Purcell (arr. Girtmon) - Rondeau from "Adbelazar" for Clarinet Quartet

Henry Purcell - Rondeau from "Adbelazar" arranged for Clarinet Quartet by Paxton Girtmon. Henry Purcell composed the incidental music for Aphra Behn’s play Abdelazar (or The Moor’s Revenge), which premiered in London in 1676. The famous Rondeau comes from this theatrical score and is built around a memorable recurring theme, alternating with contrasting episodes in a stately triple meter. Its enduring popularity owes much to its clear rhythmic profile and strong melodic character, which Benjamin Britten later used as the basis for The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (1945). Published by Cimarron Music Press.

UIL Prescribed Music List: 244-3-31415

Instrumentation:

• 3 B-flat Clarinets
• Bass Clarinet