66 Festive and Famous Chorales for Band for Flat Tenor Saxophone: A Guide to the Essential Repertoire

The 66 Festive and Famous Chorales for Band is a collection of essential repertoire for saxophonists. These chorales, originally written for organ by Johann Sebastian Bach, have been expertly arranged for band by various composers, making them accessible to a wide range of ensembles.

66 Festive and Famous Chorales for Band for B-flat Tenor Saxophone

by Frank Erickson

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3043 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	24 pages

FREE

This guide will provide an overview of the 66 Festive and Famous Chorales for Band, including their history, musical characteristics, and performance considerations. We will also provide a list of recommended recordings and editions of the chorales.

History of the Chorales

The 66 Festive and Famous Chorales were composed by Johann Sebastian Bach between 1707 and 1740. These chorales were originally intended for use in Lutheran church services, and they reflect Bach's deep understanding of both music and theology.

The chorales are based on a variety of traditional hymn tunes, and they are characterized by their simple yet elegant melodies and intricate harmonies. Bach's chorales have been praised for their beauty, their emotional depth, and their technical brilliance.

Musical Characteristics of the Chorales

The 66 Festive and Famous Chorales for Band are typically scored for a full concert band, including woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings. The chorales are written in a variety of keys and time signatures, and they range in length from a few minutes to several minutes each.

Musically, the chorales are characterized by their clear and concise melodies, their rich harmonies, and their rhythmic drive. The chorales are also known for their use of counterpoint, a technique in which two or more independent melodic lines are played simultaneously.

Performance Considerations

The 66 Festive and Famous Chorales for Band are challenging yet rewarding pieces to perform. Saxophonists should be familiar with the basic techniques of saxophone playing, including embouchure, fingering, and articulation.

When performing the chorales, it is important to pay attention to the following elements:

• Intonation: The chorales are written in a variety of keys, and it is important to play each note accurately in tune.
• Rhythm: The chorales are rhythmically complex, and it is important to maintain a steady and accurate tempo.
• Dynamics: The chorales use a wide range of dynamics, from soft and delicate to loud and powerful. It is important to observe the dynamic markings in the score.
• Articulation: The chorales use a variety of articulations, including tonguing, slurring, and staccato. It is important to use the appropriate articulation for each note.

Recommended Recordings and Editions

There are many excellent recordings and editions of the 66 Festive and Famous Chorales for Band. Here are a few of our recommendations:

Recordings

• The Cleveland Symphonic Winds, conducted by Frederick Fennell
• The United States Army Band, conducted by Colonel Arnald Gabriel
• The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, conducted by Bernard Haitink

Editions

• The International Music Company Edition
• The G. Schirmer Edition
• The Boosey & Hawkes Edition

The 66 Festive and Famous Chorales for Band for Flat Tenor Saxophone are a valuable addition to the repertoire of any saxophonist. These chorales are challenging yet rewarding to perform, and they offer a unique opportunity to explore the depths of Bach's musical genius.

We encourage you to explore this essential repertoire and to discover the beauty and joy of playing the 66 Festive and Famous Chorales for Band.

66 Festive and Famous Chorales for Band for B-flat Tenor Saxophone

by Frank Erickson

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3043 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	24 pages

FREE