ART OF TRANSLATION

Translation...interpretation or an explanation...removal or conveyance from one condition to another...expression or rendering of something in another medium or form, e.g. of a painting by an engraving or etching...transformation, alteration, change; changing or adapting to another use; renovation... transfer of property... transference of meaning; metaphor... (Oxford English Dictionary).

Salvatore Sciarrino describes Pagine, snapshots from five hundred years of Western art music, as an elaboration. The juxtaposition of contrasting styles guides an emotional journey through the music of Gesualdo, Bach, Mozart, Scarlatti, Gershwin and Cole Porter. Each piece engages the subtle and beautiful tone colours of the saxophone quartet. The sonic aim of Sciarrino's experiment is achieved through manipulations of timbre and voicing whilst retaining intact the melodic and harmonic structures. Pagine is a virtuoso example of the art of translation that transcends literal transcription.


Salvatore Sciarrino - Pagine
Gesualdo - 'Itene miel sospir'
Gesualdo - 'Tu muccidi, O crudel'
JS Bach - Fughetta Sur "Dies Sind Die Heil'gen Zehn Gebot
J S Bach - Kyrie "Gott Vater Ewigkeit"
D Scarlatti - Sonate En La Mineur L.233/K.532 (Allegro)
D Scarlatti - Sonate En Mi Majeur L.257/K.206 (Andante)
Mozart - Adagio De La Grande Partita KV 361
Cole Porter - I've Got You Under My Skin
Anon - O Virgo Splendens
Anon - Chace: 'Tres Dous Complains'
Gershwin - 'Who Cares'
D Scarlatti - Sonate En Ré Mineur L.215/K.120 (Allegressimo)

Duration
50 Minutes

Personnel
Continuum Sax

Stage Requirements
Four Music Stands (can be provided by Continuum Sax)

Premiere Performance
June 2007, Sydney Con of Music