Expansion

Expansion takes the listener on a journey from acoustic to electroacoustic sound. Opening with an expressive saxophone, the electronics subtly begin to mimic the soloist and eventually form a flowing accompaniment. The texture continues to expand throughout the piece, eventually enveloping the soloist and culminating in a wash of shimmering electronic colours. 

The intention behind composing this piece was to facilitate a more natural relationship between the saxophonist and the electronic accompaniment by allowing the performer to trigger pre-recorded sounds in their own time, as opposed to following the rigid timing of a click-track. Ultimately this gives the saxophonist more freedom to perform expressively and impromptu alongside the electronics.

Composed for and premiered by Sam Weller. All electronic sounds in this piece come from saxophone samples recorded by him. Thank you Sam.

Difficulty: ★★★
The melodic agility is suitable for advanced high school or early tertiary students.