Canfield: Quintet after Schumann for Saxophone Quartet and Piano (performance parts)

Code: JP4055
ISMN: 979-0-3019-0031-4

NOTE: There are two versions of this composition: (1) Saxophone Quartet and Piano [JP4055 on this web page] and (2) Woodwind Quartet (flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon) and piano (click on JP5132).

Quintette nach Schumann was commissioned by the Oasis Quartet in its desire to have David DeBoor Canfield contribute another work in his series of pieces written in the style of older composers who never happened to write for certain instruments, such as the saxophone.

In this work, the composer attempted to capture the melodic patterns, harmonic movement, and textures of Robert Schumann, who probably didn't even know that the saxophone had been invented. The four movements therefore consist of a declamatory first movement, the longest of the quintet, and cast in a modified sonata allegro form, the scherzo-like theme and variations second movement, a slow and rather simple third movement, and a driving finale with a tempo marking that translates as "almost faster than possible." The latter was brought to Canfield's mind by the tempo marking in one of Schumann's piano sonatas, "as fast as possible," followed by a mind-boggling subsequent marking of "piu mosso" (a paradox resolved by the fact that the music becomes easier at that point). As is typical in 19th-century chamber music, the piano is given the lion's share of the notes, although the composer made an effort to give each of the four saxophonists a challenging and rewarding part as well.

This set includes the five individual performance parts. A study score for reference, if desired, is available separately (JP4079).

The music is recorded by the Oasis Quartet with Chia-Ling Hsieh, piano. See CD4004.

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