Autumn from "The Seasons"
Alexander Glazunov (arr. V. F. Safranek)
Subtitle: Bacchanal : 4th Scene from the Ballet The Seasons, op. 67b
This work bears the designation United States Military Band Journal no. 251
General Info
Year: 1921
Duration: c. 8:00
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Carl Fischer
Cost: Score and Parts - Out of print
Instrumentation
Condensed Score
D-flat Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
Contrabassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet Solo-I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Bass Saxophone
Cornets Solo-I-II
Flugelhorn I-II
E-flat Horn I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II
Bass Trombone
Euphonium I-II
Tuba
Celesta
Timpani
Percussion, including:
- Bass Drum
- Crash Cymbals
- Orchestra Bells
- Snare Drum
- Suspended Cymbal
- Tambourine
- Triangle
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
The Seasons ballet is Alexander Glazourov's most popular work, representing Romantic music at its peak. This three-movement transcription faithfully adheres to the original voicings and sonorities.
- Program Note from publisher
Glazunov’s musical score to choreographer Marius Petipa ballet Les Saisons (The Seasons) was first debuted in 1900. Autumn is the last of four tableaus, or scenes, depicted in the ballet. The opening phrase immediately brings life the final, exuberant tableau, introducing dancers in a recurring melodic motif the ‘Autumn Bacchanale’. With its soaring melodic line and dance-like percussive foundation (provided by a tambourine ostinato), the bacchanale conveys a celebratory portrayal of the autumnal season. Musical motifs from the spring movement are recalled with dolce melodies in the clarinet and flute, and the chirping of birds represented by oboe and piccolo. The centerpiece of the movement includes a significant romantic adagio section featuring solo instrumentalists as well as a prominent role for the harpist. The primary melody is presented, developed, then carried forth by various voices before each ascends, then dissolves, signifying the falling of the autumn leaves. The frolicking bacchanale motif returns once again, this time presented in triple meter variation. Near the end of the work, a robust line in the low brass conveys certainty of the changing seasons forthwith. Darkness and seeming instability gives way to a sense of ease and resolve, and the closing of the ballet ultimately reflects the celestial brightness of the collection of constellations that have hovered above earth throughout the ages.
- Program Notes by Julia Loshelder and Quinton Smith for the Marcus High School Wind Symphony
Media
- Audio CD: United States Marine Band (William F. Santelmann, conductor) - 2014
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- Marcus High School (Flower Mound) Wind Symphony (Amanda Drinkwater, conductor; Jaymee Haefner, harp) - 13 February 2015 (2015 TMEA Conference, San Antonio)
Works for Winds by This Composer
- Autumn (arr. Bancroft) (1900/1970)
- Autumn from "The Seasons" (arr. Safranek) (1900/1921)
- Saxophone Concerto in E-Flat Major (tr. Kreines) (1934/)
- Concerto in E-flat
- Finale from "Symphony No. 5" (arr. Kline) (1895/)
- March on a Russian Theme
- Marche de Noces
- Ouverture Solennelle (arr. Balay) (1901/)
- Quatuor pour saxophones (1932/1959)
- Raymonda (arr. Suzuki) (1898/2001)
- Saxophone Concerto (arr. Dobbelstein) (1934/2016)
- Stenka Razine
- Valse de concert (arr. Duthoit) (1893/1937)
Resources
- Glazunov, A.; Safranek, V. (1921). Autumn = Bacchanal : 4th Scene from the Ballet The Seasons, op. 67b [score]. Carl Fischer: New York.
- Heritage Encyclopedia of Band Music. "Alexander Glazunov." Accessed 31 December 2022.