Musikkollegium Freiburg - Debussy Rhapsody for saxophone, Tomasi: Ballade, Bizet L'Arlésienne Suites

Spring Concerts of the Musikkollegium Freiburg

- Claude Debussy: Rhapsody for orchestra and saxophone

- Henri Tomasi: Ballade, for alto saxophone and orchestra

- Georges Bizet: L'Arlésienne Suite No. 1 and No. 2

Works for saxophone
More than 180 years after the invention of the saxophone, the instrument is rarely used in symphonic works and is rarely performed. The orchestra is therefore dedicating this program to him with works from the first 100 years of his life.
In 1901, Claude Debussy commissioned a composition for saxophone and orchestra, which was later given the title Rhapsody for orchestra and saxophone. He found it difficult to work on the piece for the "unknown reed animal" and only progressed slowly with interruptions. In the end, he delivered a reduced score. After his death, Jean Roger-Ducasse orchestrated the piece, which was published and premiered in 1919. Despite these circumstances, it is a standard work today.
Probably inspired by Glazunov's first important solo concerto for saxophone, which he performed as conductor, Henri Tomasi wrote the Ballade for alto saxophone and orchestra in 1938 based on a poem by his wife whose main themes are joy and sorrow.
The concert ends with two early works for saxophone. In 1872, George Bizet took four pieces from his setting of an unsuccessful play for the L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1, which he re-orchestrated and gave the saxophone an important role. It was enthusiastically received by the audience. L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2 was written posthumously by Ernest Guiraud, who followed Bizet's approach but also added his own ideas.

The orchestra is looking forward to your visit!

Copyright: Adrian Scholz