in jazz swing style. (Grade 4-6)

[SATB]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

Two contrasting movements written in jazz swing style. (Grade 4-6)

[AAAT]

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

Niccolo Paganini ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A set of variations on the famous theme by Paganini. (Grade 4-6)

[AAAT]

Sample Score

J S Bach ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

Two of Bach’s Inventions are still recognizable with an element of humour.

(Grade 6-8)

[AATT]

Sample Score

J S Bach ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

Two of Bach’s Inventions are still recognizable with an element of humour.

(Grade 6-8)

[SATB]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

Three rag-based quartets which would provide excellent

material for a concert.  The third rag – Boogie Rag – contains some

very catchy rhythms and tunes. (Grade 5-6)

[AAAT]

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

A Vivaldi ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

A lively arrangement of this lyrical movement ‘Autumn’ from

‘The Four Seasons’. (Grade 4-6)

[SATB]

Sample Score

Gabriel Fauré ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of the famous Sicilienne by Gabriel Fauré which requires

a real understanding of ensemble playing, with interweaving melodic lines

and dove-tailing accompanying figuration. (Grade 6-8)

[SATB]

Sample Score

 

 

Melanie Thorne

A quartet consisting of three separate movements, giving each

player a challenge in solo and ensemble playing. (Grade 5-6)

[SAAB]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

A quartet consisting of three separate movements, giving each

player a challenge in solo and ensemble playing. (Grade 5-6)

[AAAT]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

A quartet consisting of three separate movements, giving each

player a challenge in solo and ensemble playing. (Grade 5-6)

[SATB]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

A quartet consisting of three separate movements, giving each

player a challenge in solo and ensemble playing. (Grade 5-6)

[AATT]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

Two contrasting movements.  The first is a fast and rhythmic

movement with some Latin influence.  The second has more of a

bluesy feel and then progresses into a faster swing-style. (Grade 5-8)

[SATB]

Sample Score

 

Melanie Thorne

This quartet is written to reflect the changing weather and the history of the Solway. It consists of 3 movements.  The 1st movement is reflective; the 2nd movement includes a traditional tune from Cumbria and also from Scotland and the tempo is driven by fast rhythmic motives; the 3rd movement describes the often turbulent weather which can be followed by an eerie calmness over the water. (Grade 6-8) [SATB]

Sample score

Melanie Thorne

A good concert item with plenty of humour. (Grade 4-5)

[AAAT]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

A good concert item with plenty of humour. (Grade 4-5)

[SAAB]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

A good concert item with plenty of humour. (Grade 4-5)

[AAAA/TTTT]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

A good concert item with plenty of humour. (Grade 4-5)

[SATB]

Sample Score

Pauline Gordon

This saxophone quartet by Pauline Gordon consists of three

movements in contrasting styles.  A rhythmic first movement,

a lyrical second movement and a blues-style third movement.

(Grade 5-8)

[SATB]

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.  The duration is approximately 26 minutes.  (Grade 7-8+)

[SATB]

Sample score

G F Handel ~ arranged by Melanie Thorne
This is an arrangement of the famous ‘Entrance of the Queen of Sheba’ from Solomon.  It is not always faithful to the original as it is not just a transcription and has been slightly shortened to make it playable for wind instruments.  The 4th part also gives the work a sense of direction through the varying bass line, and provides interest, rather than just harmonic support, for the baritone player. (Grade 7-8)
[SATB]

Sample score

 

J.S. Bach ~ arranged by Melanie Thorne

Unlike the other keyboard Toccatas, BWV 916 is clearly in 3 movements and the first movement is an ideal opener for concerts.  It alternates ritornello and tutti sections, and this arrangement (not totally a transcription) works well for the saxophone ensemble.  Although there are some passages that are not identical to the original, the harmonic profile of the original has been retained. (Grade 6-8) [SATB]

Sample score

 

Melanie Thorne

A fun, jazzy quartet.  Good for counting and jazz ensemble playing.

(Grade 4-6)

[SAAB]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

A fun, jazzy quartet.  Good for counting and jazz ensemble playing.

(Grade 4-6)

[SAAT]

Sample Score

Melanie Thorne

A fun, jazzy quartet.  Good for counting and jazz ensemble playing.

(Grade 4-6)

[AAAT]

Sample Score

Peter Maxwell Davies ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of the piano piece by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies –

works very well for this combination of instruments. (Grade 5-6)

[AATT]

Sample Score

Peter Maxwell Davies ~ Arranged by Melanie Thorne

An arrangement of the piano piece by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies –

works very well for this combination of instruments. (Grade 5-6)

[AATB]

Sample Score