Saxophone Quartet #1 - Steve Cohen -

Описание: Steve Cohen’s Saxophone Quartet #1 was written for me in 1980 after I played in his Off-Broadway show from 1976. . This was the beginning of a continued long relationship to this day that has resulted in wonderful and significant music for the saxophone.

His compositions for saxophones include four saxophone quartets, sonatas for soprano, alto, tenor and baritone, Riverwalk for Saxophone Quartet, Sinfonia for Saxophone Orchestra, Trio for Flute, Alto Saxophone and Piano, and Fiveplay for Saxophone Quartet and Piano.

Saxophone Quartet #1 is a propulsive, rhythmically driven three movement work that brilliantly captures the bold energy of New York City.

The first movement pulses with incisive music followed by gently flowing themes that change the mood but sustain the unique urbane atmosphere. Canonic statements follow, the two main themes are reintroduced, and the incisiveness is restated leading to a brief and whimsically unexpected coda.

The second movement opens with a mournful, chant-like phrase, intoned in unison by all four saxes. They separate into a chord and evanesce, leaving the alto playing alone. The mood is one of quiet desolation with an uneasy, ominous stillness. The movement ends quietly as it began, with a soulful solo by the tenor.

The third movement is a Jazz finale. This is a swinging light-hearted jazz romp that includes a high-stepping jazz fugue. The piece ends joyously with an exuberant, rousing finish.

I hope you enjoy this video of our performance at the Navy Symposium of 2026