Bottom's Dream (full score)

Elgar's delightful Chanson de Matin began life as a work for violin and piano and was designed as companion piece to his other short violin and piano work, 'Chanson de Nuit'. Elgar described it in a letter to his publisher as "a perfect little aubade, as fresh as the morning dew". Both Chansons were later orchestrated by the composer and it is as an orchestral work that 'Chanson de Matin' achieved its popularity and wide public affection. This transcription is based on the orchestral version which so beautifully expresses the colours of the orchestral palette. In this arrangement the bass clarinet and quartet of saxophones are charged with much of the string and horn writing, providing an agreeable contrast to the sumptuous writing for woodwind. Scoring: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone and Baritone Saxophone.