This is an two part arrangement of Beethoven’s Theme and Variations on a Swiss Air WoO 64 for alto and tenor saxophones introducing players to the elements of Classical style and more particularly to Beethoven’s compositional approach . The simple theme needs to be clearly articulated and played with a detached but not staccato articulation. The WoO is short for Work without Opus Number and there are many jewels to be found in this category of work by Beethoven. A tempo of 132 quarter note beats to the minute is recommended for the playing of the theme and variations whilst variations 2, 3 and 4 need to be played at a slightly slower tempo 120 quarter note bpm. Accompaniments are in place available for both alto and tenor saxophones enabling saxophonists to practice their ensemble parts in preparation for a performance. Each variation is given a short tempo click of three beats to enable accurate tempi are played. There are some octave transpositions of the saxophone parts to keep to convenient ranges for each of the instruments.
