Saxophonia for saxophone orchestra (op. 103a, 1998)
for Linda Bangs
Large ensemble:
2 soprano sax., 8 alto sax., 5 tenor sax., 3 baritone sax., 2 bass sax., 2 percussionists
Reduced instrumentation:
2 soprano sax., 6 alto sax., 3 tenor sax., 2 baritone sax., 2 bass sax., 2 percussionists
Percussion instruments for both instrumentations:
1st player: snare drum, tom-tom (2), temple block (5), cymbals (3), sizzle cymbal, gong, shell drum, triangle
2nd player: military drum, bass drum, bongo (2) tam-tam, cowbell
Duration: 8 minutes
South German Saxophone Orchestra | Linda Bangs-Urban
Title: Saxophonia op. 103a (reduced version) in C - Length: 40 pages - Date: 26.06.98 - Location: Bayerische Staatsbibliothek Munich
Loosmann Musikverlag B0176 (score and parts)
Hummel's Saxophonia from 1998 was an effective finale with its jazz-inspired rhythms, which also presented a challenge for the percussionists.
... Bertold Hummel's Saxophonia op. 103a was presented with its unexpectedly Mediterranean aura. As if in one breath and ascending and descending crescendos from bass to sopranino and vice versa - in the Mantovani effect - the orchestra performed a hymn-like composition in dynamic chromaticism that would be suitable for film westerns and crime thrillers, but also for the opening of an Olympic Games.
Dr Peter Müller
Saxophonia op. 103a was written at the suggestion of Mrs Linda Bangs and is dedicated to her.
The saxophone orchestra is joined by 2 percussionists who have to play a cadenza in the second part of the piece, which gives the work a clear structure.
In addition to some recurring symphonic gestures, the work is characterised by lively dance-like sequences, some of which are reminiscent of jazz. Tutti blocks alternate with concertante episodes in which the individual instrumental groups come into their own.
The overall impression: lively and cheerful!
Bertold Hummel