Saxophone-Alicia Hillman
Piano- Julious Ou
Composed by Alfred Reed 
Mixing and Engineering: James Burford & Alfred Cliff
Recorded at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire 1st April 2019

Ballade

A well-known work in the saxophone repertory, this Sonata was written in 1970 and dedicated to saxophonist Trent Kynaston. It comprises two movements: I. Andante maestoso, and II. Allegro energico. This work was originally entitled "Two Desert Sketches" however was renamed Sonata at Trent Kynaston's insistence.

Muczynski’s compositional style is characterised by distinctive motives and texture. Melodic lines in the Sonata are strong, and express mood and atmosphere through undulating dynamic use of tonal range, warm expression and dark, brooding lyricism. His typically rhythmic and percussive writing in the second movement frequently exploits irregular meter to great effect, which, combined with his artful use of both dynamic contrast and the saxophone’s extended tonal range, creates great excitement and drive. His pieces are designed to highlight the artistry of the performer and remain sympathetic to the idiom of their particular instrument, while logical development and clarity of intention are traits of Muczynski’s concise and unpretentious writing.

Recorded at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire October 2019

Sonata-Robert Muczynski

Composed in 1900  by Alexander Glazunov and published the following year, Chant du ménestrel (Song of the Minstrel) is a lyrical and tender characteristic piece in a simple A-B-A form. It was originally composed for cello and orchestra and the middle section provides a contrasting change of mood to the songlike opening melody. Chant du ménestrel is typical of much salon music from the start of the 20th-century and is one of the most memorable.
This arrangement is for Alto Saxophone and Piano.

Recorded at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire May 2019

Glazunov Chant Du Menestral

Dutch ‘avant-pop’ composer Jacob ter Veldhuis (Jacob TV) is notorious for his boombox repertoire, composing works featuring live instruments with boombox accompaniment. Jacob is renowned for the fusing of rock, pop-culture, classical and jazz elements, each work often challenging taboo topics.

Composed for Saxophonist Arno Bornkamp, Buku was premiered at the World Saxophone Congress in Slovenia in 2006. The title stems from an interview with Saxophonist Charlie Parker about Trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. The speech forms the premise of the soundtrack, shaping and framing the melody. Musical soundbites of three inspirational jazz Saxophonists (Cannonball Adderley, Art Pepper and
Charlie Parke)shapes Buku’s soundtrack. Fragments of the raw melodic and
rhythmic material reoccur throughout the piece, with truly mellifluous areas of lyricism along with moments of great passion and momentum.

Recorded in May 2020

Buku-Jacob TV

Saxophonist currently studying at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Alicia Hillman

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