sull’ala
concerto for saxophone and wind ensemble (28')
photo: Richard Barnes
PROGRAM NOTE:
1. Propulsion
- murmuration 1 -
2. Torque
- murmuration 2 -
3. Aloft
sull'ala (on the wing) is inspired by flight. Some of the different physical properties of flight suggested to me different musical expressions of rhythm, harmony, texture... The relationship of soloist to ensemble reflects the individual flier's relationship to surrounding elements. The murmurations are small bridge movements for the soloist and sax sextet. A murmuration is a group of starlings, whose mesmerizing group acrobatics fill the sky in sweeping clouds.
Instrumentation:
Solo Saxophone (Alto & Soprano)
4 Fl, Ob, Eng Hn, 3 Clar in Bb, Bass Clar,
Sop Sax, Alto Sax, 2 Tenor Sax, 2 Bari Sax, 2 Bsns
4 Hn, 3 Tpt, 3 Tbn, 2 Euph, 2 Tuba
4 Perc, Cbs
“…This all-American collection of recently composed concertos for wind ensemble and varied soloists is invigorating and introspective at once, beginning with a brilliant five-section saxophone concerto inspired by flight. … The soloist, in this case the superb Carrie Koffman, is meant to be the flyer, and the ensemble takes the role of the surrounding elements. Botti’s music is beautifully shaped, with especially expressive use of the lower brass, as well as bright color blending. Her harmonic language tends to the abstract, but it is the taut construction and thoughtfulness of the music that carries the day…” Fanfare