Adam Taylor


Concerto for Soprano Saxophone in G minor

InstrumentationChamber Orchestra (Flute, Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, 3 Timpani (31", 26", 23"), one each Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass) and Soprano Saxophone soloist
Lengthca. 12:30 (three movements)
Difficultymedium for orchestra, hard for soloist (near hellish in the cadenza in the first mvmt.)
CommentsClassical style, definitely not for school orchestras unless a very good saxophonist is available. This piece is dedicated to my musical mentor: Dr. Tony Gallo. He is a jazz sax player but this classical concerto shows off his beautiful instrument.
SourcesScore and parts available from composer at:
Adam Taylor
40 Joseph Young St., Apt. 308
Dartmouth, NS
B3A 4T9
Canada
E-mail: liontaris@claws-and-paws.com
Phone: (902) 461-2095
Website: http://www.liontaris.furtopia.org
ExtrasMIDI files of all movements available at http://gryphonmusic.sphosting.com
HistoryWritten for the CBC's National Competition for Young Composers between July and October 2000 but also as a way of saying "Thanks" to Dr. Gallo for all that he has taught me about music.
ContributorAdam Taylor, BMus student at Carleton University in Ottawa
Other

Intensity

Instrumentation2,2,2,2 2,2,0,0 3 timp, perc (xyl, vibes, 2 temple blocks), strings able to divide as 3 Vn1, 3 Vn2, 3 Va, 2 Vc, Cb.
Lengthapprox. 7 min
DifficultyRather hard rhythms, but the ranges aren't a problem
CommentsThis work is a work of free tonality that unfolds itself in a loose sort of rondo form, ABAB'CA. Each section in the work is characterized by a characteristic rhythmic pattern. They key changes are based on the wholetone scale and they move alternately down a tritone and up a second, alternating between major and minor keys (F# m, C Maj, D m, Ab Maj, Bb m, E Maj, F# m).

In addition to the loose rondo structure of the piece, it also unfolds as a sort of concerto for orchestra. While not expressly designated as such, it can be viewed this way since the various instruments all get their moments in the spotlight.

Over the top of each rhythmic pattern unfolds one or more themes or motives of a freely chromatic nature. These themes are of varying characters and take on various colours as they are passed around the orchestra.

Despite all the inner technicalities, however, Intensity is, from start to finish, well-powered and driven. From the strong, but subtle opening, the music's power only snowballs until the powerful and emotional climax at it's conclusion. At no point does the energy of this piece lack.

SourcesScore and parts available from composer at:

Adam Taylor
40 Joseph Young St., Apt. 308
Dartmouth, NS
B3A 4T9
Canada
E-mail: liontaris@claws-and-paws.com
Phone: (902) 461-2095
Website: http://www.liontaris.furtopia.org

ExtrasMIDI File: http://www.liontaris.furtopia.org/MIDIs/Intensity.MID
HistoryWritten for the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra's Young Composers Competition in January of 2002.
Contributorthe composer
Other

Passacaglia in F# minor

Instrumentation2 2 3 3 , 0 0 0 0 , mallets, strings
Lengthca. 4:50
Difficultymoderately difficult
CommentsWritten in the style of the Bach C minor passacaglia and drawing from it at several points. There is no fugue to accompany it, though one may be written at a later date.
SourcesScore and parts available from the composer at:
Adam Taylor
40 Joseph Young St., Apt. 308
Dartmouth, NS, Canada
B3A 4T9
liontaris@claws-and-paws.com
ExtrasMIDI available at http://www.liontaris.furtopia.org/MIDIs/Passacaglia.mid
History-
Contributorthe composer.
Other

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