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Haaheim, Kip – Bible Study IV for alto saxophone and digital audio playback (2008) – 7:45 minutes

PROGRAM NOTES: In composing this work for alto saxophone my ear naturally drew upon two traditions in which the instrument has had substantial success - Jazz and French fine-art music. At times the player will be drawn to using the smooth and rich “classical” sound developed by early interpreters of the saxophone music of Maurice Ravel and Darius Milhaud.  READ MORE

Sample Score Page 1

Sample Score Page 2

Manjarrez, Cesar - Climb, for alto saxophone and electronics (2019)
4:14 minutes

PROGRAM NOTES - Originally intended for alto saxophone and piano, CLIMB evolved into an electronic soundscape. A colleague of mine described his listening experience as "three-dimensional, almost like moving through landscapes in virtual reality but through music". At the beginning, you will hear the original nature of this piece with a low piano key pressed while an ominous low synthesizer fills up the soundscape. The saxophone begins frantically, mimicking a human reaction of shock. As the saxophone continues to "explore" I intended to write the saxophone part to feel more familiar with its surrounding. This piece is not intended to exist as a solo-accompaniment work but a slowly symbiotic piece where the saxophonist makes personal adjustments to adapt to their surroundings as they progress. 

The piece relies heavily on extended technique to balance with the electronic production of the backing track - slap tongue, circular breathing, multiphonics, and altissimo. I encourage the performer to listen to the backing track as if it was its own piece. Strong familiarity with the production will ensure a successful performance and a unique experience for the audience as they witness the performer traverse an alien landscape where they too become part of at the end.

Sample Score Page