Maslanka Weekly highlights excellent performances of David Maslanka’s music from around the web.
With fourteen compositions featuring the saxophone or saxophone quartet, David Maslanka was one of the foremost composers of classical saxophone music in our day. His saxophone pieces are well-known and performed around the world.
This week, we feature three of the very best new performances of “The Soul Is Here for its Own Joy” from Songs for the Coming Day for Saxophone Quartet.
Songs for the Coming Day – VIII. The Soul Is Here for its Own Joy
From David’s Program Note:
Songs for the Coming Day is in nine movements, and runs about 48 minutes. It was commissioned by the Masato Kumoi Sax Quartet and consortium. The movements are relatively brief “songs without words” with titles such as Breathing, Awakening, Letting Go of the Past, and The soul is here for its own joy. Eight of the nine movements are varying degrees of slow, emphasizing longer durations and quieter dynamics. There is a high demand for precise ensemble awareness and blended tone qualities. The title Songs for the Coming Day reflects my belief that under the chaotic surface of our world there is a rising creative energy through which is growing a new idea of living in harmony with ourselves and the Earth.
Watch below as the Barkada Quartet gives a marvelous performance of Movement VIII.
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Watch below as the Soma Quartet gives a second breathtaking performance of this music.
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Finally, watch below as the Orphic Quartet gives a third stunning performance of this work.
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For more information on Songs for the Coming Day, please visit Songs for the Coming Day @ davidmaslanka.com
We would love to hear from you! If you know of any outstanding performances of David Maslanka’s music on the web, please email us at maslankaweekly@maslanka.org.
