Concerto for Alto Saxophone or Clarinet in Bb and Chamber Orchestra (Midnight Fantasy II)

Abstract

Midnight Fantasy II for Alto Saxophone or Charinet in Bb and Chamber Orchestra is based on a cluster of half steps. This is evident at the very beginning of the work, and octave displacements later create melodic figures of a lyrical nature. in fact, this cluster was created from the beginning of an old, evocative Nat King Cole song. The interplay of tonal and atonal elements achieves changes of mood and affects the overall structure of the piece. Fantasy begins with a cluster of three notes leading to a nightingale’s song. Occasionally fast descending sonorities interrupt the tranquil mood of the music.

A dramatic middle section embellished by short, fast passages brings the music back to the opening three note cluster. A highly contrapuntal section builds up to some very loud sonorities echoed by very soft clusters. The nightingale’s song appears again as an epilogue to the entire piece. The composition ends with some haunting sonorities enhanced by antique cymbals and triangles. Midnight Fantasy II was completed in 1989 and was revised in its present version in 1999. This composition is an outgrowth of the work Midnight Song for Soprano and Chamber Orchestra.