Concerto for Tenor Saxophone and Wind Ensemble

Abstract

I wrote CONCERTO FOR TENOR SAXOPHONE AND WIND ENSEMBLE in the tradition of the grand concerti of the nineteenth century, but incorporating a modern sense of harmony and rhythm. The spirit of the piece is very in the Romantic tradition with a soloist set against a large ensemble. However, the traditions surrounding form, harmony, and rhythm have been eschewed to give the piece a sense of freedom and unpredictability. Some general concepts from the concerto traditions have been retained though, so that the listener can hear the piece in the context of other concerti from the Western tradition; e.g. the fast-slow-fast structure of the movements. The solo part is designed to be approachable by an advanced graduate student. There will also be a version of the piece arranged for Saxophone, Piano, and Percussion, which could be performed on a chamber recital. The concerto is in three movements, and lasts about 20 minutes.