Review

Georges Bizet
L'Arlésienne Suite:

Arranged by James Haynor

4 b-flat trumpets, 2 F horns, 2 trombones, 2 tubas, timpani, percussion

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2023
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

Bizet’s music for L’Arlésienne was first performed in Paris in 1872. Altogether, it comprised 27 sections of incidental music for a play by Alphonse Daudet. Bizet compiled the most popular numbers into two suites, in 1872 and 1879 respectively, and they have never lost their powerful attraction for either musicians or audiences.

This Suite is comprised of three sections : Prelude - Tempo di Marcia (quarter = 120) which is from the 1872 Suite, and Intermezzo - Maestoso (quarter = 88) and Farandole - Tempo di Marcia (quarter = 120), both from the 1879 Suite. The first two selections are in E-flat; Farandole begins also in E-flat, but its main section, Allegro assai, is in C. Trombone parts are in bass clef throughout. Range for 1st is F - e1, and for 2nd, F - d1. No mutes are required. 1st trumpet tops out in the Prelude at c3 and 2nd in the Intermezzo at e2. The majority of notes in all parts are eighth notes; these arrangements are considered appropriate for advanced performers.

James Haynor currently performs as a free-lance trumpet player in the Milwaukee area, and has arranged extensively.