Three Angels for saxophone ensemble by Kenneth Wilkinson.
Three Angels is an exploration of communication between composer and performers; notation and symbols representing an imagined and emotive sound world. The score of Three Angels is a representation of sound and texture rather than a more usual notated score. The composition is similar to a painting, comprising a background texture, percussive interjections and a solo voice.
The solo part (part one) might be performed on a higher saxophone such as a soprano. The percussive element (part two) can be played by any saxophone, preferably alto, tenor and baritone saxophones. The background texture (part three) is comprised of a series of multiphonics written for alto saxophones. These are vocal in nature, some delicate, others almost like subdued screams. The fingerings are given for the multiphonics. All the parts in Three Angels should blend into a delicate overall texture, the solo melody more haunting and distant than prominent.
The Project
Three Angels is written as a graphic score containing melody, multiphonics and key-clicks, to create an unusual sound world. The composition does not give the performer complete freedom of interpretation: it is formed from musical notation; the variables and choices should reflect the context given by the composer. This project works through the three musical elements of the piece. Participants upload performances of each of the elements which will be combined to produce a unique soundtrack of the composition.
After each part of the project is completed the next will be added, leading to the final performance.
Part one – Melody; an exploration of sound, tone, and linear expression
Part two – Key-clicks; an investigation into how the saxophonist connects with the saxophone, focusing on fingers: fast, slow, gentle, hard, key-clicks
Part three – Multiphonics; entering the world of multiple tones produced on an instrument normally associated with using single tones. Discussing air, embouchure, and voicing to manipulate harmonics.