Henri Tomasi: Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra

Henri Tomasi: Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra
I. Andante et Allegro (0:00)
II. Final: Giration (11:33)

David Anderson, alto sax
Roy Hakes, piano

Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra (1949) was dedicated to Marcel Mule, and written in two movements. Scored for a brilliant, full orchestral accompaniment, the piece is expressive, foreboding, and sensuous. The first movement, Andante et Allegro, begins with a mysterious and subdued introduction that quickly leads into an Allegro accompanied by subtle rhythmic gestures. Long melodic lines from the saxophone sing over busy scales and polychords, constantly shifting in meter and harmony. The Finale, subtitled “Giration,” introduces a flurry of fast scalar runs that transform previous thematic material. The final bars of the piece reintroduce the sweeping lyricism of the opening, ending with a chord marked, “Large”.

Senior Music Education Undergraduate Saxophone Recital
October 21, 2017
George Mason University
Harris Theater