The
work is a one movement through-composed work which moves
through four main sections. The piece opens with a wash
of sound from the sustained piano chords, over which the
Saxophone plays a theme in the Dorian mode
on D.
The
second section, (at letter C) is a little more rhythmic,
with the piano setting up an ostinato using cluster chords,
to underpin the melody. Next both instruments explore the
theme until the high point of this section, which is where
the sax sustains the high E (sounding as G) for four bars.
The effect of this is that the listener takes a long breath
while hearing the sounds, and consequently achieves a better
state of relaxation.
The
third section (at letter D) is loosely based on the material
from the second section. The section becomes more lively
with the addition of 16th note material and soaring figures.
The final section marked Coda (at letter E) has a cadenza-like
passages which draw on material from the opening section.
The work finishes with a long improvised cadenza played
by the Saxophone and piano.
You
can hear a performance of this work on Margaret's SONORITIES
CD
Performed
by Gregory Mayson on Alto Saxophone and Margaret Brandman
on piano.
You
can read a review of When Spirits Soar here..
This work was performed by Bernard Lagana on Alto Saxophone and Margaret Brandman on piano at the Rhapsodies to Rhumbas concert on the 9th of November 2013.
"'When Spirits Soar' played by you and Bernard Lagana was both riveting and articulate. Bernard is a fantastic saxophonist. So expressive - and it was wonderful to see how animated he was when he played. I can't recall ever hearing the saxophone played in such a way." Jennifer Comino |