Classical Transcriptions - Classical Band Arrangements - 17 transcriptions of masterworks by Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler and others for wind ensemble

Mahler - SYMPHONY No. 4 in G Major – MVT 1

SYMPHONY No. 4 in G Major – Movement 1 – Bedachtig. Nicht eilen.
by Gustav Mahler
Score 48 Pages 11 x 17 (Tabloid)

Instrumentation: 2 Flutes (2nd part divisi), 2 Oboes, 1 English Horn, 3 Bb Clarinets, 2 Bass Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, 1 Soprano Sax, 1 Alto Sax, 1 Tenor Sax, 1 Baritone Sax, 3 Bb Trumpets, 4 French Horns, 2 Trombones, 1 Bass Trombone. 1 Baritone TC/Euphonium BC, 1 Tuba, 1 String Bass, Piano/Harp, Timpani, Glockenspiel, Triangle, Tamtam, Cymbals, Sleigh Bells, Bass Drum

This was a huge undertaking for the players as well as this arranger/transcriber. The larger number of instruments were needed to make all the balances work. In fact, this piece utilizes a tabloid size score (11 x 17) as opposed to the legal size of all other scores listed. Take note when trying to print the score the need for larger paper size.

This movement represents Mahler at his lightest and most playful. The melodies jump from instrument to instrument in a kaleidoscope of colors. The melodies are fragments of great lyrical ideas that are never really started and completed in the same instrument.

This will require virtuosic playing by everyone in the ensemble. This includes the conductor who has to spend time working out the tempo changes as well as knowing how the music moves across the ensemble and also from front to back.

The soprano sax is definitely the solo violin and the first violin throughout and is expected to have a lot of personality. The modulations do create havoc, and the development material is incredibly complex in its layering.

The melodies will knock around in your head for days on end. What has always attracted me to Mahler is his use of melodic line overlapping with other melodic lines to create wonderful harmonies and a duality of listening.

There is a lot here and I am so proud and happy that I had the honor of conducting this in the spring of 2017.

When ordered, an e-file will be sent to you with both score and parts. Because of the size of the score (Tabloid) a professionally spiral-bound printed score can be sent to you for an additional $75.00 and ordered separately.