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Mask - Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, and Piano

Mask

Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, and Piano

ca. 7'

Extended techniques and contrasting musical personalities create a recital work full of character, nuance, and dramatic contrast.

AT A GLANCE

Style

Theatrical • Colorful • Energetic


Selected Performances & Recognition

University of Mississippi
NASA Region 7 Conference


What Makes It Unique

Accessible extended techniques become part of the musical narrative, allowing performers to embody both the outward confidence and inner vulnerability at the heart of the work.


Musical Influences

David Lang
Keiko Abe
Florence Price
Contemporary Chamber Music


Why I Wrote This Piece

Commissioned by Jeffery Heisler and Adam Estes to bring the work's theatrical character and expressive contrasts to the saxophone repertoire.

LISTEN
00:00 / 06:07

MIDI Recording
(Live recording coming soon)

SCORE PREVIEW
Instrumentation
Soprano Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Piano

VIDEOS

Megan Lanz, flute
Cayla Bellamy, bassoon
Jooyeon Chang, piano

PDF & Print editions available

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PROGRAM NOTE

Looking for the version for flute/ bassoon?

Click here.

Mask is an (eventually) uplifting work that portrays the beauty of our inner-critic giving way so that our true self can match the upbeat "character" we can often portray to others. The music begins with a haunting introduction that makes use of attainable extended techniques. When the "mask" is placed, the music portrays an inner battle as this new identity is in conflict with its true feelings. The final section of the work represents the character finding peace as the three instruments beautifully come together in harmony.


This piece is a part of Cayla Bellamy and Megan Lanz's ongoing project to create music representing and commenting on mental health.

____


Mask for flute, bassoon, and piano began as a conversation and expanded to a beautiful new work for woodwind chamber ensemble. After wonderful experiences with Kevin Poelking's woodwind writing via There and Back (bassoon) and Unbroken (flute) and inspiring conversations with Frank Horvat to begin work on The Spirits that Haunt Us, Megan and Cayla agreed to reach out to Kevin with the request for a work to culminate the exploration begun in Frank's duo. Could we explore not only how elements of control, trust, and struggling to be enough weave through our common human experiences but also how we as individuals manage these issues internally and project different selves to the public? Kevin returned with Mask, which portrays the reflective and performative aspects of our personal growth, ultimately resulting in a grand sense of peace and acceptance. - notes by the performers


-Program Note by Cayla Bellamy and Megan Lanz

Original Cover Photo by

David Clarke

Questions about the piece?

Please reach out if there's anything I can do to help as you explore this piece.

MORE LIKE THIS

There and Back for Bassoon

ca. 8'

Rhythmic energy, playful virtuosity, and expressive melodic lines showcase nearly every side of the instrument's personality.

Unbroken

ca. 5'

Rapid passages, rhythmic grooves, and contemporary techniques give performers a chance to showcase both technical command and musical personality.

Cassini

ca. 12' (3 movements)

Percussion and subtle extended piano techniques surround the soloist in a colorful, atmospheric work inspired by the mystery of space.

BROWSE THE FULL CATALOG

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