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)
Hummels’ *Saxophonia* from 1998, with its jazz-inspired rhythms that also posed a challenge for the percussionists, was a spectacular finale.
... Bertold Hummel took to the stage with his unexpectedly sunny, southern charm to present *Saxophonia*, Op. 103a. As if in a single breath, with crescendos rising and falling from bass to sopranino and back again – in a Mantovani-esque effect – the orchestra performed a hymn-like composition in dynamic chromaticism, one that would be suitable for Westerns and crime thrillers alike, but also for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
Dr Peter Müller
Saxophonia, Op. 103a, was composed at the suggestion of Ms Linda Bangs and is dedicated to her.
The saxophone orchestra is accompanied by two percussionists, who perform a cadenza in the second movement, giving the work a clear structure.
Alongside a number of recurring symphonic gestures, the work is characterised by lively, dance-like passages, some of which are reminiscent of jazz. Tutti sections alternate with concertante episodes in which the individual instrumental groups come to the fore.
The overall impression: lively and cheerful!
Bertold Hummel