Trumpet Overture
Sax Quartet

Trumpet Overture
Sax Quartet (1695)

from "The Indian Queen"

Henry Purcell (1659-1695)

SATB Saxophone Quartet

Trumpet Overture
Sax Quartet by Henry Purcell arranged for SATB Saxophone Quartet. The Trumpet Overture is one of the last pieces that Purcell composed; from his semi-opera The Indian Queen written in 1695.  This arrangement features three sections – a fanfare-like Maestoso, a lively Allegro Moderato of a fugal structure, and then a return to the rousing Maestoso to complete the piece. It is lively, very enjoyable to perform, and goes down extremely well with audiences.

This arrangement of Trumpet Overture
Sax Quartet is for SATB Saxophone Quartet. The short length, limited range, and straightforward rhythms ensure success with intermediate players. The sprightly tunes and Baroque style will prove popular with your listeners.

• The range for each saxophone part is shown below.
• Audio and score excerpts are available above.

About The Composer

Henry Purcell (10 September 1659 – 21 November 1695)

Purcell was a prominent English Baroque composer who held several prestigious court and church appointments throughout his short but prolific career. He is celebrated for his creative blend of English musical traditions with Italian and French styles. Although his life was brief (he died at age 36), he left a large body of work. His genius is apparent in his compositions including stage works, church music, instrumental music, keyboard music, operas and plays with incidental music and songs.

Although he incorporated Italian and French stylistic elements, Purcell’s was a uniquely English form of Baroque music. Purcell appealed to the audience and was in great demand to compose music for stage productions in the later part of his life. English music suffered a huge loss when Purcell passed away at the tender age of 36.

About The Arranger

David Badcock

David is an eclectic mix of musical influences being, in his time, head chorister of Jesus College, Cambridge, a brass band euphonium player, a dance band musical director and a clarinet and saxophone teacher. David now concentrates on performing and arranging for the Sax Forte saxophone quartet and other small ensembles.