Harrison Birtwistle's Pulse Sampler: Performance considerations for the soprano saxophone adaptation
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Abstract
Harrison Birtwistle’s Pulse Sampler for oboe and claves is well-suited for adaptation to the soprano saxophone. With the modern nature of concert saxophone repertoire, the saxophone community is knowledgeable in the types of contemporary techniques and musical language found in Pulse Sampler. Pulse Sampler is a quality contemporary wind composition and has the potential to become a significant addition to saxophone repertoire. This paper presents biographical information on the composer as well as information regarding his compositional style and influences. Performance considerations for the soprano saxophone arrangement of Pulse Sampler are provided along with information pertaining to the structure and the significance of the piece. Luciano Berio's Sequenza VII and Claude Delangle's arrangement, Sequenza VIIb, will be discussed as well as adaptation considerations for the arrangement of Pulse Sampler. Appendices include a list of works by the composer and selected recordings of the works presented.