Man-Mou for Saxophone Quintet | A Tempo XXVII

Man-Mou for Saxophone Quintet
Nigel Wood
Saxophone Quintet
A Tempo XXVII
Raffles Symphonic Band
Raffles Institution, Singapore
25th May 2018
School of the Arts (SOTA) Concert Hall
The title 'Man-Mou' was inspired by the two types of Cantonese Opera plays. 'Mou' plays emphasize war, conflict and strife, with characters being warriors. In contrast, 'Man' plays tend to be gentler, more elegant and poetic, with scholars being the main characters. 'Man-Mou' is not intended to imitate Cantonese Opera, rather an evocation of the myriad of musical styles and instruments (both Western and Eastern) that have influenced Cantonese music. After a brief introduction, the main theme (Man), a coquettish, lyrical melody follows. This gradually builds and climaxes at an Appassionata section, before evolving into a more tense, jazz/funk section (Mou). A restorative calm leads to a peaceful ending.

[@nigelwoodmusic]

Excellent, well played.