Sea of Stones

Sea of Stones

Description: 
Guitar and Saxophone unite
Composers: 
David Kechley
Performers: 
Robert Nathanson
Frank Bongiorno
Laurent Estoppey
Filharmonia Sudecka
Catalog Number: 
#940
Genre: 
new classical
Collection: 
saxophone
acoustic guitar
concerto
Location: 

Wilmington, NC

Price: 
$15.00
Release Date: 
Mar 25, 2016
Liner Notes: 
View
1 CD
One Sheet: 

David Kechley’s music is amongst the most innovative and kinetic chamber music being written today; bursting with provocative energy. Among guitarists and saxophonists his music is revered as well as feared -- unquestionably the most technically demanding this genre has to offer.

Yes, the genre of guitar and saxophone. When Kechley wrote his first piece, “In the Dragon’s Garden” (winner of the 1995 Lee Ettelson Award) for this unusual combination for the World Saxophone Congress in Pesaro, Italy, there were no known guitar/saxophone duos touring and it formed the first appearance of this combination at a World Saxophone event.

Since then many international duos have taken on Kechley's works for this pairing: from America – The Ryoanji Duo, Duo Montagnard, Duende and Remeleixo; from Spain – The Cuypers/Lop Duo; from Switzerland, Degre21; from Australia – Duo Histoire; from England – The McChrystal/Ogden Duo, as well as many others. They will all agree, Kechley’s is amongst the best and certainly the most demanding music for this combination.

Kechley has now written five pieces for guitar and saxophone. This album, Sea of Stones includes the last three: “Points of Departure,” “Bounce” and “Sea of Stones,” performed here by the Polish orchestra, Filharmonia Sudeka. “Sea of Stones”, a double concerto, extends the original “In the Dragon’s Garden” into the orchestral realm, further exploring the Japanese aesthetic of Ryoanji Temple’s rock garden. Each piece is a testament to his colorful and compelling creative accomplishments.

David Kechley, originally from Seattle, lives in Williamstown, Mass., and is emeritus professor at Williams College.

CLASSICAL-MODERN MUSIC REVIEW

"[A]ngular, pulsating contemporary music with percussion often an integral part of the proceedings. ... Throughout Kechley shows how infectious rhythm and straightforward melodic arches can make for music that is both contemporary and accessible. It's music that gets attention without sacrificing musical substance." —Greg Edwards