Asterisms

Instrumentation:  Soprano, Alto, and Baritone Saxophone

Duration:  ca. 9:45

Program Note:

An “asterism” is a term for small group of prominent stars; it’s also the term used for the typographical symbol, ⁂ .  In Asterisms, each saxophone is similar to a star tracing its way through a sort of “harmonic space.” The players gradually wind their way through a sequence of ten chords, each performer tracing out a separate path of pitches, somewhat similar to the paths of the stars in the night sky. Asterisms is constructed in a three-part form. The beginning and ending portions of the work seem to view the constellation from a distance; the middle section takes a closer look at the frenzied, chaotic, and beautiful drama that unfolds as stars are created, destroyed, or flung across the immense distances of outer space.

Premiere:  April 27, 2019; Columbia, SC.  The University of South Carolina Graduate Saxophone Ensemble: Matthew Castner, Andrew Hutchens, Dillon Smith.