Quartet, Op.1, No.1, by Franz Joseph Haydn
Arranged for Flute Quartet by John W. Pratt (originally for strings)
Score and Parts for Flute 1, Flute 2, Alto Flute, and Bass Flute, PDF $15.99
The earliest quartets of Franz Joseph Haydn are not precursors of the later works wherein he developed the form and style of the classical string quartet, but rather divertimenti written for four friends when he was about 25. Most of these early works have five movements: fast, minuet/trio, slow, minuet/trio, fast; and their slow movements feature beautiful, elaborate, gently accompanied melodies.
The divertimento style and instrumental character of these early pieces does not evoke strings specifically or necessarily, and thus arrangement for other instruments is natural and might expand enjoyment of these wonderful first significant Haydn works to other players and audiences. In John Pratt’s arrangement of Haydn’s Op.1, No.1 (Hob.III:1), most of the range issues for flutes were solved by transposition up a step, a few more by exchanging the two inner voices in places or by octave transpositions. This lovely, effective arrangement is for a flute quartet consisting of two concert flutes, alto flute, and bass flute; the edition is available exclusively from Noteworthy Sheet Music.
Score, 19 pages; Parts for Flute 1, Flute 2, Alto Flute and Bass Flute, 5 pages each; Total, 46 pages.
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