Waltz for Soprano Sax and Jazz Chamber Orchestra

       This is a short little piece originally conceived as an experiment in jazz meets classical, east meets west and a solo vehicle for our first guest artist, Jeff Kashiwa.

       The introduction is a traditional waltz with the melodic statement made by the soprano sax and a contrapuntal accompaniment by the string quartet. The piece then segue’s to what can be best described a “groove” waltz with the emphasis on beat one and the upbeat of beat two followed by three downbeats making it feel like 6/4 time.

       The piano begins the ostinato pattern then states the melody with the soprano and string section in contrapuntal support. The players are then invited to improvise over the melodic structure of the piece. The theme is then re-capitulated followed by a saxophone cadenza by Mr. Kashiwa.

       “Waltz For Soprano sax and Jazz Chamber Orchestra” was composed during the week of October 3rd, 2008 at The Artist-In Residence Program, Villa Montalvo California.


- David Benoit, 2009