Capriol Suite

Capriol Suite (1926)

Peter Warlock (Philip Haseltine)

Saxophone Octet or Saxophone Choir

(SSAATTBB + optional Sn & Bs)

The Capriol Suite, by Peter Warlock arranged for Saxophone Choir. Capriol Suite, written in 1926, is a 6 movement work based on Renaissance dance forms but with an early 20^th century harmonic  twist. It is filled with interesting harmonies and unexpected cross rhythms. The movements of the suite are:

1. Basse-Danse, Allegro moderato
2. Pavane, Allegretto, ma un poco lento
3. Tordion, Con moto
4. Bransles, Presto
5. Pieds-en-l’air, Andante tranquillo
6. Mattachins (Sword Dance), Allegro con brio

This transcription contains all 6 movements in their original keys. Originally for strings, this transcription of The Capriol Suite, by Peter Warlock arranged for Saxophone Choir includes individual parts as follows:

• Full Score (transposed)
• Sopranino Sax (optional)
• Soprano 1 & 2
• Alto 1 & 2
• Tenor 1 & 2
• Bari 1 & 2
• Bass sax (optional)

Alto and tenor saxes 1 & 2 occasionally have divisi sections, making this arrangement suitable for large saxophone choir. The individual movements are fairly short; a performance of the complete suite is about 10.5 minutes. Score is 36 pages, coil bound 9″ x 12″. Parts are 8 pages each, 9″ x 12″ folded sheets, paper tape bound

• The range for each saxophone part is shown below.
• Audio and score excerpts are available above.

About the composer

Philip Arnold Heseltine (30 October 1894 – 17 December 1930), known by the pseudonym Peter Warlock, was a British composer and music critic. The Warlock name, which reflects Heseltine’s interest in occult practices, was used for all his published musical works. He is best known as a composer of songs and other vocal music; he also achieved notoriety in his lifetime through his unconventional and often scandalous lifestyle. Learn more about Peter Warlock.