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Tone Studies [ASx-Pno]
David Maslanka

Tone Studies

for Alto Saxophone and Piano
35 min.   •   
2010
   •   Grade 6

Tone Studies is a set of six pieces which are for the most part slow and quiet. There is no really fast music in the whole piece, and only two fortissimo passages. I chose the title Tone Studies because each movement, and in fact each moment, offers a large number of choices about quality of sound, choices that will evolve with deepening study. The key to successful performance for both pianist and saxophonist is patience – patience with tempi, patience with fermatas, patient and careful listening into tones produced by each instrument and by the two together. It is very easy to play without deep listening. This music asks and requires that you listen deeply. When you do, a special settled heart energy arises through the performance.

Find program notes and more information at davidmaslanka.com.

Play Video
Maslanka D - Tone Studies [ASx-Pno] v2.1 - Performing Score (Engraved) 8½×11 - Poster

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