Solo Woodwind Repertoire: Saxophone

The saxophone is probably the woodwind instrument with which I am least acquainted, especially in its orchestral form ( I have seen live jazz that included various saxophones), so I am eager to listen to a 'classical' work featuring the instrument.

Paul Creston - Sonata Op. 19 for Alto Saxophone

Unfortunately I was unable to secure the score for this work, so I am working by listening alone. Overall, I think the saxophone sounds very much like a clarinet in this work; in the jazz music I've heard it always sounds distinctly like the saxophone. This indicates to me that different composing styles can have an effect on the perception of timbre to the listener.

The first movement of the sonata is light and nimble, but not too vigorous (although the movement is marked 'with vigour'!). It has a smooth and lyrical melody, with lots of stepwise movement. Intricate elaboration on the melody is minimal, but there is some ornaments in the style of mordents. At certain points there appears to be staccato articulation, contrasting with the mostly flowing movement of the melody. The longer notes often feature a light vibrato.

The middle movement has a much more tranquil sound, with its very expressive and cantabile melody which really shows off the timbre of the instrument. There are some very effective dynamic peaks in this movement, giving shape to the gentle melodic line.

The third and final movement is the quickest (marked with gaiety), showing the agility of the instrument, and featuring many scalic runs.

There are no obvious harsh dissonances in the music, but plenty of colour (probably 7th chords). Much of the music sounds as if it is in major keys, but at other times sounds tonality ambiguous but never harsh or unpleasant. There is marked lack of extended techniques on the instrument in this work, at least as far as I could tell.

This work was quite unlike music I've listened to before (and my collection is quite eclectic!). I'd certainly be interested in seeking out more pieces that use the saxophone in an orchestral context, particularly pieces that utilize extended techniques on the instrument.