Desenclos, Alfred - Prélude, Cadence et Finale
The brooding arpeggios which begin this staple piece in the saxophone repertoire creep with increasing feeling and intensity as the Prelude unfolds. The piece was written by the relatively unknown Desenclos at the request of Marcel Mule for a 1956 Paris Conservatoire competition. It has since then become a very popular piece for soloists. Classical pieces of even moderate complexity often seem to be labelled a 'tour de force', but as the piece slips gently into the Cadence, quite intricate and virtuosic shapes and patterns take the focus. An expressive and atmospheric work, it seems that Desenclos was a late-romantic composer, similar harmonic language is employed in his saxophone quartet. The piano is very significant and often comes into its own, rising from accompaniment role and directing the mood on many occasions. Interjections from the piano often destabilise the serenity and create an enjoyable sense of unease. The Finale is the longest section and features sweeping lines and jagged rhythmic bursts from both instruments. There are a number of recordings available of this work here is a list of some: Jean Marie Londeix, Nobuya Sugawa, Arno Bornkamp, Otis Murphy, Joe Lulloff, Jean Yves Fourmeau, Debra Richtmeyer and Masato Kumoi.