Concerto for Alto Saxophone (Schuller)

From Wind Repertory Project
Gunther Schuller

Gunther Schuller


General Info

Year: 1983 / 2021
Duration: c. 19:00
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Saxophone and orchestra
Publisher: Unknown
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Movements

1. Con moto
2. Arioso - 3:55
3. Lively


Instrumentation

Full Score
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The version for Saxophone and ensemble of saxes is a homogenous setting, much as a string orchestra. The first performance in that setting, by arranger, Joseph Bozich, was given by the New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble, February 3, 2021.

Gunther was indefatigable, a 24/7 ally to all who approached music with hard work, musical honesty and integrity. Charles Peltz was Gunther’s greatest advocate in the last 10-15 years of Gunther’s life, and the Gunther Schuller Society was formed with John Heiss and son George Schuller to carry on and support that tradition in the future, as well as to preserve Gunther’s legacy.

- Program Note adapted from Ken Radnofsky


I wrote my Saxophone Concerto in 1983 at the instigation of Kenneth Radnofsky, in honor of his teacher, Joseph Allard, who was active in New York (at The Juilliard School), in Boston (at New England Conservatory), and at many other music schools. He was the superb, inspiring mentor of hundreds of clarinetists and saxophonists. I first heard of Joe Allard when he played with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, and I have known him personally since the mid-1940s. The deep respect and love that all his students have for him is evidenced by their collective commission of the Concerto.

It is in three contrasting movements, of which the second, Arioso, is for saxophone and strings only. This movement carries the further markings Molto adagio—Quasi recitativo—Sempre flessibile, and it exploits the lyric character of the saxophone.

- Program Note by composer


Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • New England Conservatory (Boston, Mass.) Wind Ensemble (Joseph Bozich, conductor; Megan Dillon, alto saxophone) - 3 February 2021


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources