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Purple Gong Orange Tam-tam
12 alto Saxophones
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Complete live recording of first concert performance :
Purple Gong Orange Tam-tam
First Performance : 29th June, 2007
Concert Hall - Royal College of Music, London
RCM Saxophone Ensemble :
Elizabeth Drury, Greta Schaller, Michaela Stapleton, Erzsébet Seleljo, Judith Wheeler, Rachael Moorhead,
David Wigram, Rachel Parkes, Jennie Porton, Dominic Childs, Rachel Ridout, Eloise Marson.
Royal College of Music web site
Other compositions for ensembles of alto saxophones
Evolutions - Marilyn Shrude
(more information)
(solo alto saxophone and 4 or 8 alto saxophones)
Original Programme Notes :
The overriding influence on this work is late 60s' psychedelic music and there are hidden references to some of classic recordings of that period. There are many rock influenced themes played in octaves or parallel fifths, as well as a dreamy, spaced-out central section. Much original psychedelic music was electronic but there was also the frequent use of the saxophone. Not only did Gong have a saxophone player but Terry Riley also played soprano saxophone, performing long, trance like pieces with an electronic delay system. However I am not sure how many members of today's audience would be prepared to bring sleeping bags, and listen to a work for 12 alto saxophones, lasting several hours. Another influence, on a short textural section in this work, is obviously European classical music from the same period.
There is a particular quality of sound when several identical instruments are playing together, whether unison lines or widespread harmony, and it is invariably rewarding to write for such ensembles. Previously I have composed works for 5 alto saxophones and 4 tubas.