Composer

:

Karel Husa

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1968

Average_duration

:

18:00

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Karel Husa's Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Band is a three-movement work that was composed in 1988. The piece was premiered on March 17, 1989, by the University of Michigan Symphony Band, with saxophonist Donald Sinta as the soloist. The first movement, marked "Moderato," begins with a slow, lyrical saxophone solo that is accompanied by a soft, sustained chord in the band. The saxophone gradually builds in intensity, leading to a faster, more rhythmic section that features syncopated rhythms and driving percussion. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, with the saxophone once again playing a lyrical melody over a sustained chord in the band. The second movement, marked "Lento," is a slow, mournful piece that features a haunting saxophone melody accompanied by soft, sustained chords in the band. The saxophone gradually builds in intensity, leading to a climax that features a soaring, virtuosic solo. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, with the saxophone once again playing a mournful melody over a sustained chord in the band. The third movement, marked "Allegro," is a fast, energetic piece that features a driving saxophone melody accompanied by syncopated rhythms and lively percussion. The saxophone and band engage in a lively call-and-response, with the saxophone playing virtuosic runs and the band responding with rhythmic interjections. The movement ends with a fast, frenzied coda that features a virtuosic saxophone solo and driving percussion. Overall, Husa's Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Band is a challenging and virtuosic work that showcases the saxophone's versatility and expressive range. The piece features a wide range of moods and textures, from lyrical and mournful to fast and energetic, and requires a high level of technical skill and musical sensitivity from both the soloist and the band.

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