Noble Gases
Subtitle: For Flexible Quintet
General Info
Year: 2017 / 2020
Duration: c. 7:30
Difficulty: V+ (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Saxophone Quintet
Publisher: Anthony David Perkins
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $120.00; (digital) - $90.00 | Score Only (print) - $25.00
Movements
1. Helium (He)
2. Neon (Ne)
3. Argon (Ar)
4. Krypton (Kr)
5. Xenon (Xe)
6. Radon (Rn)
Instrumentation (Flexible)
Full Score
Part 1
- Flute
- Oboe
- E-flat Soprano Saxophone
- B-flat Soprano Clarinet
- B-flat Trumpet
Part 2
- B-flat Soprano Clarinet
- E-flat Alto Saxophone
- B-flat Trumpet
Part 3
- B-flat Soprano Clarinet
- English Horn
- E-flat Alto Saxophone
- B-flat Trumpet
- Horn in F
Part 4
- Bassoon
- B-flat Bass Clarinet
- B-flat Tenor Saxophone
- Horn in F
- Trombone
- Euphonium
Part 5
- Bassoon
- B-flat Bass Clarinet
- E-flat Baritone Saxophone
- Bass Trombone
- Tuba
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
Noble Gases is a set of six short works for flexible quintet, inspired by the six noble gases and their applications: Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe), and the radioactive Radon (Rn). Discovered by Sir William Ramsay, these chemical elements are extremely rare in nature and have numerous, important applications in science and technology. These short works can be performed as a suite, individually, or in any combination.
- Program Note from publisher
Performance Notes
Each of the parts are of similar difficulty, requiring close observance of articulation and dynamic indications. Some liberties can be taken in regards to tempo, while staying within the character of each movement.
In this flexible arrangement, any combination of woodwinds will yield a vibrant, colorful ensemble. The brass parts are significantly more challenging than the woodwind versions due to the high registers and melodic runs. While it is feasible to perform the work as a full ensemble wind band work, doing so would create numerous challenges as every performer plays uninterrupted.
If the entire set of six movements is performed, it is suggested that they be performed in order, finishing with Radon.
Media
- Audio: Reference recording (saxophone quintet edition). Royal College of Music, London Saxophone Ensemble
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
Works for Winds by This Composer
Adaptable Music
- Noble Gases (Flex instrumentation) (2017/2020)
All Wind Works
- Alcatraz (2014)
- Asylum (2017)
- Clutch. (2019)
- Conspiracy Theories (2016)
- Gradients (2017)
- Horror Vacui (2020)
- Left of Boom (2022)
- Noble Gases (Flex instrumentation) (2017/2020)
- On Shoulders of Giants (2021)
- Prayers in Villefranche (2016)
- The Raptor Rides the Whale (2018)
- Skeletonic (2022)
- Société Blue (2022)
- Southeast by Northwest (2016)
- Trip the Light Fantastic (2015)
- Tuebor (2020)
- Until the Night Collapses (2018)
- Vox Nostra (2022)
- Wigs & Gilt (2023)
Resources
- Andrew David Perkins website Accessed 3 August 2020
- Perusal score