|
New for 2010!......'Myriads'
An evocative and hypnotic piece for Alto sax, Clarinet, and piano. Myriads was shortlisted as a finalist recently in the UK 'Reedplay' composition competition, and performed at the Guildhall school of music and drama by 3 leading UK players.
Approximately 6 minutes duration and suitable for players around grade 5+, Myriads loops hypnotic patterns, with all 3 instruments interweaving, but all having solo moments some point. Click here to hear me performing the piece; http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_2753272
£7.95 (UK postage included) or £4.95 for PDF email delivery.
NEW FOR 2010!.......'Two Tango moods' SATB saxophone quartet.
As the title suggests, 2 tango moods; the first is a very tongue in cheek look at tango, with humorous interjections from the lower saxes, full of little surprises, and certainly an audience pleaser! As a total contrast, movement II is very legato, solemn, and contemplative. The ensemble provides an evocative platform on which the solo line (soprano in Movement II) can play the very expressive melody. Click here for a MIDI file (computerised interpretation) of 'Tango moods'; http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_3218866
£8.95 (UK postage included) or £5.50 PDF email delivery.
'Kayleigh in Killarney' Celtic style saxophone quartet (SATB) 2009.
Kayleigh in Killarney is a rousing SATB quartet of around 3.5 minutes duration. It begins with a Soprano and Baritone question and answer type introduction which reveals the main theme. Accompaniment gives a definite celtic bagpipe feel complimenting the melody line nicely. The piece also features a jig like tenor solo which then becomes a duet when the soprano enthiusiastically joins in the fun. Alto and bari players give support with roudy claps and whoops! (optional!). Once again, the theme returns before subduing to a melancholy baritone solo, gently accompanied by tenor, then alto and sop too, before cranking up the pace once again with the return of the initial melody, plus the new melody intertwined. A final key change adds to the drama before an exciting ending leaves us on a high.
All players get their chance to shine in this quartet and all have a main solo line at some point.
'Songs for Claire' (Available for Soprano/Tenor sax and Piano and Alto/Bari sax and piano) 2008
Written in 2008, 'Songs for Claire' paints a picture of an emotional life journey. It consists of three movements; Living Life, troubled times, and flying free. the piece last for around 8 minutes duration, and is suitable for players of around grade 6+. It begins with a very dreamy and pure piano introduction and aims to portray the joy and beauty of life. The saxophone is allowed to sing out expressively accompanied by the gently lapping piano accompaniment. The movement however ends on a more negative mood, with the clear unwanted ticking of time from the piano leading mercilessly into the troubled times to come. Have you ever got on a ride and wished you could get off? Movement two shows the anguish and at moments, despair, of major obstacles ahead. The saxophones lyrical expression can be used to its fullest and can really cry out in this section. Timbral trills are used to create the idea of two voices; one positive, and one negative, to portray the constant battle to make it through and not give up. Movement three is once again pure and calm, and uses a reversed theme of the initial idea in movement one. Flying free has an almost continuous rocking motion from the piano accompaniment and ends with a short echoed phrase passed between the saxophone and the piano, where everything floats away in peace.....
'Songs for Claire' has had very positive comments and would be a great addition to a recital.
The piece was written in memory of my childhood best friend, Claire, who died aged 10 after a long illness.
SONGS FOR CLAIRE IS NOW PUBLISHED BY SPARTAN PRESS. PLEASE CLICK ON THEIR LINK ON MY LINKS PAGE.
'Mixed bag' collection 2008/2009 (available in; sax/piano, Clarinet/piano, Flute/piano)
This collection of pieces came about one day because I was reflecting on the wonderful varying personalities of my students, and decided to write a collection with each piece dedicated to / inspired by a particular student. The collection will be available for Saxophone/piano, Flute/piano, and Clarinet/piano. Many of the pieces feature patterns and are often disguised in order to help with technical issues on the particular instrument, whilst the student simply believes they are learning a new piece!
Here are the compositions in the collection;
Truffle takes a stroll
A quirky little piece in 4/4 time. Inspired by Paulines gorgeous chocolate labrador 'Truffle', the piece starts at a joyful trot, bouncing along happily in the piano part. The piece is lightly swung, and very carefree, and the occasional tremeloes and optional growl/flutter tongue from the solo instrument gives the impression of truffle wagging her tail in joy at times. It also features a repeated 3 note pattern, great for developing dexterity around sometimes troublesome areas (e.g, bottom space F,F#,and 2nd space A on Clarinet requires a neat rolling action).
Loretta plays the blues
Inspired by Saxophone student Loretta who has a natural love of blues and jazzy styles. This piece is faster paced , syncopated in places, and starts with a bold and funky piano riff. The main theme is then introduced before the solo instrument and piano converse with a short Q and A section before returning to the main theme.
Sandra's mini
Inspired by saxophone student Sandra, a whole lot of energy, attitude, passion, and drive packed into a compact frame! Sandra happened to mention that she had a new mini, and the rest they say, is history! More contempory in style, the effect of rush hour is meant to be felt, traffic jams, frustration and all! Particularly satisfying for the younger students (or the more mature student needing to let off steam after a bad day!) as the 'honks' can be played as loud and horribly as you wish! The bass line mostly drives on with constant aggitated crotchets, with dischordant honks from the right hand. The piano part features an aggressive riff in the middle with the solo instrument fading into a chromatic crescendo gear changing effect. Great fun to play, many of my students have collapsed with laughing and not been able to reach the end yet!
Johns new flute (flute book only)
A sweet and flowing composition to bring out the lovely purity of the flute's tone. Inspired by Johns new purchase. Uses the range of the flute well and features effective interplay between flute and piano with passionate feel in the middle section.
Midnight Waltz
This piece is dedicated to adult students Sheila and Brian (husband and wife). It begins with a very free opening on piano and has hints of Piazzolla (brilliant Argentinian Tango composer). The melody floats around the range of the instrument and is very passionate in places. There is very effective interplay between solo instrument and piano as short phrases overlap. The piece ends with the two 'dancers' parting into the dark night.
Jonathan gets his groove on!
Inspired by teenage student Jonathan who often has me in stitches! A funky number with plenty of attitude. Features an optional section of improvisation (blues scale is provided as a 'note bank') and requires finger clicking from the pianists right hand whilst playing octaves with the left. We have a main section, then the improvised section, the third section is a sort of written out improvisation and there are opportunities for growls/flutter tonguing for added effect and attitude. The main theme returns at the end followed by a cheeky surprise ending!
Lament
Written for Sadie who shares my love of Irish laments, but also inspired by a moment of quiet time where I imagined the pain of the fathers heart as he looks at his earth and how its people treat one another. Written in G minor the lament is played as a cry from the solo instrument with a repeated tenuto crotchet theme from the piano (like a lonely bell chime). The middle section briefly reverts to G major almost in remembrance of more positive times. The original theme returns to end the piece on a very contemplative note.
Honkey Tonk-arama!
Inspired by Naomi's lovely cheerful attitude (and giggles!) in lessons. A fun little piece in a honkey tonk style. Uses effective use of tempo changes to create the desired effect.
| 