5 Arrangements by Alan Hacker

Combinations for three and four miscellaneous clarinets

For many years, Alan (click here for biography) has been associated with the NorviK Wind Chamber courses at Harrogate and three of these pieces were arranged for three of his friends who are regulars on this event - Peter Fisher, Nick Shackleton and Phyllis Champion.  The Purcell and Grieg were added later to complete the set..

They are all settings from operas that he has conducted at different venues on the continent and reflect his willingness to enjoy any kind of music in the widest possible variety of formats. When reviewing them in the Clarinet and Sax. Society magazine, Richard Ingham commented on the very effective, rich sonority that the arrangements achieve.

The five pieces are (click on the adjacent quaver to hear an excerpt):-

Mozart “Women watch your backs” from the Magic Flute. Ideally to be played on C Clarinets, although as all parts are written in the same key, three Bbs would be possible

Handel Sinfonia from Serse Intended for Basset Clarinet, Basset Horn and Bass but is within the range of a normal Bb clarinet and a transposition for Alto Clarinet in Eb is provided.

Handel Minuet from Saul Two Bb Clarinets and a Bass.

Purcell Grand Dance: Chicane from King Arthur. Three Bb Clarinets and a Bass.

Grieg The Death of Ase. Two Bb, an A and a Bass Clarinet.