Saxophone Quartet (Buckley)
General Info
Year: 1996
Duration: c. 13:00
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Contemporary Music Centre Ireland
Cost: Score and Parts (print) – €16.00
Movements
1. Toccata
2. Passacaglia
3. Allegro vivace
4. Elegia
5. Scherzo
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 saxophone, with its enormous expressive potential, combining the dynamic range and power of the brass with the flexibility and agility of the woodwind, has attracted me greatly over the past ten years. This has resulted in three works: Arabesque (1990) for solo alto saxophone, Saxophone Quartet (1996), and Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Strings (1997).
The five movements explore a wide range of sonorities, textures and formal structures. The work makes considerable demands on the technical virtuosity of the players, particularly in the first, third and fifth movements, which are relentlessly dominated by explosive energy and vigorous rhythmic urgency. The second and fourth movements by contrast are more reflective in character. The Passacaglia is predominantly contrapuntal, while the melancholy Elegia is mainly chordal and blues tinged.
The Saxophone Quartet was commissioned by the Aurelia Quartet and first performed by them in Rotterdam in 1998. The composer gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the Arts Council of Ireland. The work is dedicated to the Aurelia Quartet.
- Program Note by composer
Media
- Audio: Reference recording. Aurelia Saxophone Quartet
- Audio CD: Langham Creek High School Symphonic Band (Langham Creek Saxophone Quartet) – 2000
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- Langham Creek High School (Houston,Tx.) Symphonic Band (Langham Creek Saxophone Quartet) – 24 December 2000 (2000 Midwest Clinic)
- Aurelia Saxophone Quartet – 12 April 1998 *Premiere Performance*
Works for Winds by this Composer
- Fanfare for a City (1976)
- Festive Suite (1984)
- Saxophone Quartet (1996)
- Where the Wind Blows (1989)
Resources
- Buckley, J. (1996). Saxophone Quartet [score]. Dublin Contemporary Music Centre: Dublin, Ire.
- John Buckler website – Accessed 14 July 2022
- Perusal score