Description
Minuet and Dance of the Blessed Spirits
Composed by Christoph Willibald Ritter von Gluck (1714–1787)
Arranged by Dorli McWayne for Flute Choir; 5 C flutes or 3 C flutes with Alto and Bass flute
Published by Alry Publications
Includes score and parts
Gluck wrote over 100 operas, of which Orfeo is one of his most famous and enduring. In it, he combined elements of French and Italian opera to create a new style of opera which emphasized emotional content over virtuosity for its own sake. The Minuet and Dance of the Blessed Spirits is an excellent example of Gluck's expressive writing and has been a favorite of flutists through the years.
This arrangement is in the same key as the familiar flute solo, allowing the first part to be played by a featured flutist with the full flute choir providing the accompaniment.