Arrangements for Woodwinds/Brasses

From Heaven Above
By Felix Mendelssohn, Arranged by Donald Rotermund

A four-part Chorale and Fantasy for the instruments, along with an independent organ score, were developed from two movements of the original SSATB cantata on the tune Vom Himmel Hoch. The movements are reordered, placing the Chorale first, but may be played in either order, or separately. The first half of the Fantasy is a development of the opening phrase of the chorale. After a shorter, similar treatment of the second phrase of the chorale, the Fantasy ends with a majestic playing of the entire chorale in 3/4 meter, one beat to the measure. The organ part for this movement has nearly continuous eighth notes in one hand or the other, and at times in both together, until the final, complete chorale.

This arrangement can be played by organ and as few as four instruments. It is equally effective with woodwinds or brasses. Parts are included for Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, I-III Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, I & II Alto Saxes, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, and F Horn, so that quartets can be formed in different ways, or various doublings may be made for larger ensembles. The set includes a I Trombone part for brass ensembles. (A Tuba part would not be compatible with the Organ Score.) Trumpets can read from the I & II Clarinet parts, and II Trombones and Baritones can read from the Bassoon part. The overall difficulty level is 3. While of easy to medium difficulty for the woodwinds, the brass players (especially the trumpets) must have well-developed embouchures to play long high notes lasting several measures.

Full set includes a Full/Organ Score, transposed parts for individual instruments, background notes, and suggestions for rehearsal and performance.