United saxophones #4: The Diastema Quartet on a creation by Philippe Geiss
United colors of saxophones is a 2009 commission initiated by the Orchestre d’harmonie de la région Centre (conducted by Philippe Ferro) in collaboration with the Quatuor Diastema. The latter called upon Philippe Geiss after being conquered by his cross-over style in Medina (2007), a work dedicated to the Habanera Quartet.
The piece is a fantastic melting pot between classical music, world music, contemporary music, jazz... The first movement Con Moto is quite classical but conducive to the playing of the saxophone very contemporary. The second movement, Tranquillo, is full of nostalgia. The baritone solo is also a tribute to baritone saxophonist Eric Devallon, who passed away a few years ago. In the third movement, Vivace, the theme launched by the saxophones is taken up by the orchestra on a Latin jazz rhythm.
Framed by interviews with Philippe Geiss and Christophe Bois (member of the Diastema Quartet, professor at the CRR in Tours, assistant at the CNSM in Paris, member of the Paris Orchestra), the piece is followed by another work by the composer: Klezmer Salsa.
We hope you enjoyed this mini-series in collaboration with OHRC. You can find all the episodes on our Facebook page or on the OHRC Youtube Channel.
► Review United Saxophones #3
► Review United Saxophones #2
► Review United Saxophones #1