Symphony #4

Description

Symphony No. 4
Composed by William Boyce (1711-1779)
arranged for Flute Choir by Martin Melicharek, III
Published by Alry Publications
Includes score and parts

Instrumentation:
3 Flutes
Alto Flute (or Flute 4)
Bass Flute (or Alto Flute 2)

Performance Notes:
      Boyce's Symphony No. 4 is one of a set of eight symphonies published in 1760. In 1928, Oxford University Press published an edition by Constant Lambert, in which many liberties were taken. It was through the subsequent scholarly efforts of Max Goberman that we have a modern-day edition which restores the intent of the composer as seen in the original edition by Walsh in 1760. 
      William Boyce was famous as a composer and musician during his lifetime. He served as composer to the Chapel Royal and was considered one of England's most talented composers. Today his reputation is eclipsed by those of Purcell and Handel. 
      Symphony No. 4 was written in the key of F, but for this transcription has been transposed to the key of C. The work was scored for strings, two oboes, two bassoons, and two French horns. In the first and third movements, the sections marked piano represent the sections played by strings alone; the forte sections represent portions played by the full orchestra. The addition of a piccolo during these tutti portions of the first and third movement can be very effective. The second movement was a duet shared by the bassoons and French horns with string accompaniment. The first, second, and third flutes perform this duet. The few recommendations for ornamentation represent those common to the several scores and recordings used to edit this work for flute choir.
– Martin Melicharek, III