Stanley Woods – Alexander Takes A Swing (Horn Quartet with Double Bass or Tuba and optional Drums) – Score Digital Download

Written for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's horn section to play at Glyndebourne parties in the early 1960's. In the early 1960's almost all English hornists played on Alexander horns, hence the title. It was composed when Beethoven's Fidelio was being performed at Glyndebourne. One famous aria in this opera features the horns, and near the end they play individual scale run ups in canon, and so for fun the composer has incorporated this in the piece.

Review: "This swinging piece will be fun for all players. Although the principal needs to have a reliable high range up to C, the fourth part is almost entirely in treble clef." – The Horn Call May 1995

Review: "This brassy piece will bring down the house. For schools, colleges, conservatories and professionals." – New Issues December 1994

Biography

Woods, Stanley

Stanley joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1956 as third and then later co-principle trumpet player. He began to write compositions in 1975 whilst also doing some conducting. From 1999 he dedicated more of his time to composing and playing jazz. Woods passed away in February 2020.