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Paganini Patterns
for Soprano Saxophone and Piano Paganini Patterns is a three-section piece based on the 24th Caprice by the renowned virtuoso violinist Niccolò Paganini. It was composed in 2022 for Huw Wiggin and Noriko Ogawa. Paganini's original piece consists of a theme and variations, and has inspired a multitude of reworkings, arrangements and new compositions. While many of the pieces based on Paganini's theme are sets of variations, Paganini Patterns uses the melodic theme as the principal material for a short Sonata-type work. There is a strong jazz character to the music, well-suited to the soprano saxophone and piano. The first section has sonata-form characteristics, using a first subject group, development, recapitulation and coda. A funk rhythmic and harmonic groove gives the music its energy. The second section takes the listener into a world of the night club, with a smoky after-hours atmosphere. Paganini's theme is transformed into a bluesy and wistful ballad. The third and final section uses the main theme interspersed with free saxophone solos, in a jazz rondo form. A walking bass and jabbed chords in the piano drive the jazz mood throughout. |
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Paganini Patterns was first performed on 25 October 2022 at the Royal Overseas League House, London by Huw Wiggin (saxophone) and Noriko Ogawa (piano)
Duration: 10 mins Available to purchase from Aria Editions here The piece has been recorded by the original performers on the Rhapsody album here. |
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