Scored for E-flat alto saxophone and tuba, this arrangement of the popular sea shanty “What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?” was composed in July 2021 at the invitation of Phantasmagoria Ensemble, Portugal (Hélder Alves, saxophone; Tiago Santos, tuba). The world premiere was given by Professor Michael Chapa (alto saxophone) and Professor Madison Jarrett (tuba) on 1 September 2026 at Shuck Recital Hall, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, U.S.A.

The first movement (Giocoso, crotchet = c. 120) commences with a jaunty saxophone melody set against a propulsive, staccato tuba part. Following this introductory music, which later returns as a refrain, the sea shanty makes its appearance with melodic embellishments.

In the second movement (Un po’ ubriaco,  crotchet = c. 88), the titular drunken sailor is evoked through a halting, pitching-and-rolling treatment of the sea shanty.

The third movement (Giocoso, crotchet = c. 120) rekindles the jaunty character of the opening through an abridged recapitulation of material from the first movement, followed by a brief
coda.

Matthew Orlovich,
Composer.

1 September, 2026 (World Premiere, pictured): Performed by Professor Michael Chapa (alto sax) & Professor Madison Jarrett (tuba) @ Shuck Recital Hall, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, U.S.A.