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'Diaphanousphere’ for Saxophone Quartet and Piano – Lucy Pankhurst
Although Diaphanousphere has one clear difference to most existing saxophone quartets i.e. the addition of a piano, Lucy was determined the work should not conform to the "standard" repertoire. She has created a very delicate sound world in which the saxophones and piano have a constantly changing relationship.
Maximon’ for Soprano Saxophone and Marimba
Maximon was commissioned by and is dedicated to Joel Garthwaite and Dave Danford. Maximon (pronounced Makimon) is the Guatemalan god of procreation and healing.
Maximon was premiered by Joel Garthwaite and Dave Danford at the Royal Northern College of Music on the 3rd of February 2008.
‘Wrestling with Angels’ for Saxophone Quartet
A challenging piece for the saxophone quartet genre. Westling with Angels won first prize in the Gregynog Composer of Wales Composition Competition in 1994. It was first performed by the Apollo Saxophone Quartet at Gregynog in June 1994.
4 Chair Legs for Saxophone Quartet and Piano - Eric J Schwartz
A challenging and fun piece for saxophone quartet and piano. Each movement is based on the idea of a classic dance form: The Waltz, The Tango, The Tarantella, and The Polka. From those starting points Eric Schwartz let his imagination run free, abstracting and re conceiving these dances in wholly new ways.
Pop! for Saxophone Quartet - Eric J Schwartz
Pop! is a particularly vivacious and postminimal chamber works. This piece percolates with rock and roll energy, and is among Schwartzs' more accessible and lighter works.
The Music Box for Solo Soprano Saxophone - Eric J Schwartz
A beautifully written piece for solo soprano saxophone, The Music Box is a theatrical depiction of a rusty old music box, wound up and playing an old tune, perhaps for the very last time.
FLUX for Saxophone Quartet - Ashley John Long
Commissioned by the Lunar Saxophone Quartet, FLUX is structured with two outer sections consisting of mainly static material and a middle section of more rapid writing. It contains a number of contemporary techniques for the saxophone including passages of microtones produced by using 'alternative fingerings'.
Songs of the Night for Soprano Saxophone & Piano - Ashley John Long
An advanced work, 'Songs of the Night' was commissioned by Joel Garthwaite. Technically very demanding, this stunning work explores the many colours of the soprano saxophone and the piano and contains lots of contemporary techniques.
'Two Short Pieces' for Solo Double Bass - Ashley John Long
Two short pieces focusing upon certain aspects of the tonal qualities of the bass, the first exploits abstract melodic lines, the second, dissonance and close intervals with the resultant sympathetic frequencies they create. The pieces were written for Recital Music's 'One Minute Wonders' competition.
Beltane for Flute and Piano - Ashley John Long
Beltane was written for the flautist Drew Cyster. The work was composed from April-May of 2005 during which time, the Gaelic holiday of Beltane is traditionally celebrated. It captures the mythology and energy that such a festival evokes but although the title may imply strong connotations, it is not a reflection of the festival itself, it alludes simply to the time of year of its composition.
In Memoriam
Containing overtones and exploring a different sound-world from that usually associated with the saxophone quartet genre, In Memoriam is a slow 1 movement piece that won the 1st LSQ New Music Award in 2007.
Boost
Boost was awarded joint first prize at the 2008 LSQ New Music Award. It is a 3 movement, light piece with a beautiful second movement and rhythmic and fun outer movements. This piece would be particularly suitable for quartets who are looking for a lighter work for their recitals.
Thrash
Eric Schwartz comments: ‘Thrash was commissioned in 2007 by the saxophonist Christopher Creviston and is a mÈlange of influences. Modern jazz, black metal, totalism, but is most importantly just the sort of music I like: Loud, weird, and even a wee bit "heavy".
Chinese Steps
As the title suggests, Chinese Steps is influenced by the music of China. It was commissioned by Atarah Ben Tovim for the British Flute Society Convention, 2008 and is written for Solo Flute, Piccolo, 3 Flutes, 2 Alto Flutes & Bass Flute.
These Visions did Appear
Awarded joint 1st prize at the 2008 LSQ New Music Award, These visions did appear takes inspiration from the Shakespearian character Puck. The work is extremely inventive in its compositional style and explores many contemporary techniques for the saxophone.
Composers & Artists
The Lunar Saxophone Quartet - Recording Artist
The LSQ demonstrate their belief that new music is essential to keeping the arts relevant in today’s world through their sustained commitment to its creation and performance. Their aim continues to be to provide it with as wide a platform as possible. They have recorded two CD’s for Signum Classics and a jazz album with pianist Dave Stapleton on Edition Records.
Eric Schwartz - Published Artist
Eric Schwartz is one the brightest lights on the contemporary music scene in the USA. His debut CD 24 Ways of Looking at a Piano was named one of the top classical CDs of 2005 by All Music Guide and his 3 works published by Staunch are a genuinely refreshing addition to the saxophone & saxophone quartet repertoire.
Andrew Keeling - Published Artist
Andrew Keeling spent the 1960's singing in a cathedral choir and the 1970's playing in rock bands, before turning to composing in the 1980's. His music has been performed by many leading ensembles and musicians such as Dame Evelyn Glennie, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the Apollo Saxophone Quartet.
Ashley-John Long - Published Artist
Ashley John Long is a double bassist & composer specialising in free improvisation, early and contemporary chamber music, jazz, and the avant-garde. As a writer he has composed for names including Catrin Finch, the Lunar Saxophone Quartet & Joel Garthwaite and his distinctively original approach to composition draws on influences as varied as Keith Tippett and Ludwig Van Beethoven.
Joel Garthwaite - Recording Artist
Joel Garthwaite is a versatile saxophonist who currently performs in ensembles as varied his contemporary group the Lunar Saxophone Quartet and Ludwig ? a tribute to Beethoven through film and music. He regularly works with award winning percussionist Dave Danford, pianist Jen Scarisbrick and pioneering jazz pianist and composer Dave Stapleton.
Lucy Pankhurst - Published Artist
After completing her degree as a performer at the RNCM in 2004, she remained at the college to study composition. In 2006 Lucy was the only female composer to be awarded one of the four winning places at the RNCM Festival of Brass Young Composers Competition. Lucy is currently the composer-in-residence with the Wingates band, where she also plays solo horn.
Benjamin Tubb
Benjamin Tubb studied at the Royal Northern College of Music, UK, where he received the coveted ‘Sellers’ Scholarship’. His works have been performed in the USA and Australia, as well as closer to home throughout the United Kingdom. Commissions include the RNCM, University of Sheffield, euphonium soloist David and the Freckleton Brass Band His works have been broadcast on BBC Radio & other independent stations.
James Williamson
Born in North Yorkshire in 1984, James Williamson studied at the University of Huddersfield and the Royal Academy of Music. While at the RAM James had pieces premiered at Canterbury Sounds New festival by the Manson Ensemble, performances and collaborations with the London Sinfonietta, the National Theatre, CoMA London and the Aurora Orchestra.
Mark David Boden
Mark David Boden completed his undergraduate degree at the RWCMD in 2008. He was later awarded a scholarship to study on the Masters Programme in Composition and Composition for Screen at the Royal College of Music. His music has been performed across the UK in events such as the St. Magnus Festival, Plug! Festival and the Bangor New Music Festival.
about
Staunch Music is an independent Record Label, Music Publishing and Music Production Company formed in August 2007 by saxophonist and producer Joel Garthwaite. Originally founded to allow the Lunar Saxophone Quartet to record and release their commissions without the confines and pressures of larger record labels, Staunch Music quickly expanded its objectives with Staunch Publications being created to publish quality sheet music by quality contemporary composers.
With a growing catalogue of printed music by quality contemporary composers, Staunch Music's ethos is strongly based on delivering high quality products to our customers and making contemporary music more accessible to British audiences.
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Does Staunch Music accept demo CD's / sheet music for recording / publishing?
Yes we do. You can submit demos in CD format to our contact address along with relevant links to your Myspace/website.
For music publishing consideration, please send a composer biog and a score of the piece in question as a Sibelius file to info@staunchmusic.com along with any MP3 recordings of performances you may have.
