Saxophone world premieres : research, collaboration and performance
This DMA portfolio contains materials appertaining to the research and collaboration ofimaginative performance-based projects that have been completed whilst studyingtowards a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Salford.Commissioning and working with four leading composers in the Wind Ensemble genre towrite world premiere works for solo saxophone performance over a two year periodinvolved a great deal of thought and preparation. Further enhanced by a solo saxophoneand piano compact disc recording, this submission compromises:1. In League with Extraordinary Gentlemen Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemblecomposition by Peter Graham.2. These Mist Covered Mountains a saxophone and piano compact disc recording:-Pastoral - Elliot CarterBrainstorm - Tim WatsonCrazy Diamonds Shining Pete MeechanSea Shift - Robin DewhurstFuzzy Bird Sonata - Takashi YoshimatsuThese Mist Covered Mountains - Pete Meechan3. Concertino for Alto Saxophone by Adam Gorb4. Fenix Blue by Pete Meechan5. Let it be an arrangement by Dr Robin DewhurstEach project is explained in detail, showing the research, commissioning, collaborationand performance involved. Audio and video recordings with the commentaries areaccompanied by pdf scores, compact disc sleeve notes, programmes of performance,magazine reviews and critical evaluations from leading performers and academicsworldwide. Choosing a wide variety of musicians to evaluate my work not only testifiesto its validity, but also shows the impact, significance and importance it has across a widefield of musical knowledge.With the many different aspects involved in performance today each project becamecompletely unique. The research, analysis and adaptation of already written repertoire atan advanced level allowed the development of new stylistic sounds. The incorporation ofworld premiere performances at different acoustic venues allowed not only performance creation and flexibility, but gave many opportunities to invite the composers to hear theirmusic performed and for the audience to engage and critique a new aural perception.Using different ensembles for each premiere and recording meant logistical problems andunforeseen circumstances had to be overcome, but working with composers that hold sucha high standing in their field allowed soloist performance boundaries to be pushed.However, working with differing levels of musicality, in an array of ensembles, from allparts of the country, meant there were various interpretations of the music, ranging fromdifferent conducting styles to varying levels of musical accompaniment!Along with the musical aptitude, skills and experience of the composers and musicians onlarger scale works, was the challenge of incorporating different stylistic compositions,unaccompanied and with piano accompaniment for the compact disc project. Forming aprogramme of unrecorded, new and established repertoire meant that the compact disccompilation would have a unique quality to it. In the commentary for this project is thejustification of chosen repertoire and the need for professionalism when recording. Overtwo days of intense concentration, virtuosic and technically demanding passages neededconsummate dexterity. Extended technique work added panache but also needed carefulcontrol and balancing, along with melodic phrasing and tone production.The final results from every project I found were enlightening and created a buzz ofexcitement at some point on every performance, an experience I hope to never lose! Inconclusion, the submission contains other supporting material that shows my professionalstanding as a performing artist in varying musical fields, highlighting my past and currentactivities.
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations