alto saxophone and marimba (about 5 minutes)

High Octane (2007), a fast five-minute work for alto saxophone and marimba, begins with energized saxophone rhythms punctuated by chords in the marimba. Soon, the marimba incorporates the saxophone's rhythmic activity, leading to a groove. In the meantime, the saxophone plays a lyrical, though disjunct, melody, eventually leading back to the opening theme. Marimba chords set the pulse of the more relaxed second section. The saxophone enters gradually, building to a more extended melody. This melody eventually returns to a more fragmented state, until only the clock-like marimba chords remain. The third section is a saxophone cadenza-like solo that alternates between loud, accented, slower notes and very quiet, fast playing. Eventually, agility wins out, getting louder and louder, which leads back to the opening material. High Octane was composed for saxophonist Jason Kush.

Score and parts available for purchase (please email me at paul@paulosterfield.com):

Score alone: $12.00 plus shipping and handling

Score plus saxophone and marimba part: $22.00 plus shipping and handling