This rare tenor saxophone concerto is commissioned by Pori Sinfonietta and Lappeenranta Symphony Orchestra. The premiere will take place in March 2016.
”When Esa Pietilä approached me about a piece for tenor saxophone and symphony orchestra in 2010 it was an impossibility to turn him down. Not only was I keen to work with such a phenomenal artist but also the opportunity to explore the expressive range of the tenor saxophone fascinated me deeply. So far very few serious solo works have been written for the instrument; in fact, I believe my concerto is the very first Scandinavian tenor saxophone concerto”, explains composer Kalevi Aho. It was in March six years ago, when Aho went to listen to Pietilä’s experimental solo concert at Helsinki’s Metropolia, that the seeds for collaboration were planted. After the concert the pair agreed in their conversation that far too little high-quality music for tenor saxophone existed. This led to Pietilä’s inquiring whether Aho would accept the challenge of writing something for the instrument. Aho commenced writing in spring 2015.
Internationally recognised jazz and contemporary musician Esa Pietilä is one of Finland’s most notable saxophonists, known for his versatility and virtuosic expression. In addition to jazz, he has been involved in numerous projects of classical and contemporary music. Pietilä is a member in a number of outfits, the best-known of which is surely the acclaimed jazz quartet Liberty Ship. He is also a distingushed composer whose works have been performed by the likes of chamber orchestra Avanti! and Zagros Ensemble. His newest album for solo saxophone and live electronics is due out in April 2016.
The one-part concerto is composed of several units that differ in tempo. The piece utilises a range of expressive means, which makes it challenging for the soloist. ”It is a complex and virtuosic piece that celebrates the expressive range of the modern saxophone, utilising improvisation, special polyphonic playing techniques and manipulation of the timbre,” says Pietilä. The piece includes an improvised cadence, which the soloist is to perform to the intense rhythmic pattern of the darabuka drum.
The concerto has been dedicated to and composed specifically for Pietilä. It was commissioned by Pori Sinfonietta and Lappeenranta Symphony Orchestra and will be premiered in both cities this March: in Pori on Thursday 10 March and in Lappeenranta one week later, on 17 March.
Kalevi Aho: Concerto for Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra (2015)
Mesto - Interludio I – Vivacissimo, leggiero – Interludio II – Andante, dolente – Allegretto ritmico – Cadenza - Epilogue (Andante)
Soloist: Esa Pietilä, tenor saxophone
Thu 10 Mar at 19
Pori Sinfonietta, Promenadisali
KOLME FILOSOFIA – VARASLÄHTÖ BACH-FESTIVAALIIN
Jan Söderblom, conduction
Esa Pietilä, tenor saxophone
J.S Bach/ Kalevi Aho: Contrapunctus XIV
Kalevi Aho: Concerto for Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra
Joseph Haydn: Symphony no 22 "Philosopher"
Tickets: 23,50 /18,50 / 7,50 €
Thu 17 Mar at 19
Lappeenranta-Sali, Lappeenranta Symphony Orchestra
FONIATRIEN TAIVAS
Tibor Bogányi, conduction
Esa Pietilä, tenor saxophone
Mendelssohn: Heimkehr aus der Fremde op. 89
Kalevi Aho: Concerto for Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra
Mozart: Symphony No 38 D KV 504 ‘Prague’
Tickets 30 / 20 €
http://www.esapietila.com/
http://esapietilaproductions.com/
Photo: Maarit Kytöharju