Francis Cunnignham Woods | Larghetto | for Wind Quintet

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This elegant wind quintet arrangement of Larghetto by Francis Cunningham Woods offers a beautifully flexible scoring, making it an ideal choice for a variety of ensembles. Written at a medium difficulty level, this piece is well-suited for concert performances, showcasing lyrical phrasing and rich harmonies.

Scoring & Instrumentation

This arrangement provides multiple options for instrumentation, allowing ensembles to adapt based on available players. The parts are scored as follows:

• Flute, Clarinet in Eb
• Oboe, Clarinet in Bb
• Clarinet in Bb, Alto Saxophone, English Horn
• Horn in F, Alto Clarinet in Eb, Tenor Saxophone
• Bassoon, Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet in Bb

With this versatile scoring, the piece can be performed by a traditional wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon) or expanded to include saxophones and additional clarinets, making it accessible for woodwind ensembles of varying sizes.

About the Composer

Francis Cunningham Woods (1862–1929) was a distinguished British composer and organist. Educated at the National Training School for Music under Sir Arthur Sullivan and Dr. Ebenezer Prout, he later earned multiple degrees from Oxford University. His career included prestigious appointments such as:

• Organist of Brasenose College, Oxford (1884–86)
• Organ Scholar at Exeter College, Oxford (1887–95)
• Organist to the Duke of Marlborough at Blenheim Palace (1891–94)
• Conductor of the Finsbury Choral Association (1897–1901)

Woods composed orchestral suites, anthems, and chamber works, with notable pieces including the Suite in F and Gressenhall Suite. His music blends expressive lyricism with refined classical structure, making this Larghetto a captivating addition to the wind repertoire.

Performance Notes

• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Ideal For: Concert performances, recitals, and educational settings
• Flexibility: Adaptable for quintets or larger woodwind groups

This arrangement preserves the expressive beauty of Woods' original composition while offering practical flexibility for modern ensembles. A perfect choice for musicians seeking a graceful, melodic work with historical charm.