Saxophone Concerto and Bass Drum Concerto

In his new Saxophone Concerto, Gabriel Prokofiev explores a side of classical music usually seen as forbidden by modern contemporary composers: melody. This aspect was incorporated at the request of the soloist, Branford Marsalis, allowing Prokofiev to revisit characteristics of the classical tradition not usually heard in contemporary music, giving the saxophone an open canvas.

Prokofiev’s Bass Drum Concerto shows the versatility of the instrument, despite only being used in a very basic fashion in classical music as a whole. Prokofiev experiments with how the bass drum is struck, where it is struck, and what it is struck with throughout the piece, producing a variety of sounds, colours and textures. 

1
1
►
Saxophone Concerto
I. Andante Deciso - Molto Pesante
 
10:42
1
2
►
Saxophone Concerto
II. Scherzo - Con Moto
 
06:58
1
3
►
Saxophone Concerto
III. Largo mesto
 
06:51
1
4
►
Saxophone Concerto
IV. Allegro Mechanico
 
08:01
1
5
►
Bass Drum Concerto
I. Lento Scuro (Bass War)
 
07:17
1
6
►
Bass Drum Concerto
II. Largo Mesto (In the Steppes)
 
06:29
1
7
►
Bass Drum Concerto
III. Allegro Moderato Leggiero (Four to the Floor)
 
04:18
1
8
►
Bass Drum Concerto
IV. Allegro Brilliante (May Speed)
 
03:58