Musique partout ! Saxophone

This collection of 12 pieces for saxophonists – from the 3rd year of the instrument – and soundtrack is the result of the many pedagogical and musical experiences I have had throughout my career as a musician and teacher. Although these pieces have an educational character (they cover technical aspects of the instrument, particular playing styles, etc.), they are primarily intended to be performed in public.

Among the many projects I have participated in, the cine-concert1 is a very unique form that led me to seek out different sound effects to reinforce the dramaturgy. I therefore tried to include these sound elements in the music, whether on a tonal level (a pressure cooker in the key of the piece) or rhythmic level (a gunshot off-beat). Thus, these cine-concerts were the beginnings of writing the pieces you will discover in this collection.
The first melodies, accompanied by a soundtrack made of sound effects, were developed for my saxophonist students; given their enthusiasm, I continued to compose new pieces, taking into account their reactions, and sometimes their suggestions!

For months I wondered if this dishwasher was rather ternary, this mixer in A, or even if this bird really sang in seven time… It’s funny, interesting and above all fun. Finally, for the students, playing with a fly, or on the bounce of a ping-pong ball or even with the sound of water drops, is visibly more fun than working with a metronome… and just as effective! You will notice that few dynamics are noted. This is not an oversight or a lack of interest but the volume of the soundtrack generally imposes a mf dynamic (apart from a few exceptions). You can of course choose dynamics as you wish.

The accompanying CD features the soundtrack created for this collection, as well as the complete recording of the individual pieces. All audio files are also available for download.

Among these compositions, two can be played with a student pianist ( La poule à thé, Les chevaux ); the piano score – accessible from the 3rd year of the instrument – is available for download.

Two duets for two saxophones ( Drops of Water, Bricolage à la Chaîne ) can also be played by inviting a flautist or clarinettist student, as this collection also exists for these instruments. The flute and clarinet duet parts are nevertheless available for download with this workbook.

For public performances, pre-concert sound checks will be necessary to find a balance between the instrument and the soundtrack, both for the player and the audience. Ensure stereo sound reproduction to optimize the various effects, and consider giving the audience the title before performing a piece; this will allow them to get into the mood from the start of the piece.

I hope that these 12 pieces will contribute in their own way to the notion of pleasure that music gives us, a pleasure that you will offer in return to those who come to listen to them.