Fantasy for Saxophone (2007) was commissioned in 2007 by saxophonist Matthew Smith. The commission arose out of a conversation we had while we were both playing in the pit orchestra for a musical in which the set was poorly built and frequently collapsing around us. We discussed more musically fruitful future prospects that omit heavy metal objects tied with fishing line over our heads. Thematically, this piece is based on four related tetrachordal melodies, which repeat with variation in the four different sections. Nearly everything, in fact, is based on the number four, as in the ancient Greek modal system. The live performance is processed by Max/MSP, a programming environment used to create a four-channel accompaniment, which is developed timbrally throughout the piece. This work was premiered in 2007 at the Western Washington University Concert Hall under a never-finished roof with suspended acoustic clouds. Although this piece is written for four channel surround, this stereo recording captures much of the feel and life of the fantasy. Performer: Matthew Smith, alto saxophone
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