Printed set (Score & Parts)
I. Soul II. Anastasia III. Throb IV. Drift
Bb Soprano Saxophone
Eb Alto Saxophone
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone
People have various experiences and remember them while they are alive. The mechanism by which the brain remembers has not been completely elucidated, but it seems that one of the known mnemonic methods is the "index method". It is a method of memorizing each memory with a mark as if it were a label. This work is an attempt to classify the indexed memories in people based on their emotions at that time and make them into sounds. To hear that seems very difficult, but understand that it is something like, "On a summer night, I remember that feeling when I was young."
I: Soul
I drew it in line with my own "soul-shaking, spirit-stirring" memory. The song is dominated by a 16-beat rhythm, and the chord progression composed of 4 and 5 pitches is unknowingly influenced by the blues (spirituals or field hollers in the late 19th century southern US).
II: Anastasia
Translated as "recollection," I wanted to depict "Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova" (a Russian imperial, who was the fourth princess between Nikolai II and Empress Alexandra. She was shot dead by Lenin's orders with her parents, siblings, and four servants. I felt a strong sorrow when I learned the story. She left a very mysterious legend. I express the "sadness" that people have on others, including the inspiration from her life.
III: Throb
This movement is about "dynamic", "excitement", and "high spirit". The repeated rhythm expresses a wish for eternal happiness.
IV: Drift
"Floating" Nothing moves, nothing ..., sad, painful, fun and angry. Such feelings are exhibited in new age music style. It might "Drift" if you listen to it without any consciousness.
Commissioned by Vive! Saxophone Quartet and premiered by the same group on June 19, 2011 at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Small Hall.
(Yuichi Abe)
