Robert Burns Suite for Saxophone Quartetby Hugh Levey (based on traditional Scottish tunes used by Robert Burns) Saxophone Quartet - Digital Sheet Music

Product Description

Saxophone Quartet (SATB)

The Robert Burns Suite for Sax Quartet by Hugh Levey is a four movement work, based on the well-known Burns’ songs; My Love She’s But a Lassie Yet, Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Doon, The Deil’s Awa’ Wi’ the Exciseman, and Auld Lang Syne. Although Burns wrote the words of the songs, he set them to existing Scottish traditional tunes.

The movements can be played separately but are presented here as a suite, with a suggested order. They are also available to purchase separately as individual pieces on SMP and at woodwindly.com. They are ideal pieces to play in Recital, for Burns and St Andrews Night celebrations, as well as other social occasions.

Movement 1 begins with a stately ‘classical’ arrangement of My Love She’s But a Lassie Yet, but as it develops the tune combines with another traditional melody, followed by some operatic quotations, and a five part fugue. It ends with an embellished restatement of the opening.

Movement 2 opens with gentle chords that accompany the soprano sax which plays the simple yet beautiful melody of Ye Banks and Braes. In the middle section, the Baritone takes the lead with the Alto playing a counter melody. They are joined by the Soprano and Tenor playing the same two musical lines in canon with them. The Soprano resumes the melody in verse 3 with slightly altered chordal accompaniment.

Movement 3 begins with Soprano and Baritone playing the tune and bass line, almost exactly as they appeared in The Scots Musical Museum, published by James Johnson & Co between 1787 and 1803. The other instruments all get the opportunity to play the melodic line in the ensuing 5 verses, as the arrangement gets more complex and fun. The composer makes great use of the tritone; or "devil’s interval" as it is often known because of its unsettling presence. However, in this arrangement it merely adds to the fun and excitement.

Movement 4 is a simple arrangement of Auld Lang Syne, in a key that is suitable to accompany solo or community singing. After a short introduction by Tenor, the Soprano and Alto play verse 1 accompanied by ‘bagpipe’ drones from the other players. The final verse is in majestic four part harmony to bring a rousing end to this popular Burns song and the suite.

This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.