George Bizet’s “ L’Arlesienne ” Suite No. 1, taken from his theatre music to a stage work by  Alphonse Daudet, was arranged by the composer for larger orchestra only weeks  after the premiere in autumn 1872.<br>
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The suite has been a success from its very first performance. Evoking the folk-like sounds of southern France , combined  with masterly orchestration, Bizet captured the “feel” of France in his four movement suite.<br>
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Joachim  Linckelmann’s arrangement for woodwind quintet captures this powerful music in a chamber ensemble, leaving the listener to wonder if Bizet had not made the arrangement himself!<br>