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The Shadowlands
Written for David Dees, The
Shadowlands, concerto for soprano saxophone and string quartet, is a
virtuosic exploration into the gamut of saxophone technique.
Although the overall structure is comprised of a three-movement (fastslowfast)
format, each movement contains at least three subsections. Though
these subsections flow from one to the next generally without pause,
they are delineated by clear changes in character.
The first movement opens with a cadenza from which the motivic and
rhythmic materials for the entire work are drawn. Intervalically,
the use of isolated tritones, major and minor seconds and sevenths
are used in conjunction with quasi-octatonic scalar materials. The
primary compositional focus of this movement is a dichotomy
(frenzied, aggressive contentiousness versus a sparse, lyric
expressionism) found not only in the solo material but also
expressed throughout the ensemble.
The saxophone line is lyrically seductive in the second movement.
The use of ad libitum and molto rubato throughout the movement
creates a quasi-improvisational atmosphere. Melodically, this
movement is based around a C lydian-mixolydian scale. The string
quartet provides a smooth underpinning of undulating motion, which
supports the unfolding of the solo line.
The third movement springs forth, leaving the expressive contours of
the second movement behind. This movement is loosely based on an
octatonic ostinato figure, which is repeated to form a cyclic
pattern that is manipulated throughout the movement.
Disassociated with the ostinato, the solo line vigorously propels
through the pitch material. A cadenza follows a middle section,
which is more reflective in nature. The ensemble then rejoins the
soloist, at a breakneck pace, for the conclusion of the movement.
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