Octennial Song
for solo saxophone
(2003)
duration: 3’
GRT • 104
CD available
Mercurial
Barry Cockcroft, soprano saxophone
Reed Music
audio sample
score
available from
Australian Music
Centre
program note
Octennial
Song was written
by the composer to celebrate his union with Marianne
Rothschild on October 10, 2003. The day of the wedding was
also their 8–year anniversary, which explains the title
(‘octennial’ pertaining to a period of eight years). The
piece received its first hearing during the signing of the
register in the ‘Elizabeth Room’ in Lonsdale St. Melbourne
under the auspices of the Victorian Register of Civil
Marriages. It was performed by Barry Cockcroft on a soprano
saxophone (for which it was originally conceived), though
it may be played on any saxophone in a spirit of radiant
hapiness.
review
“This CD, devoted
entirely to the music of Stuart Greenbaum is a treat for
lovers of Australian classical music. The effect is direct,
warm and affectionate all at once. The Octennial Song
is a short piece for solo
soprano saxophone. The miniature piece is in ternary form,
the outer sections being more disjointed than the middle
section, which moves in a singing waltz. Too often the
soprano saxophone can sound like the ugly duckling, here
Cockcroft, using Greenbaum’s piece, shows us that there is
a swan inside just dying to get out. The music draws in the
listener (and performer) making them feel welcome and
special. This is quite a talent. I highly recommend this
CD.”
James Nightingale, Australian Clarinet & Saxophone
Vol 8-4, December 2005