Virga Jesse Floruit

Virga Jesse Floruit (motet)

Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)

S/AATB Saxophone Quartet

Virga Jesse by Bruckner, arranged for S/AATB saxophone quartet. This arrangement is based on one of Anton Bruckner’s most famous choral works. The motet is sung at Advent and Christmastime by choirs around the world. Bruckner’s unaccompanied motets draw heavily on the Renaissance polyphony that he studied as a young man. To that framework he added the innovative harmonic color he developed in his symphonic writing. From the opening section with its gradual crescendos and dramatic pauses to a gentle ending after the magnificent and powerful Alleluias, Bruckner gives a moving and exuberant statement of faith.

This piece is not technically difficult nor does it require a wide range. The most difficult demand it places on the players is the dynamic range and control required to successfully pull it off. The effects of Bruckner’s dynamics are spectacular when executed properly.

• 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 Virga Jesse Floruit on the ‘Samples’ tab.

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