Sonata Agitata

Trees in a foggy evening, seen through a raindrop-covered window

SKU: RP012

Price: $12.00

Length: 12'00"

Instrumentation: saxophone quartet

Delivery: PDF score and parts will be delivered via email within a few days

Composed in the Fall of 2011, Sonata Agitata (for SATB Saxophone Quartet) is written in the Neoclassical style, using traditional forms and ideas to present modern material. It is written in two movements, but with no break between. The first movement acts as a prelude to the second movement. It is very slow and almost hymn-like, exploring the organ-like quality that saxophones can have, as well as introducing the pitch set 0-1-7 which is used as the main basis for both the harmonic and melodic materials throughout the entirety of the rest of the piece. The second of the two movements is written in the traditional sonata form. The form is slightly altered, however, and the recapitulation is not quite what may be expected.

Recording of Sonata Agitata by the Caprice Saxophone Quartet