Concertino (for alto sax & sax orchestra)

Description

SCORE DETAILS

Composer: Matthew Orlovich | Date of Composition: 8 March 2018 | Instrumentation: E-flat alto saxophone + saxophone orchestra (2 sopranos, 4 altos, 3 tenors, 2 baritones, 1 bass) | Duration: c. 12 minutes | Commissioned by: Matthew Hindson (for the CSO Australian Series) | Publisher: Waratah Music | Formats: Printed Edition Score & Parts (WM 006 : ISMN 979-0-7202-1510-5) / PDF Digital Download Score & Parts (WM006e : ISMN 979-0-7202-1511-2) | Edition: 26 February 2019

COMPOSER’S NOTE

Concertino (for E-flat alto saxophone and saxophone orchestra) was commissioned by Dr Matthew Hindson AM and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra as part of the CSO Australian Series 2018. The premiere performance was given on Thursday 17 May, 2018 by Dr Michael Duke (alto saxophone soloist) with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Saxophone Orchestra, conducted by Dr Jay Byrnes, at Gordon Darling Hall, National Portrait Gallery, Canberra, ACT, Australia.

During its three movements, the work ebbs and flows between buoyant, sparkling music and slower, more introspective lyricism. The soloist’s narrative draws upon a variety of musical ideas, including some courage-inducing fanfares, a heart-felt aria and some altissimo register tight-rope walking, amongst other things.

The saxophone orchestra’s many fingers are kept quite busy throughout most of the score, with soprano, alto, tenor, baritone and bass saxophones all contributing to the creation of a kaleidoscopic setting for the soloist. It is formed by layering little snippets of melody, small-to- medium interval trills, drones, some pizzicato-like punctuations and occasional soft and low, slow-burning chord progressions.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to Dr Matthew Hindson AM and to the Canberra Symphony Orchestra for commissioning the work. I also warmly thank all the members of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Saxophone Orchestra, conductor Dr Jay Byrnes and soloist Dr Michael Duke. – MO.

SCORE SAMPLE

PERFORMANCES

Performances of Concertino (for alto sax and saxophone orchestra) include:

Sunday 24 November 2024
Concertino for alto sax & saxophone orchestra
Performed by Gerard McChrystal (alto saxophone soloist) with Phoenix Saxophone Orchestra @ St Hugh’s Church, Granville Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9HF UK.

Saturday 15 October 2022 (European Premiere)
Concertino for alto sax & saxophone orchestra
Performed by Gerard McChrystal (alto saxophone soloist) with RWCMD Cardiff Saxophone Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Conroy @ WhirlWinds Festival, Carne Foyer, RWCMD Cardiff, Wales, UK.

Saturday 28 May 2022 (WA Premiere)
Concertino (Mv. III) for alto sax & saxophone orchestra
Performed by Matt Styles (alto saxophone soloist) with ‘Phone Co. Saxophone Orchestra @ Gala Opening Concert, WAAPA Sax Festival, WAAPA, ECU Mount Lawley Campus, WA.

Thursday 17 May, 2018 (World Premiere Performance)
Concertino for alto sax & saxophone orchestra
Performed by Dr Michael Duke (alto saxophone soloist) with Sydney Conservatorium of Music Saxophone Orchestra, conducted by Dr Jay Byrnes, at Gordon Darling Hall, National Portrait Gallery, Canberra, ACT, Australia.

PRESS GALLERY

Cast in three movements, Matthew Orlovich’s Concertino for Saxophone and Saxophone Orchestra had Dr Michael Duke as soloist, conducted by Dr Jay Byrnes. This modern, tonal work flowed between contrasting moods and it did it with vigour through whirling melodies on solo sax. The bright orchestral colours of this piece came through some inspired playing from everyone and the well-written music; it was a joyous piece.
– Canberra CityNews | Review: Setting free the saxophones | By Rob Kennedy | May 18, 2018.