We spoke with baritone saxophonist Angela Wyatt of the ANCIA Saxophone Quartet to hear more about the music the group will perform in concert on May 4, 7:30 p.m. at Studio Z.
How did you decide which works to program on this concert at Studio Z?
We knew that Studio Z patrons would enjoy a contemporary program, so we were eager to program some of our newer repertoire. Jeff Herriott's piece as night descends, the waters beckon was written for us several years ago and we are pleased to be performing that again. Both Picasso Cubed by Fred Sturm and Jonathan Doves' Tuning In are interesting pieces that we enjoy playing and thought the audience would also enjoy.
Composer Jeff Herriott will be joining you for a pre-concert talk this Saturday, and you'll perform his work as night descends, the waters beckon for saxophone quartet and electronics. Were you able to collaborate with Jeff on this work? How did his involvement change your interpretation of the music?
We spent one week in Ely, MN working with Jeff as he prepared to write as night descends, the waters beckon. Jeff sampled each of us playing and used those samples in the compositional process. We didn't collaborate in the sense that we contributed compositional ideas. However, Jeff heard us in rehearsals and got to know us as we spent time together. We enjoyed cooking and eating together when we weren't rehearsing.
Jeff has been able to explain to us exactly what his intentions are in each section of the piece. This has clarified performance techniques and timings, among other things.
Earlier this season you performed Philip Glass' Concerto for Saxophone Quartet with the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra, and you'll play it at Studio Z in an arrangement for quartet only. How has the preparation for these two performances differed?
Yes, the performance of the Philip Glass Concerto with the Wayzata Symphony was a highlight for ANCIA. Marlene Pauley is a gifted musician and conductor and really opened our ears to the possibilities in the music. We met with Marlene as a quartet before rehearsing with the orchestra and were able to come to agreement on tempos and style. Although the concerto performance was memorable, we've come to realize that the quartet version is really a different piece, so have made adjustments for that. Since we are playing all the parts it is more physically demanding than playing with the orchestra.
ANCIA Saxophone Quartet
May 4, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Pre-concert talk with composer Jeff Herriott at 7:00 p.m.
Studio Z, 275 East Fourth Street, Suite 200, St. Paul
How did you decide which works to program on this concert at Studio Z?
We knew that Studio Z patrons would enjoy a contemporary program, so we were eager to program some of our newer repertoire. Jeff Herriott's piece as night descends, the waters beckon was written for us several years ago and we are pleased to be performing that again. Both Picasso Cubed by Fred Sturm and Jonathan Doves' Tuning In are interesting pieces that we enjoy playing and thought the audience would also enjoy.
Composer Jeff Herriott will be joining you for a pre-concert talk this Saturday, and you'll perform his work as night descends, the waters beckon for saxophone quartet and electronics. Were you able to collaborate with Jeff on this work? How did his involvement change your interpretation of the music?
We spent one week in Ely, MN working with Jeff as he prepared to write as night descends, the waters beckon. Jeff sampled each of us playing and used those samples in the compositional process. We didn't collaborate in the sense that we contributed compositional ideas. However, Jeff heard us in rehearsals and got to know us as we spent time together. We enjoyed cooking and eating together when we weren't rehearsing.
Jeff has been able to explain to us exactly what his intentions are in each section of the piece. This has clarified performance techniques and timings, among other things.
Earlier this season you performed Philip Glass' Concerto for Saxophone Quartet with the Wayzata Symphony Orchestra, and you'll play it at Studio Z in an arrangement for quartet only. How has the preparation for these two performances differed?
Yes, the performance of the Philip Glass Concerto with the Wayzata Symphony was a highlight for ANCIA. Marlene Pauley is a gifted musician and conductor and really opened our ears to the possibilities in the music. We met with Marlene as a quartet before rehearsing with the orchestra and were able to come to agreement on tempos and style. Although the concerto performance was memorable, we've come to realize that the quartet version is really a different piece, so have made adjustments for that. Since we are playing all the parts it is more physically demanding than playing with the orchestra.
ANCIA Saxophone Quartet
May 4, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Pre-concert talk with composer Jeff Herriott at 7:00 p.m.
Studio Z, 275 East Fourth Street, Suite 200, St. Paul
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