Chorale for Wind Band and Melodic Percussion
Theme from Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony (Symphony No. 3)
Composed by Camille Saint-Saëns
Arranged by Julie Giroux
for the Stiles Middle School Honors Band, Darcy Potter Williams, Conductor
Camille Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 in C minor was commissioned in 1886 by the Philharmonic Society of London. Saint-Saëns
dedicated it to the memory of Franz Liszt. The composer conducted its premier in London and it quickly became one of his most
popular and respected works. Upon its completion Saint-Saën said "I gave everything to it I was able to give. What I have here
accomplished, I will never achieve again." In fact, it was to be his last work in a symphonic form.
Often referred to as his "Organ" symphony, its popularity has not waned. It has been used in movies, commercials and other forms
of modern entertainment including the soundtrack for the movie "Babe". Song writers Scott Fitzgerald and Yvonne Keeley adapted it
to song form and composed lyrics. The final song titled "If I Had Words" became an integral part of the movie and many would argue
in fact made the movie.
It is easy to admire his 3rd Symphony. Powerful, haunting and by far one of the most known pieces to date featuring the pipe organ.
The melody though simple is absolute perfection. Though there are transcriptions of the symphony for band, I have always had the
desire to present it's melody in a different setting with a recap closer to the original work that would be accessible to younger
musicians. I do totally agree with Saint-Saëns. There is no way to improve his original work but many, including myself are compelled
to dabble with his masterpiece.
Notes to the Conductor
The melodic percussion needed for this work are 2 glockenspiels, Marimba, Vibraphone, Chimes and Timpani.
Chorale for Wind Band and Melodic Percussion
(Symphony No. 3)
Arranged for the Stiles Middle School Honors Band, Darcy Potter Williams, Conductor
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Flute 1
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Clarinet in Bb 1
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Oboe 2
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Oboe 1
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Arr. Julie Giroux
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Flute 2
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Clarinet in Bb 2
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Clarinet in Bb 3
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Bass Clarinet
in Bb
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Solo
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Trumpet in Bb 2
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Trumpet in Bb 1
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Baritone
Saxophone
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Tenor
Saxophone
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Alto
Saxophone 2
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Alto
Saxophone 1
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Bassoon 2
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Bassoon 1
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Trumpet in Bb 3
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Horn in F
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Horn in F
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Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Euphonium
Tuba
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Tune Low to High
C-F-Bb-D-G
Timpani
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Glockenspiel 1
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Glockenspiel 2
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Marimba
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Vibraphone
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Chimes
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