Spectral Radiance (2018)

for alto saxophone and piano

 

 

Originally composed for alto saxophone and chamber orchestra, Spectral Radiance was inspired by the great variety of colors between

movements, orchestration, and in the solo part. There is such a wide range of color and each one has a moment to resonate. Each movement has a more specific title, a kind of pseudo-synthetic interpretation of the music. Auburn, being a dark red, has a warm, lush sound with a darker undertone. Sable is black; a dark and cold soundscape. Aurous, used here to mean "gold," is bright, brilliant, and fun but also quirky, perhaps a testament to the darkness of the previous movements.

 

Premiered by Joshua Heaney, saxophone and Benjamin Nylander, piano in Katzin Hall during the 2020 NASA Biennial Conference at Arizona State University.

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