Two Early American Pieces for Fifes and Drums

Scored for Saxophone quartet (A-A-T-B) with opt. Soprano for first Alto. The introduction starts with the First Alto playing a melodic motif, ever rising to a climatic point and then settling down to the theme- first presented in the First and Tenor parts weaving in and out producing a flowing texture, then joined by the Second Alto and eventually the Baritone. The chorus section of the hymn is a constant weaving of the four parts both harmonically and rhythmically. The next section becomes more active rhythmically adding tension until it settles down into a sweet aura of sound with gentle nudges of harmonic alteration. The final measures give an atmosphere of rest and solace.

This saxophone quartet is portrayed in a crisp and cheerful manner. The theme is passed around among the various parts and gains excitement as it passes through several keys. Surely a delight as a special number in any venue. (S/A-A-T-B)

A unaccompanied flute quartet that begins with an extensive introduction with moving lines in all four parts. The next section is carried in the fourth part with counter lines in the upper parts. The interest then shifts to the upper parts with counterlines in the lower voices. The last section is carried by the upper line but is shifted around the various voices giving much interest to the piece and a sense of constant movement