Saxophone and Piano

with Piano: Written for Joe Lulloff and inspired by jazz saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk’s composition Blacknuss. In the introduction to Blacknuss Kirk states "there are 52 white notes and 36 black notes on the piano. We're going to play the black notes only, if you don't mind." The opposition suggested between black and white notes is expanded to include static and dynamic elements, consonant and dissonant harmonies, and pattered and non-patterned events. The title also refers to the middle section's exclusive use of the black notes of the piano. Vigorous swing rhythms contrast with sections of haunting beauty. Learn More

with Piano; get your fingers moving with this fast paced Alto Saxophone solo commissioned by Greg Dewhirst and composed by Thomas Bough

“Burn” was first performed at the NASA Region IV Conference at Oklahoma State University in March of 2017 by Dr. Greg Dewhirst.  Numerous schools and professional players supported the creation of this exciting, playful work. 

The harmonic progressions found in the Bach Chorale “Christus, der ist mein Leben” are explored in a variety of musical styles in the form of a Rondo.  In each, “Burn” displays the technical virtuosity of the alto saxophone as it dances through shifting meters, blazing sextuplet runs, and even a latin section to bring to life this charming, 5 minute composition.  

Sound file of the Wind Band version found here

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Alto Sax solo with Concert Band; get your fingers moving with this fast paced Alto Saxophone solo commissioned by Greg Dewhirst and composed by Thomas Bough

“Burn” was first performed at the NASA Region IV Conference at Oklahoma State University in March of 2017 by Dr. Greg Dewhirst.  Numerous schools and professional players supported the creation of this exciting, playful work. 

The harmonic progressions found in the Bach Chorale “Christus, der ist mein Leben” are explored in a variety of musical styles in the form of a Rondo.  In each, “Burn” displays the technical virtuosity of the alto saxophone as it dances through shifting meters, blazing sextuplet runs, and even a latin section to bring to life this charming, 5 minute composition.  

Piano reduction found here

 

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with Piano

Chiaroscuro was composed in 2007. Its title refers to the contrasting effects of light and shade in painting, a technique usually associated with such seventeenth-century artists as Caravaggio and Rembrandt. The work is dedicated to Larry Van Oyen, my good friend and current saxophone teacher and Director of Bands at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. When I forwarded the score to Larry, I shared these comments with him: “In many ways, this is my most personal piece. It probably comes closest to expressing the unsettled quality of my soul at this juncture in life – a jumble of sorrows and hopes, worries and faith.”

– Whitney Prince

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with Piano; Commissioned by Dr. Chih-Huan Wu Learn More

with Piano; in Memory of Frederick L. Hemke Learn More

with Piano: Written for saxophonist Kenneth Fischer. In creating this work the composer was concerned with how diverse emotions interact with one another when they are juxtaposed and intertwined in a musical context. The emotions expressed in the course of the musical dialogue range from lyric tenderness to intense aggression. The dramatic quality of this music coupled with zesty dance-like sections make this an exciting addition to any program. Learn More

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with Piano: An exciting work inspired by the adventures of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey. It is cast in 2 programmatic movements, Calypso's Gift and Adventure. In the first movement Odysseus is stranded on the Calypso's island, where he becomes enchanted by the beautiful goddess. Calypso is in love with Odysseus, but she makes the decision to let him continue his adventures and find his family again. Musically, the mournful yet proud opening saxophone melody employs both traditional sounds and extended techniques such as key pops and air-tones. This melody, in one form or another, becomes the basis for most of the composition, which is harmonically fleshed out by extended chords in the piano part. A slower second half, marked "Distantly, sadly," recalls motives from the opening section, and creates a sense of loss, signified by the sax's pitchless air-tone at the conclusion. The exciting second movement, Adventures, is inspired by Odysseus' encounter with the Cyclops. This piece is a"must" for the advanced saxophonist! Learn More

with Piano

UIL Prescribed Music List: 212-1-30528

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with Piano: A highly dramatic composition composed for saxophonist Lawrence Gwozdz. It consists of 2 movements and is cyclical. Following the energetic introduction to the first movement, the animated main theme is used in various transformations throughout the movement.The beginniing of the second movement features a beautiful, flowing melody that undergoes fascinating development. This is followed by a brisk concluding section during which the exciting principal theme of the first movement recurs in alternation with the lyrical opening theme of the second movement. Sonata was premiered by Lawrence Gwozdz, alto saxophone, and Lois Anderson, piano, at Yale University on June 22, 1992.”This is a solid addition to the saxophone repertoire and is recommended highly.” - The Saxophone Symposium Learn More

with Piano; written for Glen Gillis, 2020

I. Tangoesque

II. Waltzish

III. Can-Canny Learn More

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