Turn of Events

"Arranged in one continuous movement (with five discrete sections) and lasting about 15 minutes, Turn of Events explored the saxophone's virtuoso capabilities and wide expressive range. The piece opened with a short, glistening cadenza for solo saxophone that quickly segued into an energetic and aggressive first section. The saxophone and piano then quickly engaged in musical combat, with the two musicians tossing barbed passages back and forth. When the tension finally subsided, the music became gentle and gauzy. At times, the saxophone almost sounded like a clarinet. In the second and fourth sections, the music was slow, wistful and ardent. The third section, in contrast, was a spiky scherzo, while the conclusion was an extroverted virtuoso romp."    --John Pitcher, ArtsNash, Feb 4, 2013