Huydts: Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano

Code: JP4006
ISMN: 979-0-3019-0070-3

Sebastian Huydt (b, 1966) composed his Sonata for Saxophone and Piano in 1990 at the request of saxophonist Sieuwke van Berkum. Its two movements highlight a specific aspect of the expressive capabilities of the saxophone. In the first movement the saxophone introduces an expressive melody set against a soft murmuring, almost serene piano accompaniment. The melody slowly develops toward a gentle climax embedded in vibrant harmony, out of which a sparse, repeated accompaniment emerges. The following section of this movement introduces a new melody in the saxophone and the piano against the austere background of the repeated accompaniment. Slowly the music develops; the accompaniment starts moving and the harmony starts modulating toward the initial melody. By the time the initial melody returns, the accompaniment has turned into a gyrating river of sound. This leads to a climax in which the piano's deepest bass notes (which have been specially muted) function as a bass-drum.

In the second movement both instruments seem to compete in virtuosity and power. The pounding rhythm at the onset of the movement lends the piece its stark character. A rhapsodic, calmer middle section puts the same motives and gestures from the fast section in a different perspective, working once again toward a vibrant climax with long held notes, trills and tremolos. At the height of that climax, the opening statement suddenly returns in full force. With certainty and determination, the movement works toward its bravura conclusion. Total duration: 17 minutes

Click here for more information on Sebastian Huydts