Program Notes:

The saxophone quartet, as a musical medium, is one of the richest in its contrasting colors, versatility, and expressions. For me, saxophone quartet music is also the closest to the human choir. While writing my saxophone quartet, I felt intrigued to explore the technical, timbral, rhythmic, and lyrical aspects of the ensemble. The four saxophones can create a homogeneous texture but can also express their own individuality and uniqueness. Therefore, the quartet consists of five movements and four recitatives, one for each saxophone. The recitatives serve a dual purpose: to feature one saxophone at a time on one hand and to lead to the next movement on the other. Saxophone Quartet was commissioned by the Fromm Music Foundation and received its first performance by the Raschèr Saxophone Quartet.