Mississippi Suite - No 4. Mardi Gras

This arrangement derives directly from the original 1925 Paul Whiteman score, and aims to retain the sound and intent of the original while taking advantage of Grofe's own later enhancements to the work. Some examples of these nuances include the ascending eighth notes in the opening of Old Creole Days, and the French Horn countermelodies at the culmination of Mardi Gras. The Whiteman Orchestra employed the use of four alto saxophones and these parts have been retained as written for the original Whiteman players. In modern band ensembles it is recognized that not all groups will have four players available and so the 3rd and 4th alto sax. parts are cued or doubled as needed. As the original Whiteman score also utilized two pianos, these parts too have been retained and combined for single player as an optional part, with optional piano solos marked at measures 76 and 83 in Huckleberry Finn. The piano part does add a third element to this work, some rhythmic textures and jazz-infused accents and flourishes that were only ever realized in the Whiteman piano parts. An optional gong at the end of Mardi Gras is also marked as per the original. While not necessary for performance, inclusion of these optional parts is highly recommended to achieve the full original intent and textures.