The Witches Frolic

The Witches Frolic, by Granville Bantock, arranged for Saxophone Trio, flexible scoring. The Witches Frolic was composed in 1926, originally as part of the incidental music for a prodction of Macbeth, and rearranged for bassoon trio the following year by the composer. This version is for saxophone trio, flexible scoring. The piece opens with a jerky, rhythmic tune. After that's established, the second part joins in. When the third part joins, new material is added, sometimes lyrical, sometimes rhythmic. From there the work expands and goes on a fun journey with one part having the main melody and the others providing backup accompaniment. After a fanfare coda the piece sweeps up and down scales for a lively ending. The opening tempo indication of Witches Frolic by Bantock for flex sax trio is Allegretto grottesco. About 108 116 bpm is a good tempo. At the coda the tempo increases to about 124 bpm. It is in 6/8 throughout. The piece is in the original keys of D minor D major. For saxophones, the key is somewhat challenging. The overall range of the piece is quite low. The performance time is between 2 2.5 minutes. Along with a sax trio score in C of The Witches Frolic, the following parts are included: Part 1 for Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, or Baritone Saxophone Part 2 for Tenor Saxophone, or Baritone Saxophone Part 3 for Baritone Saxophone or Bass Saxophone So long as parts 1 through 3 are covered, any combination of saxophones may be used. It is most effective with 3 baritone saxes ore 2 bari saxes and bass sax. Other combinations work well also.