SAXOPHONE QUARTET | MUSIC | FOR SAXOPHONE QUARTET
SAXOPHONE QUARTET
for four saxophones (SATB)
Duration:
15 minutes
Instrumentation:
soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones
Year Composed:
1999
Written For:
Raschèr Saxophone Quartet
Commissioned By:
Fromm Music Foundation
Premiere Performance:
July 1, 2001
Freiburg, Germany
Rascher Saxophone Quartet
Carina Raschèr, soprano saxophone
Harry White, alto saxophone
Bruce Weinberger, tenor saxophone
Kenneth Coon, baritone saxophone
Movements:
Introduction
Recitative No. 1 - Alto
Circles
recitative No. 2 - Tenor
Evening Thoughts
Recitative No.3 - Baritone
Scherzo
Recitative No. 4 - Soprano
Finale
Program Notes:
The saxophone quartet as a musical medium is one of the richest in its contrasting colors, versatility and expressions. For me, Saxophone Quartet music is also the closest to the human choir. While writing my saxophone quartet I was intrigued to explore the ensemble’s technical, timbrel, rhythmical and lyrical aspects. The four saxophones can create a homogeneous texture, but can also express their own individuality and uniqueness. Therefore, the quartet consists of five movements, and four recitatives, one for each saxophone. The recitatives’ purpose is double: to feature one saxophone a time on one hand, and lead to the next movement on the other. Saxophone Quartet was commissioned by the Fromm Music Foundation and received its first performance by the Raschèr Saxophone Quartet.