Overview
In historical terms, the concert saxophone is a relative newcomer to classical and contemporary music. Though the instrument has been around for over 150 years, it struggled for composers’ attention though the early years of its life. As a result, the core of the saxophone repertoire did not start being produced until the 1930’s. The last 40 years has seen a rise in the quantity and quality of compositions introduced into the canon, though the vast majority of these works are aimed at advanced students and performers. This has resulted in a void of quality, original music for the emerging saxophonist who is still learning to navigate both musical and technical obstacles. For this level of student, teachers most often look to transcriptions (which often lay unnaturally on the instrument) and a small number of original works that fall within this standard. Unfortunately, the lack of variety does not sufficiently fit the needs of the modern saxophone student or teacher.
Also of considerable concern is that most of the original repertoire for saxophone that includes piano requires a collaborator with a very high skill level and ample rehearsal time. Regrettably, this is unavailable at many smaller universities, colleges, and high schools.
Smart Repertoire aims to start remedying this problem by commissioning high quality composers to write new, original works for all the voices of the saxophone that will adhere to the following guidelines:
- Works for saxophone and piano that are 5-10 minutes in length
- Use no altissimo
- Very little or no extended techniques
- Create extremely playable piano parts
- Composer(s) will be paired with a professional saxophonist to answer technical questions and ensure the music fits the requirements
Additionally, each work will be audio and video recorded by a professional saxophonists that will be available for reference after each commission has been funded and premiered.
Funding
Smart Repertoire is currently using a consortium type model to raise funds. The goal of the project is to keep buy-in costs low so saxophonists in all stages of their career can afford to participate. However, to make this model successful, we need a larger number of participants than a typical consortium. Please consider helping to spread the word to any individuals or groups that might be interested.
Rewards
All contributors will be listed as a consortium member, will receive a digital copy of the work, and will have the right to give a world premier within a designated amount of time (see specific projects for details).
Current Project
2023
For this year’s project, I am excited to join forces with the Assembly Quartet Pedagogy Project to commission four new works, two solo pieces for saxophone and piano and two SATB/AATB Saxophone Quartets, designed to create fun and exciting new music for younger students at a pedagogically appropriate difficulty level (approximately Grade 4). Two brilliant composers, Avner Dormanand Gala Flagello, are each contributing one solo work with piano and one quartet work as a part of this amazing consortium opportunity.
Join today and reserve your spot as a Consortium member. Consortium members get their name in the dedication page of each musical score and get a digital copy of each composition, delivered in January of 2024. Consortium members also get one year of exclusivity with these new musical compositions. The requirements for these works include the following:
-5-10 minutes in length (each work)
-no altissimo and minimal extended techniques
-Extremely playable piano parts (for solo works)
-SATB and AATB versions (for quartet works)
-Reference Recordings will be made available for the study of these works (solo recordings by Joshua Thomas, saxophonist in US Coast Guard Band and quartet recordings will be made by the Assembly Quartet)
The buy-in rate for this year includes three options:
-$90 for all 4 works (best value)
-or-
-$60 (two solo works)
-or-
-$60 (Two quartet works)
To join, please click
Past Projects
Smart Repertoire has successfully completed three rounds of commissioning, resulting in six new works.
2022
Blue Rainbow for alto saxophone and piano by Kay He
Finding Your Peace for soprano saxophone and piano by Jeff Scott
2021
Sonatina for alto saxophone and piano by Denis Bédard
Brazilian Landscapes #21 for tenor saxophone and piano by Liduino Pitombeira
2020
from other futures for alto saxophone and piano by John Anthony Lennon
Dangerous Coats for baritone saxophone and piano by Jessica Rudman
Do you have a suggestion for a composer you would like to see used in this project? Email [email protected] with suggestions.
