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Dance of the Mirlitons – Woodwind Quintet
The Suite of movements extracted by Tchaikovsky from his ballet music for The Nutcracker was an immediate success. As prevalent as the complete ballet The Nutcracker is today, it is hard to imagine that it took years, and perhaps the staging of George Balanchine, for it to become popular.
Some of the most memorable pieces from the suite are the Characteristic Dances. In Act II of the ballet, these movements are employed to introduce different residents of the “Land of Sweets.” Tchaikovsky’s orchestration makes adept use of wind instrument color. This translates very effectively in arrangements for the woodwind quintet.
In this arrangement of Dance of the Toy Flutes (Danse des Mirlitons), flute, oboe and clarinet offer the famous “reed pipe” choir while horn and bassoon supply other elements of the orchestral texture.
Composer: Mark Questad
Instrumentation: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, F Horn & Bassoon
Duration/# of Pages: ca. 2:35 / 17 pages, 8.5″ x 11″
Key: D -
Deck The Halls – Flute Quartet
A bright and refreshing setting of this traditional carol with contrapuntal lines adding a special touch.
Attention flute choirs: There is an alto flute part (Flute 3 sounding one octave lower) available if you want to expand the flute quartet and include alto, bass and/or contrabass. Please include a note with your order and the alto flute will be sent to you via email.
Composer: Bill Reichenbach
Instrumentation: Flute Quartet
Duration/# of Pages: ca. 1:25 / 9 pages, 8.5″ x 11″
Key: G -
Deck the Halls – Woodwind Quintet
This popular carol’s English lyric dates from the late 19th century but it’s melody goes back to 16th century Wales. The arrangement for woodwind quintet is a series of variations designed to be fun for each member of the quintet to play. In the end though, it’s a real showcase for the bassoon.
Composer: Mark Questad
Instrumentation: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, F Horn & Bassoon
Duration/# of Pages: ca. 2:45 / 19 pages, 8.5″ x 11″
Key: Bb-C-Bb -
Die himmel erzählen die Ehre Gottes (Schütz) – Flute Choir
Heinrich Schütz (1585 – 1672) was a Renaissance composer is regarded as the most important German composer prior to Johann Sebastian Bach. His compositions show the influence of his teacher, Gabrieli.
One of the last composers to write in modal style, the text for this
piece is from Psalm 19. The title translates to: The heavens are telling the glory of God.Originally written for six voices, the piece is ideal for flute choir and will sound glorious in a church or recital setting.
The Ohio State University Flute Troupe, directed by Katherine Borst Jones, recorded this piece. The full version is available for your listening pleasure under the “Hear an Excerpt” link.
Composer: Anne McGinty
Instrumentation: Piccolo, 4 Flutes, Alto Flute & Bass Flute
Duration/# of Pages: ca. 3:45 / 24 pages, 8.5″ x 11″
Key: N/A
