Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Work Overview

Re-emerging was commissioned by Amy Dickson for her "Solo Sessions" online saxophone recording project. With the world in lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic, I wanted to write a soothing and atmospheric piece that would have a calming effect for people experiencing a difficult time during isolation.

This piece symbolises how we will re-emerge, recreate, re-collaborate and reunite to make live music again.

A sense of 're-emerging' is felt throughout the work. Opening with a soft soothing multiphonic, long meditative vibrato and wind sound effects create a calming ambiance. The soprano saxophone sound slowly emerges, gradually building up to lyrical, song-like, reassuring and uplifting melodies.

As I was composing this piece for Amy, from my home in Sydney, I was greeted by a chorus of singing birds outside my window. This became embedded in my composing headspace and made its way into the piece as bird-like timbre trill motifs, showcasing the unique range of colouristic effects that the saxophone can produce.

All fingerings and playing instructions for the multiphonics, quarter-tone timbre trills and wind sound effects are displayed in the score.

Work Details

Year: 2020

Instrumentation: Soprano saxophone.

Duration: 7 min.

Difficulty: Medium — Tonal control for saxophone contemporary playing techniques, but no previous playing experience with extended techniques is required.

Commission note: Commissioned by Amy Dickson.. Commissioned by Amy Dickson for her “Solo Sessions” online saxophone recording project during the Coronavirus pandemic.

First performance: by Amy Dickson — 13 May 20. Video performance, Amy's Dickson's home, London.

The composer notes the following styles, genres, influences, etc associated with this work:
Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic period. Lyrical, meditative soothing melodies. Saxophone contemporary playing techniques in an atmospheric style. Features Australian nature sounds - Bird and wind sound effects.