Phoenix - Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Prepared Electronics

Presenter Information

Benjamin Petersen

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Campus where you would like to present

SURC Ballroom D

Start Date

18-5-2012

End Date

18-5-2012

Abstract

Phoenix is an exploratory composition combining style characteristics of composers of classical saxophone concerto literature, such as Ibert and Glazanouv, with sounds and techniques of popular electronic dance music (EDM) producers, such as Above and Beyond and Tiesto. The purpose for writing this piece stemmed from listening to EDM artists sample classical orchestral works, such as Barber's Adagio for Strings, into their tracks to expose fans to a different sound and genre of music. I endeavored to create a piece that would present the sounds and style of EDM to a 'concert hall' audience. I chose to write for saxophone as it is the instrument I am most comfortable with and is also a newer invention of the acoustic instrument family. I chose a concerto because it is a familiar form in the classical repertoire and would provide a framework to integrate characteristics of both genres. From the classical world, Phoenix features a typical three movement layout (fast-slow-fast), virtuosic and expressive saxophone playing, motives which are presented and then varied, canonic treatment of the melody, an extended cadenza, and functional harmonic progressions. From the electronic medium, the piece includes four-on-the-floor beats, low decibel synthesized bass, drum kit, and manipulated samples of acoustic instruments. The title Phoenix was given as a personal memento signifying the reigniting of my musical passion; however, it programmatically works well to depict the mood in each of the three movements (Soaring, Burnout, and Rebirth).

Faculty Mentor(s)

Elaine Ross

Additional Mentoring Department

Music

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May 18th, 3:00 PM May 18th, 3:20 PM

Phoenix - Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Prepared Electronics

SURC Ballroom D

Phoenix is an exploratory composition combining style characteristics of composers of classical saxophone concerto literature, such as Ibert and Glazanouv, with sounds and techniques of popular electronic dance music (EDM) producers, such as Above and Beyond and Tiesto. The purpose for writing this piece stemmed from listening to EDM artists sample classical orchestral works, such as Barber's Adagio for Strings, into their tracks to expose fans to a different sound and genre of music. I endeavored to create a piece that would present the sounds and style of EDM to a 'concert hall' audience. I chose to write for saxophone as it is the instrument I am most comfortable with and is also a newer invention of the acoustic instrument family. I chose a concerto because it is a familiar form in the classical repertoire and would provide a framework to integrate characteristics of both genres. From the classical world, Phoenix features a typical three movement layout (fast-slow-fast), virtuosic and expressive saxophone playing, motives which are presented and then varied, canonic treatment of the melody, an extended cadenza, and functional harmonic progressions. From the electronic medium, the piece includes four-on-the-floor beats, low decibel synthesized bass, drum kit, and manipulated samples of acoustic instruments. The title Phoenix was given as a personal memento signifying the reigniting of my musical passion; however, it programmatically works well to depict the mood in each of the three movements (Soaring, Burnout, and Rebirth).