Sicilienne

Sicilienne from 'Pelleas et Melisandre'
Composed by Gabriel Faure (1845-1924)
Arranged by Robert K. Webb
Published by Alry Publications
Includes score and parts

Instrumentation:
5 C Flutes
2 Alto Flutes (or Flute 6 and 7)
Bass Flute (or Flute 8)
Piano (or Harp)

Program Notes:
      This flute choir arrangement was conceived with the idea of having two equally important groups of flute players tossing the delightful melody of this composition back and forth across the stage, giving the audience the sense of both visual and audio musical movement. The following seating arrangement for this reason should be used: the first flutes to stage right and the second flutes to stage left; the third and fourth flutes to the back of the stage; and the altos and basses seated in the middle of the ensemble.
      The use of the harp is preferable, but if one is not available, the piano will substitute very nicely. The placement of the harp or piano is critical as it not only supplies the rhythmic underpinning that keeps the flute choir in ensemble, but also sets up the whole performance in the first introductory measures. 
      Good tone, expressive playing, and a feeling of internal rhythmic drive are the keys to a successful performance of the Sicilienne.
 -Robert K. Webb