Sample played by London Brass

8011 – Rondo from Abdelazer

Henry Purcell (1659 – 1695)

Arranged by Roger Harvey

Difficulty: Easy

Price: £20.00

Programme notes:

‘Abdelazer or the Moor’s Revenge’ was the first play to be produced at the Drury Lane Theatre after a period of mourning for Queen Mary. There had been, in 1695, an acrimonious split in the company at Drury Lane and Purcell was left with small and inexperienced forces to write for. In spite of this the music he produced over the next months was some of his best.

The incidental music for Abdelazer, a bloody tragedy by Aphra Behn, consists of 10 instrumental numbers and a song of which 4 are arranged here for trombone ensemble. The Rondo is one of Purcell’s best-known pieces due to its use by Benjamin Britten for the Theme of his Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra.

Performance notes:

Aim at all times for a lightness of style avoiding ’symphonic’ dynamics and projection. Be aware of the balance, particularly if the melodic line is under a harmony line. Longer notes should generally tail of slightly to avoid heaviness of texture. Clarity of production and awareness of phrasing and style are essential.