Fields of Ambrosia

(alto saxophone, electronics)

Audio sample (.mp3)

Score-pg1-3 (.pdf - Click here to acquire Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Performance Instructions

Program Notes:

Fields of Ambrosia originally written for Alto Saxophone and Two-Channel Tape also exists in an acoustic version for Alto Saxophone, Percussion, and Piano. Versions for other instruments have been planned as well. The idea of writing a piece that exists in more than one version using a variety of instruments was an integral part of the original concept. One of the prime concerns addressed in the first version of Fields of Ambrosia was to synthesize sounds suggesting instruments used in future versions. The four sections of the composition are performed in a continuous manner which incorporates jazz and mass sound elements. A twelve-tone row governs not only the pitch aspect, but dominates the durations and dynamics as well. The last two elements of the series become the first two of the inversion. Two trichords (013, 015) aid in establishing symmetrical relationships and dominate the series. The opening section consists of the same sequence of the series in both the saxophone and tape portion, and sets the tone for the remainder of the work: that the piece is a duet for saxophone and tape, not just a piece for saxophone with tape accompaniment. The third section uses synthesized sounds suggesting a vibraphone and features repeated harmonic structures slowing the flow momentarily. The last section is a combination of gestures presented earlier in the composition. The tape was realized in the Electronic Music Studios (Moog Studio) at Northwestern University.

If you are interested in acquiring complete performance materials for this piece, please contact me by email (kindly include your phone number).

s-syverud@northwestern.edu

I will request a small handling fee to cover reproducing & shipping costs.