Gallery for Saxophone Quartet - Score Video

Описание: MIDI Realization of Gallery (Op. 123) for Saxophone Quartet composed by Tatum G. Jepson

Composer: Tatum G. Jepson
MIDI Realization using Note Performer 4 Orchestral Sound Library

Gallery is an idea for a piece that I have always wanted to write, but never found the direct inspiration for. The idea is to write a piece that uses visuals as the inspiration for music, however, while NOT using pre-existing artwork. I have written pieces in the past about artwork that already exists, see my Mondrian for Sax Quartet as a prime example. Here in this piece though, I wanted to effectively paint my own portraits, and paintings through music. The challenge came in trying to find the inspiration for these "paintings," and "portraits" to fill my "gallery," both visually, and emotionally. Though it was a challenge at first, once I found the inspiration, the ideas began to flow immensely and the piece just seemed to happen in a flash.

The inspiration at its heart is about the people around me, and the wonderful change my life has taken recently. As of writing these program notes, I have just started my time at James Madison University and have found much inspiration and love in the people around me, old friends, new friends, professors, mentors, etc. To this extent, each movement portrays a person, or a few people through my appreciation of them and my love for their place in my life currently.

Movement II of the work is a portrait of my friend Campbell. I reconnected with him after getting here and was immediately reminded why I will always call him a friend. He is not only true to himself, but very much wants to know and care for everyone in his life. He made the transition to life here at JMU much easier and I am forever indebted to him for our many conversations and laughs.

Movement III is a painting of a first encounter, of which there have been many in these first few months. Not necessarily written with one person in mind, but many professors and new friends come to mind in this movement.

Movement IV is another painting movement, this time the inspiration comes from the last name of a sort of newfound mentor of mine, Masa Ishikawa. Ishikawa translates to "Stone River" and this is the visual I had in mind whilst writing the music. Masa is a professor here at JMU, but beyond that, he is a consummate musician. I first got in contact with him after hearing a premiere of a work of his at a recital and since then, we have had many a great conversations about each other's music, music in general and academics. He is not only a wonderful composer and pianist, but now, a friend.

Movement V is the final movement of visual inspiration, and here it is a portrait to depict my family. Whilst the transition of moving away from home has not necessarily been difficult, it has not been easy. I often miss my family dearly and here my love and appreciation for all of them, including our many cats, shines through. The first, and last movements merely set the stage and close out the work, they were not written with any one in mind, but merely get us ready for what is to come, and in the case of the postlude, close us out in the same style.

All of this being said, this piece is near and dear to me for its various inspirations, and all of these people will always have a special place in my heart and mind.