Alto and Piano Duet

[woodengrace]

I'm not really sure where to post this, so here goes:

I've a recital coming up where I'm expected to do a performance, solo, or one with piano accompaniment. I'd much rather do one with the piano, partly because solo pieces usually seem so empty to me and partly because I don't want to be alone :(

Does anyone have any suggestions (and perhaps sound files) for any Classical Alto/Piano stuff that they really like? Difficulty - whether it might be a little hard or easy - isn't too much of a big deal with me as long as it's purty.

Or if there are any solo Alto pieces that you think particularly rock.. rawk on!

Thanks :P
Sam

[Storamin]

One I really like is Harlem Nocturne. I cannot remember who arranged it, but I know that it is Alto & Piano. Very nice, slower jazz tune.

[silverghost]

Another really nice and pleasant piano/alto duet is "Know You By Heart". It's by Dave Koz and is on his album The Dance. Really nice, and not that hard for either player to learn. Hope this helps!!

SilverGhost

[saxymouse007]

as i've become a more serious classical saxophonist, i've been introduced to its limited repetoir. not sure how long you've been playing, or what level you're at, so i'll try and suggest a variety of pieces..... this past year i've worked on some great standard rep for alto and piano. some of its pretty difficult tho....took a while to work up to performance level. may i suggest:
either the Concerto, or Sonata for alto sax and piano, both by Paul Creston (hes got some great stuff out there!)
Tableaux de Provence, by Paule Maurice
Concerto in Eb, by Alexander Glazunov

if you're looking for something a little easier, Eugene Bozza has some great medium-level pieces - check out the bozza Aria. other great learning tools are baroque pieces that have been transcribed- usually from music originally for flute or oboe. its a little more tonal than most of the pieces written for saxophone, seeing as its such a modern instrument. anyway, hope this was of some help! good luck!

[mahill2006]

hey saxymouse...I was going to say that exact same thing about Eugene Bozza. As a matter of fact...I was going to suggest Aria. I played it last year at out solo & ensemble. I found it to be fun, and challenging due to the fact I was getting poor sound out of my Yamaha 4C mouthpiece. I just got A Eugene Rousseau 4R though, and I love it. But anyway, I was searching on the internet, and I had found sheet music for Aria. Go to www.windmusicplus.com > woodwind > saxophone > Solos, Exercises & Methods > Alto Sax Solos > Solos A & B > Aria (make sure you get the bozza one, there is another) oh yes, don't worry about the price...that is if you want the whole thing with piano. But the whole alto part is there. Enjoy :D