It was program with many contrasts, including music by Michael Nyman, Samuel Barber, Gyorgy Ligeti...as well as original works for saxophone quartet by Jean Absil (mid 20th century Belgian) and Bob Mintzer (contemporary American).
We also collaborated with the church's fine organist, Emily Koons, to perform a transcription by Telemann. The five of us filled the church with big sounds, and we hope to do it again soon.
The audience enjoyed the variety and had lots of questions following the program. Some were hearing a sax quartet for the first time and wanted to know why it was something they were not aware of already. That always starts a great exchange of ideas about music and the saxophone. Many were intrigued by the broad spectrum of sounds they heard and the range in repertoire. And we also gained more fans from the choral side of things when we told them about our various collaborations with Washington area choirs.
Some in the audience had heard our group on CD but not in-concert. They were pleased with the bigger sounds that can't really be achieved on the recording. A live concert is always something to be savored.
We're always looking for ways to bring "new ears" to our music and for that matter, any saxophone quartet's music.
We're always looking for the day when the surprise factor about the saxophone quartet itself, will not be such a surprise.
At the same time, it's always wonderful to surprise someone!
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