Lorenzo Pusceddu

Concertino

A concertino full of character, written for alto sax but also playable on soprano sax. The first movement is light and rich in rhythmic variety; the second makes room for a more relaxed, expressive dialogue; the third, capricious and brilliant, leads the soloist towards a brief cadenza before the final coda.

This piece, dedicated to the Italian saxophonist Daniele Berdini, was premiered under the direction of the composer on 12 December 2015 by the dedicatee and the wind band Associazione Musicale "Nazareno Gabrieli" Città di Tolentino at the Cathedral of Saint Nicola in Tolentino (Macerata). The work, originally written for alto saxophone, can also be performed on soprano saxophone (another possibility is a performance, which alternates between both instruments). The Concertino is articulated in the traditional three-movement form (Allegro - Andante - Allegro). The first movement, characterized by a light pace, alternates between 3/4, 6/8, and 2/4 meters and has in this rhythmic variety its principal feature. This movement should preferably be performed on the soprano saxophone. The second movement introduces wide atmospheres and expressive themes and features a dense dialogue between soloist and orchestra. The third movement, which follows the second without interruption, starts immediately with an extravagant character and a jaunty and rich musical language. A short solo cadence anticipates the resolute final coda.