An annotated bibliography of selected classical saxophone works by South African Composers

Abstract

This mini-dissertation serves as an annotated bibliography of saxophone works by South African composers, composed between 1981 to 2018 which provides a performance level and pedagogical descriptive performance commentary on each work. It is the first study that focuses exclusively on the classical saxophone in South Africa as no annotated bibliography or comprehensive graded worklist exist regarding repertoire choice. Due to the lack of knowledge that new music is being composed and available, these works have rarely been researched and performed. Classical music in South Africa is derived from Western musical traditions and European history, and is generally composed for specific instruments and follows defined musical structures. This annotated bibliography is designed to assist the saxophone performer and teacher in the selection of classical South African saxophone works for use in public performance and classroom instruction.

The annotated bibliography includes a short biography of the composer; title of the work; instrumentation; date of composition; publisher, copyright and location; contact details; available recordings; duration; dedication, commission and premiere; a suggested assigned performance level; a graded chart; and an annotated description of the work. The performance level of the saxophone part is determined by examining the meter, key signature, note or rest value, rhythm, articulation, and range by making use of an existing level of difficulty criteria chart by Dr. Rhett Lyle Bender (2000).

One hundred and two selected classical saxophone works by 15 South African composers were sourced and annotated. Worklists categorised by performance level, composer, and instrumentation classification are available in the Appendix for reference. Only works for unaccompanied solo saxophone, saxophone and piano, saxophone(s) and one other instrument, saxophone duet, saxophone quartet and saxophone octet compositions for the soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones are included in the annotated bibliography. This study is not a stylistic analysis of the works and no repertoire with improvisation is studied. The goal is to increase the exposure of these works to a wider saxophone community.