Sketches for Saxophone (2021)
Three pieces for Alto Saxophone and Piano
c.10 minutes
Sketches for Saxophone consists of three movements which may be performed separately, or together to make a suite. Each piece is based on the same musical shape, a rising fourth followed by a faster stepwise pattern, but they are very different in character. The first movement, ‘Shifting Skies’ contrasts a reflective opening section with a spiky Allegro, and gradually the two ideas become intertwined. ‘Blue Landscape’ follows, in which a wide-ranging and freely expressive saxophone line is accompanied by rich harmonies on the piano. The final movement, ‘Restless Energy’, presents the musical shape in a lively neo-classical way, often interrupted by jazz-inflected syncopated patterns, leading to a final grand statement and a throw-away ending.
Sketches for Saxophone was written for and dedicated to the composer’s son, Sam Bullard.
Published by Saxtet Publications (print or download)