Laplace Transformers (13:00-16:00)

This piece was written for Megan, who always
encourages me to explore my technical side.

Brief Program Notes (for use in concerts):
A “Laplace transform” is a mathematical operator that helps scientists to examine complex mechanical and electrical systems.  It converts something from a function of time to a function of space.  In doing so, scientists are able to gain a more critical understanding of the system they are studying.

This concept is the foundation from which Laplace Transformers is built.  Significant elements in this piece are defined by how a phrase is distorted.  The piece also makes frequent use of extended techniques, idiomatic to both saxophone and percussion.  Stark dynamic contrasts are found throughout, as are elements of improvisation.  Many decisions are left to the musicians, ensuring that each performance yields a unique artistic statement.  The end result provides an unusual glimpse of the saxophone.  It is a time capsule of saxophone style and technique, buried under twenty-first century soil.