Soprano saxophone is a peculiar instrument. Many call it similar to clarinet, and it may be similar in sound to the B-flat clarinet. John Mackey finds a particularly great use for the instrument in his concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Wind Band. The band is really supporting the sax in all its splendor. It kind of reminds me of some of the Disney music. Mackey’s music never ceases to amaze in its breadth of wide-ranging color. The note fall-offs and chromatic roaming is fantastic! The rest of the band trills along with the soprano saxophone an octave or so below. The dissonances in the lower to mid-brass are beautifully breathtaking at many points. I love when the scherzo-type movements wind down into the cantabile or slow sections where the solo clarinet or other woodwind takes the melody. If you’re into slow and somewhat sad movements, linger at these.
The soprano sax is especially beautiful in these moments of reflection. The slow stuff culminates in a rousing sax solo and the tinkling of the triangle. I love when composers linger on a particular section of melody and harmony for an extended period of time. It brings out all the stuff inside the heart. The key changes from a D major tonality to a C minor tonality. Don’t quote this reviewer on the exact key changes.
Soon, the slow, reflective music goes to this F minor samba. This part’s really a lurker. The solo melody atop the F minor tonality reminds me of “Arabian Nights.”It is very well dressed. After this the texture quiets and the audience waits in bated breath.
The scherzo then returns to the forefront. The chromaticism in this section is anchored by a D tonality—possibly dorian. The horns on this section take the lead of dissonance. Take this with the plethora of xylophones and other things in the texture going blazing fast in what sounds almost like it’s in 6/8 time. Nevertheless, the beauty of the whole piece is just astounding.The work is at the band SMP level five plus, so it is not recommended for middle or even high school groups in many cases. It is better for a beginning or more advanced college band to do this. Go check out ostimusic (John Mackey’s site) for more information. Listen to this a few times. It will grow on you.
