Variations on a Theme: Classical Saxophone Pieces

Classical saxophone is a genre that is near and dear to my heart, but no one else seems to know that it exists! Lets give a little love to one of the lesser used classical instrument, because music on a well-played saxophone is gorgeous.

1. “Aria” by Eugene Bozza

This is a gorgeous piece of music. Written similarly to a vocal aria, it really lets the sax sing through the melodic line. Bozza clearly knew the instrument well because it is perfectly suited to the range and sounds beautiful.

2. "Rhapsody for Saxophone and Orchestra" by Claude Debussy

Debussy is best known for his piano works, but there are several pieces (such as this one) that he wrote for full orchestra with featured instruments. As part of the impressionist movement in music, the piece is more contemplative with some odd dissonance thrown in for color.

3. "Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano" by Paul Creston

This is a well known piece among classical saxophonists for being part of like every audition ever. Having said that, it is still a wonderfully surprising piece. The first movement is very exciting and technically difficult, but the second is a beautiful break right in the middle. The third then lights up the gas and brings the whole thing home. Stay through until the very end, you won’t regret it.

4. "Piece Breve for Solo Saxophone" by Eugene Bozza

Once again, Bozza shows that he really knows the sax. This piece goes all through its range of notes crazily, then bursts out with a melody that continually comes back through the chaos. I love this piece, it’s exciting but also melodic. A ton of fun to listen to.

5. "Alto Saxophone Concerto in Eb" by Alexander Glazunov

This is another quintessential saxophone piece with orchestra known for being part of auditions. It has the best of everything packed in there, from soaring melodies to incredibly fast sections. I just remember one part where when I played it I had to get it fast enough to do it all on one breath because it was impossible otherwise. It’s so fun to listen to though when you don’t have to play it.

6. "Concertino da Camera" by Jacques Ibert

I have always had a soft spot for this piece. I think it’s a lot of fun technically, and with some very catchy melodies. It tends to get left behind the others though.

7. “Saxema” by Rudy Wiedoeft

Wiefoeft is an interesting guy in that he was a very early saxophone player. He actually played the C melody saxophone, which is no longer in use, and usually just gets approximated to alto. His works usually hang out in that grey area between classical and jazz, and as a result they are just so much fun to play and listen to. Be sure to check out some of his other songs, he tends to really push the boundaries of what the saxophone can do, just because he was one of the first to play it professionally!

And that’s all we got for you this month with classical saxophone! Be sure to check back next month for a playlist on SHOW TUNES! Let's sing along to our favorite musicals!