Pegram: Alto Saxophone Sonata
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
- Composer: Jules Pegram (1991-)
- Instrumentation: Piano, Alto Saxophone
- Work: Alto Saxophone Sonata (2013)
Description
When saxophonist Andrew Harrison first approached me about writing a piece for alto saxophone and piano, I jumped at the opportunity to write for a player of such superb abilities and fine musicianship. I was also delighted to learn that we share a mutual admiration for classic Hollywood film scores. Andrew expressed a special fondness for film noir soundtracks, such as Jerry Goldsmith's Chinatown, Miklos Rózsa's Double Indemnity, and Bernard Herrmann's final score for the film Taxi Driver, with its dark thematic content and legendary sax solos.
In the first movement, the saxophone bolts forward with brilliance and energy. An equally virtuosic piano counterpart constantly amps up the tension, making for a lightning fast musical repartee.
The second movement demonstrates the lyric capacity and sonic richness of the saxophone. in setting this dark middle movement, I strove to write sweeping lines and lush, noir-inspired textures. The music here is lonesome and pensive, creating a warm atmosphere of haunting pathos.
The final movement is a jaunty escapade based on a lyrical, sweet melody. The tune meanders through a series of developments and variations, all the while showing off the saxophone's extensive range, bright timbral possibilities, and extraordinary agility.
– Jules Pegram (2016)
*The Solo Alto Saxophone part is exactly the same for performance with Wind Ensemble or Piano. When performed as a solo with Piano, the piece carries the title "Sonata," and when performed with Wind Ensemble, the title is "Concerto."
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
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Hardcover
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Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
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With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
