A New Saxophone Music Style - Essay Example

A New Saxophone Music Style As a of Saxophone Performance in the Master of Music, I would develop a research on a new saxophone music style, based on a study of the characteristics of contemporary classical music, combined with elements taken from jazz style, in order to absorb more audience for saxophone performances. The saxophone has a great versatility. One hundred and sixty years from its invention by Adolphe Sax, this instrument has proven to be a protagonist of jazz and popular music, as well as an instrument of contemporary classical music, capable of satisfying diverse creative aspirations, from the most conventional pieces to experimental music. The saxophone can be considered one of the most flexible instruments to play. However, its acceptation into the classical music is limited, since the orchestras were fully developed before the invention of saxophone. Some pieces by important composers –like Berlioz– were composed for saxophone, but its importance as a jazz instrument is undeniable. For saxophonists, it is important to study both jazz and classical styles, in order to become more versatile performers. By means of the art of improvisation, practiced in jam sessions, saxophone was developed as an unbeatable instrument for jazz solos. The versatility of saxophone can establish a remarkable difference between jazz and classical styles. In a concert band or orchestra, the jazz-oriented player may sound too loud and raucous, while the classically-oriented player may be considered rigid in the jazz ensemble. According to Walsh (1-2), classical and jazz styles differentiate in the notation of articulations. Classical music tends to be meticulously notated, and performers should reproduce the articulations shown in the sheet music. “Notated jazz, on the other hand, often features a string of eighth notes under a long slur or with no markings whatsoever” (Walsh 1). In the case of jazz, performers are expected to play the articulation they find stylistically appropriate, rather than just focusing on the page. Other differences in both styles depend on the use of fundamental elements in saxophone playing, e.g. tone colour, vibrato, articulation, accents, scoops, glissandi and ghost notes, among others. “Traditionally, classical saxophonists strive for refinement –a pure tone without buzziness or distortion, a quick vibrato, very light articulation, and tapered phrase endings. Compared with classical saxophonists, jazz saxophonists tend to display less refinement –a tone with a certain amount of brightness or buzz, a slower vibrato, and more percussive articulation” (Walsh 1). The advantage of jazz style is the freedom and creativity featured by the saxophonist, while classical style requires more attention to details. However, both saxophone styles are not divorced from each other. They show similarities in the basic saxophone techniques. In ensembles, balance, blend and intonation skills are common to jazz and classical styles. When thinking of the audience, the differences between classical and jazz styles are emphasized. Classical music is not accessible to a mainstream audience. The age of classical audience averages 50 years old. It also includes music specialists, performers and students. The jazz audience is larger and more diverse in characteristics like education, gender, income and other socioeconomic divisions. It is important to expose the audience to technical virtuosity, tonal beauty and versatility. The melting of styles into each other can gain a numerous audience, by combining both kinds of people who attend classical and jazz performances. The future of saxophone is not limited to the number of students or instruments. Finding ways to reach new audiences is a goal that saxophonists should keep in their efforts. The audience must not only be young, but contemporary. The audience should be exposed to quality music, a music that dazzles the audience and thrills the players. Concertgoers want to be excited by the musical events they attend. Therefore, a combination of classical and jazz styles could be welcomed by the public. This combination can be achieved by means of adding a jazz factor into the contemporary classical music. The so called “extended” techniques for saxophone playing could be helpful in order to develop a new saxophone style, which could attract both classical and jazz audiences. For example, altissimo –notes above the normal range of the saxophone– is used in advanced classical music as well as in jazz, but it is more popular in jazz improvisation. Other techniques –usually extremely difficult for performers– could be used to combine the required skills for classical and jazz styles, such as circular breathing, slap tongue, double tongue, throat tone, glissando, humming while playing a note, and multiphonic. The performer’s role is essential to bring sheet music into life. Virtuosity, though hard for the saxophonists, is always admired by different audiences. This could gain more public admiration for the saxophone possibilities as a woodwind instrument. An eclectic approach on saxophone performance might take this instrument to higher levels of acceptation among the public. The misconception of sax performance as “easy to play”, in relation to other woodwind instruments, would be over, by the use of the mentioned extended or extremely techniques. A saxophone performance that makes a professional use of the mentioned techniques would leave the audience enchanted and emotionally moved with the music. In the same way that classical traditions enhance art and literature in all its forms, a new saxophone music style can renovate sax music. The Master of Music is expected to give students the required tools for developing their own style, and promoting musical arts among different audiences. My intention in coursing a Master of Music is to research both styles and apply new techniques in order to achieve a new saxophone music style, which takes the advantages of classical and jazz styles. I can contribute to the Master of Music with my research and my integrated interests as an artist, teacher, performer and music researcher. The Master of Music is a field that could allow me to explore my full potential as a saxophonist. My research proposal could enhance saxophone performances, and have an influence in compositions as well. Its results could be applied in saxophone ensembles. The saxophone has always been successful when played in combination with other instruments. That is the case of saxophone quartets, jazz big bands, and other larger initiatives, such as London Saxophonic. The purpose of this research is to bring all the magic and poetry, which saxophone is able to inspire, to the largest audiences possible. Since music is capable of being felt by everyone, it is important to eliminate prejudices, which are related to saxophone, and to break the schema of saxophone as a merely jazz instrument, in order to give it a new and long-term dimension. Works Cited Walsh, Thomas. Jazz & Classical Saxophone: What’s the Difference? Yamaha Educator Series. Wind Instruments. 16 December 2006 http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/Documents/BandOrchestra/Wind_Tips_Walsh.pdf Read More