Back in medieval times, woodwind players carried bags full of recorders, shawms and anything else that they could get a tune out of(!) and the first doublers were born.
Today, due to a combination of the ever-increasing popularity of musical theatre and an ever-decreasing budget for music, multi-instrumentation has become the norm.
Music colleges that have traditionally placed their focus on single instrument study have recently introduced multi-instrumental degrees and masters courses. Teaching posts are demanding ‘woodwind’ teachers as opposed to just Clarinet or Flute and interest continues to grow.
This collection of six duets presents players with opportunities to play in a variety of commercial styles, with realistically timed instrument changes.
Each duet is designed to work as a standalone piece for the two woodwind players, but equally you may choose to add the piano accompaniment or backing track.
Alongside the included demos, you will find several "Play Along With Paul" options which allow you to perform on either part as my duet partner with the backing track.
Instrumentation:
Top part (Reed 1) Flute, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet
Lower part (Reed 2) Flute, Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet.
N.B. The third duet "Chance Dance" uses Piccolo on both parts but either or both can be replaced by Flutes.
Contents
- Walk the Walk
- Fake Blues News
- The Chance Dance
- Waltz Up Doc?
- Out and About
- Two Show Day
Reviews
“Paul Saunders is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and educator who has written a selection of different works for various combinations of woodwind instruments and this time multi-instrument consultant for the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Having played some of Paul's music before, I was looking forward to exploring these two sets of duets and I was not disappointed. Both books include access to backing tracks, giving a full demo track and separate individual tracks so you can Play Along With Paul, on either part as a duet partner with the backing track. Whilst for Woodwind Doublers also including a piano part. The backing tracks are great quality and having the ability to play along with a professional performer brings the opportunity to listen to and copy the articulation and style required to play in these genres. The pieces are all relatively short, around 2–3 minutes each, making them useful additions to concert programmes, and are specifically aimed at more advanced players. The Six Duets for Woodwind Doublers are a series of six duets written in different styles, including funk, blues, Latin and rock, with helpful comments at the start of each, giving further insight into their specific character. The duets are scored for different woodwind combinations and offer players the opportunity to switch between instruments, developing their doubling skills and exploring a variety of musical styles.”
— Juliet Cowille in Clarinet and Saxophone Magazine, Autumn 2026.
Listen
A short excerpt from No.1 Walk the Walk (demo track)
Downloads
Download Backing TracksSample Pages
