The Last Rose of Summer (from the <i>Irish Suite</i>) Cover Image

The Last Rose of Summer (from the <i>Irish Suite</i>): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

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The Last Rose of Summer (from the <i>Irish Suite</i>) Cover Image

The Last Rose of Summer (from the Irish Suite): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

By Leroy Anderson / arr. Douglas E. Wagner

Grade: 3 (Medium Easy)

Item: 00-32545

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Description
The fifth movement of Leroy Anderson's The Irish Suite, "The Last Rose of Summer," has never been transcribed for concert band. Skillfully scored by Douglas Wagner in Anderson's charismatic characteristic style, this work features an emotional alto saxophone solo in place of the orchestra version's violin solo. This dramatic work is performable as a stand-alone work or in tandem with the rest of the movements. All movements are now available: I. "The Irish Washerwoman" [00-83181], II. "The Minstrel Boy" [00-32547], III. "The Rakes of Mallow" [00-30836], IV. "The Wearing of the Green" [00-30835], V. "The Last Rose of Summer" [00-32545] and VI. "The Girl I Left Behind" [00-32546].

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The Last Rose of Summer (from the Irish Suite): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Leroy Anderson Classics
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 120
UPC: 038081374338
SKU: 00-32545

More about this title

About the Composer: Leroy Anderson

Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) revolutionized light concert music by proving that accessible melodies and clever orchestration could command serious respect from musicians and audiences alike. His gift for the memorable tune, paired with sophisticated harmonic movement and playful orchestral colors, made him one of the most performed composers in American concert band and pops repertoire.

Why we love this

Douglas Wagner's transcription captures the emotional heart of Anderson's original while giving the alto saxophone a moment to shine that rivals the violin's role in the orchestral version. This is concert band literature that sounds both polished and genuinely moving, offering Grade 3 groups the rare chance to perform something that works equally well in festival settings and community concerts.

What to expect

Nostalgic and warmly lyrical, this arrangement carries the bittersweet quality of its source melody while Anderson's orchestration keeps things graceful and uncluttered. The alto saxophone's extended role brings an intimate, almost vocal quality to a tune that was already built for singing.

Who it's for

Conductors programming Grade 3 concert bands who want repertoire with genuine musical substance and emotional weight. This arrangement also serves directors looking to feature their alto saxophone player in a showpiece that remains ensemble-focused rather than cadenza-heavy.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the alto saxophone solo against the ensemble with care; it should soar above the accompaniment without requiring the band to pull back artificially.
  • Shape the melodic line with long-line phrasing rather than treating it as a series of measures; Anderson's tunes work best when they breathe as complete musical thoughts.
  • Use consistent vibrato in the saxophone section to blend the extended solo passage smoothly with the rest of the band.
  • Let the harmonic support from the woodwinds and brass remain transparent so the character of Anderson's accompaniment figures stay audible.

How to use it

Schedule this as a standalone feature on a spring concert or festival appearance, or place it alongside one or more of the other movements from The Irish Suite to create a thematic program segment. Its accessible Grade 3 level makes it ideal for mixed-ability ensembles or as a confidence builder mid-season.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing featured soloists with ensemble accompaniment
  • Sustaining emotional line through long melodic phrases
  • Blending saxophone tone within a concert band texture
  • Interpreting light concert style without sacrificing musicality

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