Antonín Dvořák

Serenade op. 44

Dvorak's Serenade, Op. 44 is a large chamber work for winds in the tradition of Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn. Completed in January of 1878, it is difficult to determine if Dvorak was then aware of the existence of the saxophone, which was still in its relative infancy. As a forerunner of the modern wind ensemble, it is unfortunate that the saxophone had not been included in the original orchestration. This arrangement was recorded on the Tex Sax: Next Generation album by the University of Texas Saxophone Ensemble. Instrumentation: Sopranino Saxophone (or Soprano), Soprano Saxophone, 2 Alto Saxophones, 3 Tenor Saxophones, 2 Baritone Saxophones, Bass Saxophone, Contrabass Saxophone (optional)