STATIC! 

For SATB Saxophone Quartet • Difficulty: Advanced 

  This piece has been in the works for over three years. The idea was to see how my interpretations would change over time in relation to the topic.

   The idea, as you can tell, is relevant to static electricity and its effects on nature. The piece is supposed to reflect these and show the electrifying spirit behind it. The first movement is an unusual fanfare to represent the chaos and lack of predictability when static electricity is used in an uncontrolled manner. The theme is propelled by the bass and tenor line in a staccato fashion. An interrupting theme is introduced that is used later in a different movement, but only stays around for a few measures before returning to the main theme.

    The middle movement, entitled “Plasma Ball”, represents a glass sphere with a controlled electrical current that reacts to contact with any form of heat. The reaction creates glowing ribbons that move in the direction of the given heat source. This image is supposed to be represented by a tango with a melody derivative of one introduced in the first movement.

   The third and final movement depicts a set of sudden lightning strikes with hard articulations, compelling rhythms and feel of contemporary dance. A slow opening section serves as the bridge between the second and third movement. The melody of the first movement is used to create a newer and much different theme to propel the final section, while still keeping relevance to the piece.

    This combination of fanfare, tango and contemporary dance creates a suite of movements that capture the true image of this amazing element.