Delve Into the Unseen Worlds Created by Saxophones

A Unique Perspective on Instrumental Exploration

In the realm of modern music, saxophone quartets hold a distinctive place. While jazz and pop often feature the saxophone prominently, its presence in classical music can still evoke a sense of novelty. The New Thread Quartet embraces this allure, crafting compositions that challenge traditional perceptions of the instrument. Their latest album, "Saxifraga," exemplifies this spirit, beginning with Scott Wollschleger's "Without World." This piece immerses listeners in a rhythmless narrative filled with repeated chromatic motives, dissonant chords, and unconventional sounds like growls and whispers. Despite its challenging nature, the deliberate pace of "Without World" offers a restful experience, inviting listeners to explore its eccentric harmonies and find beauty in its complexity.

The composition's percussive effects and trumpet-like exclamations create a mesmerizing interplay, while snaps and distorted overblows enliven its central section. As individual instruments take center stage, fresh interest arises, culminating in uneasy growls and familiar chromatics that lead to a sudden conclusion. Though Wollschleger may not have explicitly aimed to depict a world devoid of human ideas, his sonic language inadvertently crafts a welcoming atmosphere for listeners.

Nature-Inspired Compositions That Resonate

Amy Beth Kirsten's "avalanche lily" draws inspiration from the Wyoming countryside, translating natural elements into abstract musical forms. The suite's opening track, "saxifraga," bursts with boisterous rhythms reminiscent of big-band or Latin jazz. However, it remains firmly rooted in its own compositional integrity, testing only a few limits of traditional saxophone technique. Harmonically friendly chordal elements emerge, contributing to the piece's integral structure. A squawking solo line at the end evokes the image of a soprano sax mimicking a klezmer clarinet, adding a touch of cultural resonance.

The subsequent movements continue this exploration, with "Tree monks" initiating a dialogue between deep roots and canopy fauna. Jazzy midrange harmonies introduce a human element, seamlessly transitioning into "pipsissewa," which resembles a deconstructed jazz arrangement. "Toward the rubicon" presents a layered soundscape without obvious structure, exuding sly attitude. Finally, "marcescence" introduces twirling figures as the soprano sax chimes in with expressive melodies, leading to a fidgety conclusion punctuated by piercing alarums.

Reimagining Tuning Through Soundscapes

The album concludes with Victoria Cheah's "Walk for a Shell," where saxophones produce long tones varying slightly in frequency. These interferences generate audible pulses, akin to tuning a guitar until the pulsing between vibrating strings ceases. Quieter breathy tones enhance the higher pitches, creating a quivering, unstable sound environment. Cheah suggests that this piece allows listeners to discover worlds in unexpected places, presenting a murky yet intriguing auditory space.

As the music progresses, it coalesces into a reality where being "out of tune" is redefined as a persistent conversation among related voices. A choral effect emerges in the final minutes, with multiple voices becoming audible, including the soprano sax an octave above the dominant tones. This ending leaves listeners contemplating the endless possibilities hidden within even the most familiar instruments. The New Thread Quartet's dedication to uncovering these potentials ensures their continued relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music.