Lunchbox Concert: Xyris Quartet

Program

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) "Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden" BWV 230 Seite 1

Johan Halvorsen (1864-1935) Passacaglia after G.F Handel's Suite No. 7 in G minor for Harpsichord, arr. Jabra Latham for saxophone quartet

Katharine Parker (1886-1971) Down Longford Way

Karlin Love Emerald Boa

Percy Grainger (1882-1961) Shepherd's Hey

J.S. Bach Prelude No. 4 in C-sharp minor BWV 849

Jabra Latham Over the Fence

Britney Spears, Cathy Dennis, Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, Henrik Jonback Toxic

Notes on the program

Katharine (Kitty) Parker Down Longford Way (from Four Musical Sketches for Piano) (arranged for saxophone quartet by Jabra Latham)
Katharine Parker was born and raised in Parnook, Lake River, near Longford (Tasmania). She was a student and friend of Percy Grainger, who greatly admired her work. In a letter from Grainger to Parker he wrote "It is a crying shame you do not compose more. 'Down Longford Way' is full of sheer genius - especially that genius I feel counts most: a sense of largeness in form and the ability to unfold naturally. You are one of the few who could write large works (such as symphonies) without seeming (what is called here) "too hot for your pants". Australia needs great (not merely slick) musicians such as you are. How I wish you could settle down to a life of composing great works to the glory of our darling country."
 
Karlin G. Love Selections from Emerald Boa  
Emerald Boa was written for Clarity Quartet in Canberra. There are five movements: a cool jazz influenced contemplation, a raucous march for the extremes of Eb and bass clarinets, a motet-like meander, a narrow race between the two Bb clarinets, and the complex, aggressive finale. My favourite animals at zoos are the emerald boas or greenpythons. They are beautiful creatures and I admire their fluid, supple strength. Over The Top (1999) originated as a duet for Eb soprano and bass clarinets within the clarinet quartet Emerald Boa (1997). Strident, pompous, and belligerent - it comes from years of playing in bands. The first theme is simply a chromatic scale and its form is based on a 13-bar blues. The heroic second theme recalls many classic marches ad is followed by a short intellectual digression into counterpoint. The quartertones near the end are merely a case of things getting out of hand. Other influences and experimental attractions: modal jazz, William O Smith's extended techniques, Nigel Westlake, African additive rhythmic groupings, medieval music, and for #V: the challenge of writing a longer theme than was my custom.

About the Artists

XYRIS QUARTET

Xyris Quartet, “thrilling to listen to... technically secure... spectacularly so” - Peter Donnelly (The Mercury) comprises Tasmanian contemporary-classical saxophonists Benjamin Price (soprano saxophone), Jabra Latham (alto saxophone), Thomas McKay (tenor saxophone), and Eva Nilssen (baritone saxophone), performing captivating blends of classical and contemporary music.

Their performances encompass classical masterpieces, ranging from the works of Bach, to modern compositions, and brand new music, ensuring a diverse and immersive experience for their audiences and bridging the gap between centuries of musical tradition. Xyris’ performances highlight the incredible versatility of the saxophone, exploring genres from classical classics to experimental contemporary pieces, underscoring the saxophone's evolution as an instrument and its potential for profound artistic expression. Xyris Quartet has recorded and performed for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and appeared as soloists with the Hobart Chamber Orchestra in the premiere of Jabra Latham’s Three Days of Rain.

Notably, Xyris performs exclusively on vintage saxophones that preserve the acoustic properties intended by the instrument’s inventor, Adolphe Sax.This rare choice serves to present a lush and lyrical sound world, adding an extra layer of uniqueness to their performances.