Noda, Ryo - Improvisation I
This piece is a popular solo work for alto sax. Written by a saxophonist, it contains various extended techniques. Wild trills and wonky fanfares often generate microtonal harmony, as of course do the glissandi. There is an echo of the shakuhachi here, in the use of pulsing vibrato. An interesting piece and a forerunner of the Lauba etudes. This piece has been recorded by Arno Bornkamp and Jean-Marie Londeix, Sohre Rahabari (Noda is uncreditted, the piece is named 'Japanese Improvisation'. Noda studied with Fred Hemke and Londeix, and has performed his solo pieces in the USA. At times brittle and distant, the piece evokes a haunting, lonely atmosphere.