Publisher Desc.  Nocturne from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61 by Felix Mendelssohn, arranged for Saxophone Choir or Saxophone Octet. In 1842 Mendelssohn, accepted a commission to write incidental music for the Shakespeare play "A Midsummer Nights' Dream". The Nocturne is number seven of thirteen pieces he wrote for the play. This is one of the most beautiful and romantic melodies Mendelssohn ever composed. In the original instrumentation, the melody is given to the first horn. In this arrangement, Alto Sax 1 carries the melody throughout. In addition to a full score, this setting of Nocturne from A Midsummer Night's Dream is includes parts for: Soprano Saxophone 1-3, Alto Saxophone 1-3, Tenor Saxophone 1-3, Baritone Saxophone 1,2, and Bass Saxophone. Although scored for 12 voices, this arrangement may be performed as an octet using only the first and second parts. All third parts and bass saxophone are optional. The key is E flat major throughout although the harmony is quite chromatic in some parts. The time signature is 3/4 for the entire piece. The soprano 1 and alto 1 parts require some facility with the palm keys but the range for all other parts is not extensive. The primary challenge in this piece is dynamic control and intonation but it should be well within the abilities of most players with a few years' experience.