Set of 24 Duets from Mediæval to Mahler, primarily for soprano & alto recorders
from: Various Composers
Actually comprising 44 duets, but considered as 24 items or groupings. All are for Soprano and Alto, with the following exceptions: #8 is for Alto and Tenor, #16 has both players playing Soprano doubling Alto and Tenor, and #24 is for two Altos. 1. Four Mediæval Pieces: Winter's Return (Anonymous), Tanz (Anonymous), Como Poden Per Sas Culpas and A Virgen Mui Groriosa (Cantigas da Santa Maria, 13th century). 2. Three Renaissance Dances: La Franchoise Nouvele, three versions (Anonymous), Nobody's Jig (Anonymous), La Bourée (from "Terpsichore", published 1612 by Michael Praetorius (1571-1621)). 3. Schiarazula Marazzula, published in the 16th century by Pierre Phalèse (1510-1573). 4. Two Elizabethan Songs: It was a Lover and his Lass by Thomas Morley (1557-1602), and Fine Knacks for Ladies by John Dowland (1563-1626). 5. Two Dances from "Terpsichore": Gaillarde and Volte. 6. Four English Country Dances: Never Love Thee More, Hunsdon House, The Black Nag, and The Waters of Holland. 7. Four More English Country Dances: Orleans Baffled, Shrewsbury Lasses, The Dressed Ship, and Miss Dolond's Delight (or, The Bishop). 8. Yet More English Country Dances: Wallom Green, Michaelmas Eve, The Knot, and New Year's Eve—for Alto and Tenor. 9. Pastorale from the "Christmas" Concerto, Op 6, No.8, by Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713). 10. Three Dances, by Henry Purcell (c. 1659-1695). 11. Three Pieces from the attributed keyboard works of G. F. Handel (1685-1759). 12. Polonaise from Concerto Grosso Op. 6, No. 3, by G. F. Handel. 13. “Schafe können sicher weiden (Sheep May Safely Graze)" from Cantata 208, by J. S. Bach (1685-1750). 14. Minuet II from Suite for Keyboard BWV 819, by J. S. Bach, originally in Eb minor. This arrangement is dedicated to Amy LeClair, who first brought my attention to the magic of this little-known minuet. 15. Bourée II from English Suite No. 2, by J. S. Bach. 16. Fantasie for Organ, BWV 572, 1st section, by J. S. Bach. Two versions, both of which require both players to switch to Alto and then to Tenor. Sopranino is an option for Player 2. 17. Menuetto and Trio from Symphony No. 92 "Oxford", by F. J. Haydn (1732-1809). 18. Menuetto and Trio from Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter", by W. A. Mozart (1756-1791). 19. Opening of Papageno's Aria, “Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja" from The Magic Flute, by W. A. Mozart. 20. Sonata for Piano D. 664, 1st Movement (abridged) by F. P. Schubert (1797-1828). 21. "Love Theme" from Romeo and Juliet, by P. I. Tchaikovsky (1840-1893). 22. Tales from the Vienna Woods, by J. Strauss, Jr. (1825-1899). 23. “Um schlimme Kinder artig zu machen” (To make bad children good) from Lieder aus der Jugendzeit (Songs of Youth), by G. Mahler (1860-1911). 24. “Aus! Aus!” ("Finished! Finished!") from Lieder aus der Jugendzeit by G. Mahler—for two Altos. This can also be performed with the Alto II part played down an 8ve by bass recorder. Revised April 4, 2014, June 9, 2014, August 5, 2016, Nov. 28, 2017.
