Solo Fantasias

Website(s) : http://info@nielsbijl.nl

New pieces for tenor saxophone put into dialogue with movements from Telemann’s famous Fantasias for solo flute, performed by tenor saxophone specialist Niels Bijl.

Biography

The musical life of Niels Bijl (1971) is focussed on the versatility of the saxophone. Two CD’s with repertoire for tenor saxophone; alto saxophonist of the Aurelia Saxophone Quartet; Co-founder of the baritone saxophone quartet, The Four Baritones and the Baritone Institute; as well as this, theatre productions with René Groothof and a number of notable duos, including one with recorder player Ronald Moelker. He is a teacher at ArtEZ Conservatorium and the Academia Musica. Niels is a much sought after saxophonist for many orchestras, including Gergiev’s World Orchestra for Peace and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

More information

Solo Fantasias: a collage of brand new pieces for solo tenor saxophone, mixed with movements from Telemann’s famous Fantasias for solo flute, performed by tenor saxophone specialist Niels Bijl.

The tenor saxophone can, without a doubt, be seen as the most lyrical member of the saxophone family, but strangely enough this is not clearly reflected in chamber music. It is striking that many of the Jazz pioneers chose this instrument (e.g. lester Young, Coleman Hawkins), and a number of famous composers (Ravel, Prokofief) picked up on these qualities for their orchestral works. Niels Bijl has asked several of his closest friends to write a short piece for solo tenorsax, and he lovingly mixes them with his all time favorites; the Telemann fantasias. in this Strassbourg selection you will hear the first piece of this series: The Sky Below by Dutch percussionist Folkert Buis. Followed by the quirky and emotional Little Bird (Depressed), written by Jazz Baritone specialist Jan Menu. The Second Thing is a very strong piece by Tasmania based saxophonist Jabra Latham, and this short recital will end on a light note; The Aambei Polka, by Dutch Double Bass player Ruud Ouwehand.