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- Edward Gregson
Saxophone Concerto (2006)
- Novello & Co Ltd (World)
Commissioned by Nobuya Sugawa
- 3(pic).2(ca).2+bcl.2/4330/4perc/pf/str
- Alto Saxophone (Soprano Saxophone)
- 24 min
Programme Note
The mood of the slow introduction is rather improvisatory – a sort of interplay between the soloist and various sections of the orchestra. The movement proper is fast, rhythmic, sometimes jazzy, sometimes violent, and expresses the diverse landscape of an urban environment. The more relaxed second subject is calmer in mood and more obviously tonal, although each time this settled harmonic world is invaded by subversive elements.
As in the transition from the introduction to the first movement proper, the held pitch of C on the violas links to the reflective slow movement where the solo soprano saxophone gradually develops a lyrical melodic expression. Initially this is set against a background of chromatic harmony, but as the movement progresses, so the harmonic context becomes simpler until the final ‘song’ expresses a heartfelt sadness in modal C minor. Once again, the held pitch of C links directly to the final movement.
This final movement is a buoyant moto perpetuo which exploits the virtuoso side of the alto saxophone, both in technique and character. The movement is structured around a repeated quaver ostinato, which moves through each note of the chromatic scale until, eventually, it returns to C, but this time reaching a harmonic and tonal resolution in C major, pointed by a simple but expansive melody towards which the piece has been heading, and ending in a blaze of joyful colour.
Edward Gregson
Media
Scores
Reviews
For the German premiere of the Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra, the Crimean-born saxophonist Asya Feteyeva appeared on stage with her instrument, which is rarely heard in classical music. And also what could be heard from the stage in less than half an hour was really extraordinary. Graceful, almost loving moments alternated with perfect free jazz cacophony.
The encounter between fast saxophone lines and swinging percussion was particularly intense. As expressively as Fateyeva handled her instrument, her finely nuanced tone remained intact. This also benefited the movement on the theme of "Love", for which the soloist took up the soprano saxophone. While the strings soared higher and higher, Fateyeva dominated the action with penetrating minor tones. Her virtuosity was called in for the rhythmically tense finale, entitled "Life". The orchestral voices also shone colourfully - and a goosebump moment occurred when the music returned to the simple C major of the opening.
...This premiere was unanimously applauded by the audience.
[...] The very special musical highlight of the evening began with just one long drawn-out note from a saxophone. [...] The one note quickly developed into a sound experience that resembled a musical white-water ride through a jungle of melodies, rhythms and themes. While calm melodies flowed gently, it happened that the listeners were suddenly swept into loud and wild musical rapids. However, recurring themes and, last but not least, a finale worthy of a film score always caught them up again. The result was an exciting but never chaotic listening experience.
Discography
- LabelChandos
- Catalogue NumberCHAN10478
- ConductorClark Rundell
- EnsembleBBC Philharmonic
- SoloistOle Edvard Antonsen (trumpet), Nobuya Sugawa (saxophone)
- Released1st July 2008
