The Last Sleep of the Virgin
by Geoffrey Brand
Concert Band - Sheet Music

Concert band (1st Flute, 2nd Flute, Oboe*, 1st Bb Clarinet, 2nd Bb Clarinet, 3rd Bb Clarinet, Bb Bass Clarinet*, Bassoon*, 1st Eb Alto Saxophone*, 2nd Eb Alto Saxophone*, Bb Tenor Saxophone*, Eb Baritone Saxophone*, 1st Bb Trumpet, 2nd Bb Trumpet, 1st F Horn, 2nd F Hor) - grade 3

SKU: CN.R10266

Composed by Geoffrey Brand. Arranged by Geoffrey Brand. Band Music. Score and parts. Duration 2:20. Published by G & M Brand Music Publishers (CN.R10266).

A short, melting example of why the music of Jules Massenet was so respected and admired in his native France during his lifetime. The Last Sleep of the Virgin is from the oratorio La Viege and was originally for string orchestra. This masterful arrangement will provide a delightful moment of quiet beauty on your program.

Nestling within the pages of La Viege, an Oratorio written in 1880 but with no evidence of a full performance, is to be found "The Last Sleep of the Virgin, a short melting example of why the music of Jules Massenet (1842-1912) was so highly respected and admired in his native France during his lifetime. Massenet composed more than 40 operas, including Herodiade, Manon, Le Cid, and Thais, and his influence on French music was monumental. "The Last Sleep of the Virgin" was originally scored for string orchestra. This arrangement for woodwind and brass offers the opportunity for this gentle music to be heard in a different hue, whilst keeping its inherent beauty for the satisfaction of those performing it and sharing the experience as listeners.