Alfred Desenclos: Prélude, Cadence et Finale for saxophone and piano

Alfred Desenclos: Prélude, Cadence et Finale

David Anderson, alto sax
Roy Hakes, piano

Prélude, Cadence et Finale (1956) was dedicated to the founder of the French Saxophone School, Marcel Mule. The piece was written as an examination piece for students at the Paris Conservatory, filled with virtuosic challenges for both the saxophone and piano. The Prelude begins with harmonically ambiguous passages that lead into the mystifying primary theme of the work. An unaccompanied cadenza follows, building tension through arpeggiations of altered dominant seventh chords. Following without break, the Finale demands great technique and rhythmic accuracy, combining previous ideas into a frenetic and dramatic close.

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