A Composition and Orchestration of an Original Suite for Five Saxophones for the Advanced Saxophonist

One of the areas in the field of instrumental
instruction which has a pressing need for additional
material is that of advanced literature for the interested
saxophonist. The purpose of this composition was to
explore the problems involved in composing and orchestrating
an original suite for a saxophone quintet. The
musical form of the suite was chosen since a form of many
separate, yet harmonically linked, movements would bring
out the greatest number of possible problems including
style, orchestration, form, registers, function, characteristics
of instruments, key consideration, tempos, change
of meter, rhythmic devices, accompaniments, solos, voicings,
and harmonic devices.
The composition about to be discussed was written
for five saxophones: two E flat alto saxophones, two B flat
tenor saxophones, and one E flat baritone saxophone. The
four movements of the suite are entitled:
Allemande--written in 4/4 time, requiring a performance
time of approximately 2:40 minutes.
Courante--written in 3/4 time, requiring a performance
time of approximately 2:30 minutes. Sarabande--written in 3/4 time, requiring a performance
time of approximately 2:30 minutes.
La Fine--written in 4/4 time, requiring a performance
time of approximately 2:20 minutes.
It is hoped that this suite will be a definite contribution
to the saxophone literature.
The instrumentalist who performs this suite will find very few dynamic marks, and, in some cases different phrasing may be used, thus allowing the performer more liberty and freedom of choice.