Capriol Suite

Capriol Suite (1926)

Peter Warlock (Philip Haseltine)

Saxophone Octet or Saxophone Choir

(SSAATTBB + optional Sn & Bs)

The Capriol Suite, by Peter Warlock arranged for Saxophone Choir. Capriol Suite, written in 1926, is a 6 movement work based on Renaissance dance forms but with an early 20^th century harmonic  twist. It is filled with interesting harmonies and unexpected cross rhythms. The movements of the suite are:

1. Basse-Danse, Allegro moderato
2. Pavane, Allegretto, ma un poco lento
3. Tordion, Con moto
4. Bransles, Presto
5. Pieds-en-l’air, Andante tranquillo
6. Mattachins (Sword Dance), Allegro con brio

This transcription contains all 6 movements in their original keys. Originally for strings, this transcription is for saxophone choir or octet and includes parts as follows:

• Sopranino Sax (optional)
• Soprano 1 & 2
• Alto 1 & 2
• Tenor 1 & 2
• Bari 1 & 2
• Bass sax (optional)

Soprano, alto and tenor saxes 1 & 2 occasionally have divisi sections, making this arrangement suitable for large saxophone choir. The individual movements are fairly short; a performance of the complete suite is about 10 minutes.

• The range for each saxophone part is shown below.
• Audio and score excerpts are available above.
• Registered users can download a complete sample score and full length audio file of Capriol Suite on the ‘Samples’ tab.