Programs

At some point in a composer’s life, it may happen that so-called “superfluous” pieces are written—that is, works not composed for a specific occasion or performer, but created out of inner motivation and the desire to realize musical ideas. Thirty years ago, however, it was not particularly worthwhile in Hungary to compose for the saxophone in this way, as there were no musicians for whom the saxophone was their primary instrument. In 1995, the first Hungarian ensemble of its kind, the Budapest Saxophone Quartet, was founded. Its members pursued professional studies on the saxophone and formed an ensemble together. As I was on friendly terms with them, I prepared numerous arrangements for the group, and soon afterwards my first works written specifically for the saxophone were composed.

In the recent years, fortunately, an increasing number of classically trained saxophonists have emerged around us, making it possible for me to compose more and more works for the instrument. Almost without exception, these pieces are closely connected to a particular performer or ensemble. At my composer’s recital, several works from this collection will be performed, offering an overview of this thirty-year period.

Balázs Horváth