Meditation

This timeless melody by Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612) is now chiefly remembered because of its inclusion in J.S. Bach's St.Matthew Passion, where it is treated to a variety of rich harmonizations. This setting features alto and tenor saxophones, who first play a lyrical descant to the famous hymn tune and then the melody itself, against a Bach-like obbligato in the upper woodwinds. This fabulous new arrangement presents a wonderful opportunity to feature your saxophones.