A PERFORMER'S ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JAZZ WORKS FOR SAXOPHONE QUARTET

Abstract

The purpose of this lecture recital is to impress upon educators the importance of including jazz in the standard saxophone quartet literature and to provide a detailed description of appropriate stylistic choices for performing such works. Jazz is an important part of the saxophone's history, and educators and performers can benefit from engaging with both classical and jazz styles. The focus of this document is Three Pieces for Saxophone Quartet by Bob Mintzer and Three Improvisations by Phil Woods. These works were selected because the composers are also prominent jazz saxophonists representing differing styles. The document will include an interview with saxophonist/composer/educator Bob Mintzer. Topics to be discussed include a comparison of writing styles including harmony, rhythm, improvisation, and articulation, as well as appropriate practices such as swing, articulation, tone, vibrato, and releases. The benefits of jazz saxophone quartets to reach a wider audience, provide educational opportunities for advanced students, and expand the standard repertoire will be noted. Important challenges of performance such as the balance of quartal/quintel harmonies, dissonance, and intonation problems will be discussed.