Program Note
Cross’d for two soprano saxophones, was commissioned in 2011 by the Ogni Suono Saxophone Duo. The title of the work, taken from the introductory monologue from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, draws on the idea of being ‘star cross’d’ or thwarted by fate. In this case, the performers aggressively push towards an unstable, unsustainable, and frequently interrupted peace.
Both the large form and individual gesture shapes are based on the word ‘cross’d,’ the shape of each letter, and the sound of that letter sustained or repeated. There are six sections to the work, each based on a different letter, or punctuation, and separated by transitions that are rhythmic variations of identical pitch sets.
— Jamie Leigh Sampson
Both the large form and individual gesture shapes are based on the word ‘cross’d,’ the shape of each letter, and the sound of that letter sustained or repeated. There are six sections to the work, each based on a different letter, or punctuation, and separated by transitions that are rhythmic variations of identical pitch sets.
— Jamie Leigh Sampson
Reproduction Notice:
This program note may be freely reproduced in concert programs, provided that proper credit is given to the composer.
This program note may be freely reproduced in concert programs, provided that proper credit is given to the composer.