John Mackey — Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Wind Ensemble (2007) [w/ score]

John Mackey wrote his brilliant Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Wind Ensemble (2007) with a central idea: the middle three movements outlining the anatomy and components of the saxophone: felt (the pads of the keys), metal (the body), and wood (the reed). Instrumentation is also chosen to essentially match the materials for each movement. The outer movements (Prelude and Finale) showcase the entire wind ensemble.
To more briefly sum up the material in each movement taken from information in the program notes:
"Prelude" is a very brief overture to the concerto, with material that foreshadows each of the movements to come.
“Felt" is the study of the keys on the saxophone, including a lot of virtuosic material in incredibly fast, intricate runs, pitch bending, and alternate fingerings.
"Metal" is the converse, showing the singing, beautiful quality of the saxophone, scored for mainly metal percussion and brass.
"Wood" showcases a tango dance that gives homage to the saxophone's prevalent use in jazz clubs, and other intimate settings/venues where the instrument performs a very lyrical, memorable melody.
The final movement, "Finale", takes an aid, right in the beginning, from John Corigliano's "Clarinet Concerto", one of John Mackey's favorite works. This quote is humorously meta, as it is six bars quoting John Corigliano's "Clarinet Concerto", which itself is quoting a work by 16th century composer Giovanni Gabrieli, “Sonata Pian e Forte.” Afterwards, the saxophone takes off at lightning speed, showcasing all the virtuosity and master technique a brilliant saxophonist can showcase.

COMPOSER: John Mackey
CONDUCTOR: Jerry Junkin
SOPRANO SAXOPHONE: Stephen Page
BAND: University of Texas at Austin Wind Ensemble

NOTE: This is a live performance! (recorded in Bates Recital Hall on 9/27/2015)

TRACKLIST:
0:00 - Introduction
0:12 - I. Prelude
2:22 - II. Felt
8:05 - III. Metal
15:48 - IV. Wood
20:09 - V. Finale

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