Green Sleeves to a Ground, published in 1706, was a collection of variations over ostinato bass lines. The recorder had become a popular instrument at the time the book was published, and this collection of variations over known melodies was attractive to performers interested in showcasing their virtuosity. The present arrangement for brass quintet varies the instrumentation throughout, voiced so that each of the instruments not only has melodic material to play, but also has moments to rest while others carry the melody. |
