Jindřich Feld

Sonate

Jindrich Feld's Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano is frequently performed by virtuoso Saxophonists. Composed in 1989-90, the Sonata is elaborate and quirky, and successfully exploits many extended techniques on the instrument. Born in Prague, Feld (1925-2007) studied Violin and Viola with his parents before studying at the Conservatory and Academy of Music of his native city. His compositions, predominantly instrumental, soon became popular, beingperformed all over the world. As reflected in his Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano, Feld's style is deeply rooted in the Czech musical tradition, but he also integrated the main styles of 20th century Western music. The Sonatais made up of four movements, 1. Allegro ritmico, 2. Adagio/Bells of liberty, 3. Allegro vivo/Scherzo, and 4. Allegro con fuoco. Each movement of the Sonata presents different challenges, from fast, staccato, semiquaver flourishesto the lyrical slurred passages. This Feld piece is highly virtuosic, yet an excellent and enjoyable performance for all advanced saxophonists.