Serenade  in E Minor

Edward Elgar

arranged by James Breed for wind octet

2Ob./2Cl./2Bsn/2Hn

If you would like to hear some computer generated  excerpts from each movement in turn,  click on the quaver sign.  It may take a few seconds to load your windows media player

The Wind Octet, as a  standard , highly resourceful ensemble, virtually disappeared in the eighteenth  century.  It has been James Breed’s intention  to make available, through arrangement , some suitable works from the subsequent romantic repertoire.

Elgar wrote the Serenade in E minor for String Orchestra in 1892 as a third wedding anniversary present for his wife.  For the composer,  it remained a favourite work for the rest his life.  The marking of piacevole (agreeable), whilst appropriate for a serenade,  is somewhat belied by the minor key and a sometimes melancholic undertone.  This setting will surprises by the delightful way that it sits on the wind instruments.  As with all James’ arrangements,  each takes its turn to enjoy the wonderful melodies. 

James Breed has been a clarinettist for over 50 years.  He has arranged a number of 19^th  and early 20^th century works,  mostly for octet but also for quintet, sextet, nonet and clarinet and piano

Our regular pianist, Andrew Black, is a man of many talents

http://www.pianoteachercambridge.co.uk