Two Preludes (1993)
for alto saxophone and piano
Duration: 8 min.
The Two Preludes were originally conceived as short movements to precede an intended more substantial piece for saxophone and piano. The larger work was never written, and the preludes now stand as a complete work on their own. The movements are contrasting in character, written to highlight the saxophone's range of expression. "Adagio e espressivo" is gentle and lyrical, with an emphasis on creating a sense of spaciousness and transparency. The saxophone melody, supported by a sparse piano accompaniment, unfolds slowly and has a very free and improvisatory feel. The second movement, "Prestissimo", is aggressive yet energetic and exuberant, marked by lightning-fast virtuosic passages in both instruments and constant shifts of the rhythmic pulse.
Two Preludes was written in 1993 for saxophonist Christopher Creviston.