Dissension (2020)

Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Chamber Orchestra

To view samples of the solo part, click here.

To view samples of the orchestral score, click here.

To order this piece, click here. Any orders for the orchestral score will be marked as a pre-order, with the piano reduction sent alone. After the orchestral version is premiered, orchestral scores will be delivered.

Dissent: "the expression or holding of opinions at variance with those previously, commonly, or officially held." Throughout history, dissenting sentiments have been the foundation of great upheavals of the status quo, all the way up to the present day. From the revolutions of the past to matters of the law today, dissent and the feelings associated with it have always been a driving force behind these moments in history.

This composition, featuring the alto saxophone, portrays the timeline of a revolution over three movements, with the soloist spearheading the efforts. The first movement pushes the lower dynamic limits of the soloist, as whispers of dissatisfaction with the status quo spread. The second movement sees the dissent of the soloist from the orchestra portrayed through clashing rhythmic and melodic motives before, one by one, the group rallies to the soloist’s cause. The more frenetic final movement sees everyone united in an all-out revolution against the status quo, with the soloist leading the charge.

This piece was composed for Matthew Younglove, who at the time the piece was written was serving as Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Tennessee Tech University. Dr. Younglove is also a Conn-Selmer Artist Clinician and has toured extensively both as a soloist and with the award-winning Assembly Quartet. Dissension was premiered as a part of Dr. Younglove's faculty recital on September 16, 2020.