Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble (Grade 4-5, Solo Part Grade 5-5.5) (1992)
This work was written for and dedicated to Mr. Ken Ticknor, my saxophone professor at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Most of the melodic ideas are lyrical in nature (even in the faster sections) for the purpose of bringing out the naturally lyric qualities of Ken’s playing, as well as the lyrical qualities of the saxophone in general.
Throughout this three movement work, I have focused the melodic material around two main themes. The first melodic motif is in the opening brass fanfare. The second melodic motif (found in the Andante Espressivo section of the first movement) is the basis for the entire second movement and much of the third. Harmonically, I used mainly triadic writing throughout, also shifting alternating major/minor triads over tonic or dominant bass pedals. This is especially prevalent in much of the second and third movements, with just a hint of it in the first movement.
Three Movements (approx. duration 14-15')
- Allegro Con Spirito (approx. 4'35")
- Adagio Con Expressivo (approx. 5'15")
- Allegro Con Energico (approx. 3'45")
Instrumentation:
- Solo Eb Alto Saxophone
- Piccolo
- Flute
- Oboe
- Bassoon
- Bb Clarinet 1
- Bb Clarinet 2-3
- Bb Bass Clarinet
- **opt. Eb Contra-Alto Clarinet** (not in score, but included in parts)
- Eb Alto Saxophone 1-2
- Bb Tenor Saxophone
- Eb Baritone Saxophone
- Trumpet 1
- Trumpet 2-3
- F Horn 1
- F Horn 2-3
- Trombone 1-2
- Trombone 3
- Euphonium (**Treble clef Euph. part included in parts)
- Basses (Tubas)
- Timpani (4 drums)
- Percussion 1 (Bass Drum, Snare Drum) **Playable by one player only**
- Percussion 2 (Bass Drum, C. Cymbals, Triangle) **Playable by one player only**
- Percussion 3 (Suspended Cymbal, Triangle) **Playable by one player only**
To listen to a recording of the movements, click on the audio files below. You may also view the Solo Alto Saxophone part in the PDF listed below.
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