Music for Two Wind Bands

From Wind Repertory Project
George Frideric Handel

George Frideric Handel (arr. William A. Schaefer)


General Info

Year: 1977
Duration: c. 21:00
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Two wind bands and strings
Publisher: Alfred Music Publishing
Cost: Score and Parts - Out of print.


Movements

1. Overture: Andante
2. Allegro
3. Lento
4. Allegro non troppo
5. Andante largetto
6. Finale: Allegro


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet (or Contrabass Clarinet)
B-flat Bass Clarinet (or Contrabass Clarinet)
E-flat Alto Saxophone

Choir I:
C Trumpet/Cornet I-II
Horn in F I-II
Trombone (or Euphonium)

Choir II:
C Trumpet/Cornet I-II
Horn in F I-II
Trombone (or Euphonium)


Errata

  • Oboe, Movement 4, m.87: 16th notes should read 8th notes.
  • Bassoon, Movement 4, m.87: 16th notes should read 8th notes.
  • Oboe, Movement 4, m.115: 16th rest after first two 8th notes.
  • Alto Saxophone, Movement 4, m.115: 8th rest should be a 16th rest.
  • Alto Saxophone, Movement 6, m.15: 8th rest after quarter rest.


Program Notes

Handel, composer of one of the most familiar of all original wind works, Music for the Royal Fireworks, wrote many significant compositions for wind instruments. Among them were two concerti grossi for two wind choirs and strings from which the six movements which comprise the present work were taken. The title Music for Two Wind Bands was one used in performance in Handel's own lifetime. The bands of the original composition each consisted of two oboes, two horns, and bassoons. In this version for band, Schaefer has assigned two trumpets (cornets), two horns, and trombone or baritone to each of the solo ensembles.

Handel, who did not hesitate to borrow from himself, included in the two compositions not only a series of wonderful new movements, but extracts from the Messiah and other earlier compositions. The six movements chosen here are only those newly written for this concerto. It is truly great music by the master composer, and the ostinato of the fourth movement is a real treat.

- Program Note from publisher


Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)

State Ratings

  • Virginia: VI


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Handel, G.; Schaefer, W. (1977). Music for Two Wind Bands [score]. Belwin Mills: New York.