I’ve written several sets of pieces for flexibly scored instrumental ensemble – I wrote about Palace Dances here a few weeks ago, and Zoological Band has a similar approach, though the movements are shorter and less complex.
It originated in a commission from Berkshire Young Musicians’ Trust for their brass ensemble and it was then called ‘Zoological Brass’ – but when it came to publication it was decided to offer woodwind parts as well, hence the slight change of title.
There are five movements, scored in four parts: so the minimum scoring is four wind or brass instruments (e.g. two trumpets and two trombones, or flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, or saxophone quartet, or a mixed ensemble of (for example) cornet, 2 clarinets and tuba) – but with 22 different instrumental parts to cover most wind instruments, the opportunities for smaller and larger ensembles are very wide. There is also an optional percussion part which can be played by one player.
The writing of flexibly scored music inevitably requires some compromises from the composer in terms of range and musical detail – what works on a flute won’t necessarily work on a trumpet, for instance – but it is surprising how many ideas can simply transfer quite happily between instruments, and I hope that I’ve achieved a respectable blend of playability and interest.
There are five movements: Cheerful Chimp, Tired Tortoise, Graceful Giraffe, Sad Sea-Lion, and Prickly Porcupine. And from those alliterative titles I expect you can imagine the basic style and character of each movement – I’ve really nothing more to say except that you can listen to them here!
The music has been out of print for a few years, but I’ve made it available again now, as a digital download, so that you can just print out the parts you need.
Instrumental parts are provided for:
PART 1
Flute 1, B flat Clarinet 1/Soprano Saxophone, E flat Alto Saxophone 1, B flat Trumpet 1/Cornet 1
PART 2
Flute 2/Oboe, B flat Clarinet 2, E flat Alto Saxophone 2, B flat Trumpet 2/Cornet 2
PART 3
B flat Clarinet 3, E flat Alto Saxophone 3, B flat Tenor Saxophone 1, B flat Trumpet 3/Cornet 3, Horn in F, E flat Tenor Horn, B flat Trombone 1/Euphonium (treble clef), Trombone 1/Euph. (bass clef)
PART 4
Bassoon, B flat Tenor Saxophone 2/Bass Clarinet, E flat Baritone Saxophone, Trombone 2/Tuba (bass clef), B flat Trombone 2/ B flat Bass (treble clef) E flat Bass (treble clef)
PERCUSSION (optional)
Side Drum, Triangle, Wood-blocks, Suspended Cymbal or Small Gong, Maracas or Tambourine
And you can buy the complete set, score and parts in one pdf, from here: Sheet Music Direct, or Sheet Music Plus.
(And you can thank AI for the picture – or not….)