Work
The Last Flight of Saint-Ex : for saxophone quartet
by Katia Beaugeais (2008, this version: 2010)
Audio Sample
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From the CD Selected works by AMC represented artists |
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Work Overview
Last Flight of Saint-Ex (2010) is
inspired by the famous French writer and pilot Antoine de
Saint-Exupéry (1900-1944), also known as Saint-Ex - author of the
international bestseller Le Petit Prince - whose plane was likely
shot down by a young German pilot in 1944 in the South of
France.
Originally composed in 2008 for oboe and string quartet for a
premiere performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellowship
players, recomposed versions are now available in a variety of
instrumental combinations, showcasing the technical virtuosity of
all players.
A fast, pulsating, rhythmic style governs this work. A feeling of
urgency is created by syncopated rhythms, irregular metres and
erratic dynamic changes. In the slow middle section, a feeling of
sadness is conveyed by a slow haunting solo. Fast motivic figures
alongside thick rippling trill and chordal textural sound mass
effects build to a loud and dramatic climax.
Work Details
Year: 2008, this version: 2010
Instrumentation: Soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone.
Duration: 7 min.
Difficulty: Advanced — Fast technical passages requiring AMEB 7th grade and above. Contemporary playing techniques are included but as the score indicates, saxophonists can play the piece without these effects.
The composer notes the following submitted styles, genres, influences, etc associated with this work:
Classical style, Neo-Classicism, Impressionism, contemporary music - contemporary playing techniques. Shostakovich, Stravinsky, Bartok, Ravel.
This piece includes contemporary playing techniques. However, if the saxophonists cannot slap-tongue or flutter-tongue the players can also perform without these extended techniques.
Performances of this work
13 Jul 18: World Sax Congress, Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, Croatia. Featuring Australasian Sax Orchestra.
13 Jul 2018: at XVIII World Saxophone Conrgress (Croatian National Theatre). Featuring Australian Saxophone Orchestra.
1 Mar 2016: at Charisma in Concert (Recital Hall West, Sydney Conservatorium of Music). Featuring Charisma.
2 Sep 2012: at Charisma Concert (Chapter Hall, St Mary's Cathedral (Sydney)). Featuring Julia Ryder, Ros Dunlop, David Miller.
10 May 2012: at Charisma (Bon Marche Studio). Featuring Charisma.
19 Feb 10: Music Workshop, Sydney Conservatorium of Music
16 May 08: Old Darlington School, University of Sydney. Featuring Sydney Symphony Fellows.
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