In Celtic Lands

In Celtic Lands (1925)

Maurice Duhamel (1884-1940)

SATB Saxophone Quartet

In Celtic Lands by Maurice Duhamel arranged for saxophone quartet SATB. This work was originally written by Duhamel as a suite of short pieces for piano. The movements are based on traditional Breton melodies and motifs but some of their harmonies take a decidedly modern turn. The composer later set the work for orchestra. The movements are:

1. Chanson Galloise (Welsh Folksong)
2. Wedding Procession in Trégor
3. Through the Fog of the Hebrides Sea
4. Highland Bagpipes
5. May Evening in Argoad
6. Sword Dance

The SATB saxophone quartet arrangement of In Celtic Lands is complete and in the original keys. The parts are well balanced in that each player gets a turn in the spotlight but the soprano sax is definitely the star of the piece. The baritone sax part is especially beautiful in movements 3 and 5. Most of the movements are of moderate difficulty but movements 4 and 6 are notably more challenging.

• The range for each saxophone part is shown below.
• Audio and score excerpts are available above.
• Registered users can download a complete sample score and full length audio file of In Celtic Lands on the ‘Samples’ tab.

About the Composer

Maurice Duhamel was the pen-name of Maurice Bourgeaux, a Breton musician, writer and political activist. He was a leading figure in Breton nationalism and federalist politics in the years before World War II. From youth, he displayed great musical talent, composing his own original works, and collecting and arranging traditional Breton songs. Breton and Celtic folk music had a great influence on his work.