| Programme notes: | I have written this book of Duo pieces for two equal saxophones, to meet the rising demand for challenging, modern repertoire that can be performed by two saxophonists, or student and teacher. Performing with other players is the very best way to push your own playing to new levels, and learn from and inspire each other along the way.
The standard of Saxophone playing in the UK now is at it?s highest ever level, and still rising. Players now have a much broader taste and understanding of musical styles from across the globe, in classical, jazz, funk, pop, world music, folk styles and so on, and real traditions in both jazz and classical fields to aspire to. This selection of ten new pieces is designed to reflect many of these influences, with a strong emphasis on the superimposition of style onto the pieces by the performers - some require a real dynamic energy, some a definite musical style, some a more reflective approach - there are some notes at the end of each piece to set you on the right path. The pieces use the whole standard range of the saxophone, without regard to ?difficult? or unfamiliar notes. Although I have intentionally not written into the altissimo register, there are some other ?extended techniques? employed in some of the pieces - I wanted to include these to help familiarise the players with these effects, which are becoming much more commonplace in our ever growing repertoire, and can add real colour and expression when used intelligently.
I hope you enjoy playing these pieces as much as I have enjoyed writing them.
Rob Buckland
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