I - House
First Interlude
II - Thrash
Second Interlude
III - Dub

Moz Pit is my response to the finale of Act I of Don Giovanni in which Mozart intersperses the action with three distinct dances. Using melodic material borrowed from the Mozart original I have reimagined this finale through the use of 21st-Century dance forms, namely house, the moshing which so often accompanies metal music, and dubstep. These movements are separated by two interludes scored for an additional saxophone chorus, the intention being that a group of amateur players may perform alongside an experienced quartet and contribute equally to the performance.

Moz Pit was composed in September 2015 for a performance at the University of Southampton as part of the ‘Mozart Remixed’ festival.


Moz Pit (for saxophone quartet and chorus)

Live Recording taken from a public recital in Southampton's Turner Sims Concert Hall

Pianist: Karen Kingsley

Sonata, Op. 29 (Mvt. II) - Robert Muczynski

Laurence Astill is a Hampshire and London-based Saxophonist who recently finished studying a Masters in Performance at the Royal College of Music.  Having completed his undergraduate degree in Music at the University of Southampton, obtaining a 1st in performance, he began studying for his Masters of Performance under the tutelage of Kyle Horch in September this year.  During his undergraduate degree at Southampton, he was chosen to perform in the ‘Southampton Showcase’ programme – a concert series displaying Southampton’s most talented musicians.  Not only does he enjoy performing as both a soloist and in ensembles, he also enjoys the theatrical side of performance.  His pit band repertoire includes: The Drowsy Chaperone; Into the Woods and Whistle Down the Wind.  Laurence is available for instrumental tuition and orchestral work in the Hampshire and greater London area.  He holds an enhanced DBS certificate.

Sonata, Op. 29 (Mvt. II) - Robert Muczynski

Laurence Astill

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