---

Programme Note

Shadowplay for soprano saxophone and piano falls into three short movements. In the 1st movement, a long saxophone melody gradually emerges from loud, resounding piano chords. At first very quiet and gentle, the melody becomes more ornate and active, rising from the instrument's lowest register and reaching an impassioned climax very high up. Retracting into the resonance of the piano once again, the saxophone line becomes more playful. Surrounded by deep bass notes and melancholy chords in the piano, this movement gently disperses. The 2nd movement if for unaccompanied saxophone. Cadenza-like in character, muted melodic fragments are juxtaposed with quicker, more aggressive outbursts. Towards the end of the movement the two materials combine leading directly into the final section of the piece. The 3rd movement is fast and lively with virtuosic passages for both players. The piano begins alone with a lively staccato figure interrupted by bursts or faster material. The saxophone joins in with the muted melody reminiscent of the 2nd movement while the piano contrasts this with spikier gestures before the two come together in an animated final section.
(c) Helen Grime