Suite for Saxophones, Trumpet and Piano

The Suite for Saxophones, Trumpet and Piano was a commission for the University of the West of England Chamber Ensemble, due to the lack of existing compositions for that instrumentation. The first piece uses a tenor saxophone, while the second uses an alto.

Ellipsis begins with a dark and discordant piano introduction, instilling the image of being in a jazz club with rain pouring outside. The music has a sonorous tone, created by deep piano chords, and interweaved phrases from the tenor saxophone and muted trumpet. The lowest register of the trumpet is used to coincide with the tenor saxophone’s lower range. After hearing the initial theme, the music builds, and eventually changes key and time signature. The trumpet and saxophone play in harmony at this point, giving strength to the melody. The central section is more sparse, and hears each of the trio take a solo. The music then grows to a louder and richer refrain of the second theme. There are descending sequences of octaves as the music revolves around a harmonic pattern. The piece ends with a recapitulation of the piano introduction, and a subdued echo of the initial theme.

Flume is much faster and more excitable. It’s style was inspired by the use of the trumpet and alto saxophone combination found in jazz and big band music. The piece begins with a trumpet phrase, which is repeated and adapted throughout. It has swung rhythm, and a mix of articulations, giving a strong and decisive feel. The piano provides the harmony with jazzy, punchy chords. The main phrase is transferred back and forth between the trumpet and saxophone, with frequent call and response. In the secondary section, the piano takes the lead with a series of staccato phrases. These phrases are intentionally short to make them as catchy and lighthearted as possible. Following this, the harmony becomes more unstable, leading to a loud fanfare like moment. The initial form of the piece is then repeated, with the saxophone taking the trumpet’s lines, and vice versa. The music ends with a sharp recap of the second theme, and an aggressively stabbed final chord.

Back to works...