A performence's perspective and performance guide on Piazzolla's Escualo transcribed for alto saxophone and piano

Abstract

Astor Piazzolla’s revolutionary nuevo tango has recently gained huge popularity in the classical saxophone field. Much of his music was transcribed for saxophone for the purpose of showing the compatibility of the instrument. Escualo is one of Piazzolla’s most challenging compositions, due to its rhythmic complexity and sudden metrical shifts. The transcribed version for alto saxophone and piano has become a standard classical concert repertoire. The purpose of this study was to create an analysis and performance guide to Piazzolla’s Escualo transcribed for alto saxophone and piano. This consists of 1) collecting data pertaining to the composer and the background of the work, 2) analysing the rhythmic pattern and the melodic content, and 3) formulating several recommendations for practicing challenging sections. The analysis explained Piazzolla’s unique rhythmic pattern. The melodic content analysis showed Piazzolla’s musical elements incorporating elements from jazz and classical music. The performance guide consists of recommendations and exercises specifically on saxophone’s extended techniques such as altissimo and glissandi. This thematic paper aimed to guide performers in understanding Piazzolla’s nuevo tango style and to be able to fully interpret the piece. Implication of the thematic paper: This thematic paper is intended to serve as a performance guide to help performers in understanding the modern tango style inside the piece and overcome those technical difficulties on saxophone, and finally, to inspire performers to make a distinct performance and give a solid impression to listeners on saxophone’s versatility.