Prelude, Mystery and Ecstasy

Prelude, Mystery and Ecstasy is a set of three short pieces for solo tenor saxophone. The work is composed to be “style neutral,” accommodating classical, or jazz interpretations. Prelude is in homage to J. S. Bach, with a nod to the first cello suite. Mystery is a Ralph Towner-inspired, subtone, perpetual motion etude. It combines multiphonics and “air articulations.” The movement can be performed with circular breathing, or with breaths taken as needed. Ecstasy is an exploration of open intervals, inspired by Aaron Copland and Jan Garbarek. It should be played as passionately as possible, even heroically.