The Art of Saxophone Biphonie: Daniel Kientzy's Innovation in Contemporary Performance
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Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
15759563
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105018612627
Journal Title
Revista Electronica De Leeme
Issue
56
Start Page
98
End Page
116
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Revista Electronica De Leeme No.56 (2025) , 98-116
Suggested Citation
Jiang Z., Pruksavanich W. The Art of Saxophone Biphonie: Daniel Kientzy's Innovation in Contemporary Performance. Revista Electronica De Leeme No.56 (2025) , 98-116. 116. doi:10.58262/LEEME.56.07 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/112731
Title
The Art of Saxophone Biphonie: Daniel Kientzy's Innovation in Contemporary Performance
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Author's Affiliation
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Abstract
This research focuses on the Biphonie (dual-sound) saxophone performance technique pioneered by Daniel Kientzy, which allows performers to play two saxophones simultaneously. The study traces the historical evolution of dual-sound performance from ancient double-pipe instruments to modern applications, and provides an in-depth analysis of the three main forms of Biphonie first theorized by Kientzy in his 1991 book Saxologie—Cornemusien (bagpipe-like), Cornemuseaulodien (bagpipe-aulos-like), and Aulodien (aulos-like). Through analysis of representative works such as Călin Ioachimescu's Concerto, Aurèle Store's Orestia III, and Costin Miereanu's Immersion II, the research demonstrates the diverse applications of the Biphonie technique in various saxophone combinations and its unique expressiveness and harmonic possibilities. The study also examines Kientzy's evolution from early use of prepared instruments to later adoption of standard instruments, a transition that made the Biphonie technique more practical and operational, reflecting Kientzy's emphasis on making the technique more accessible. The research identifies core technical challenges in Biphonie performance, including intonation control, finger functionality, and the complexity of relative volume control. These challenges require performers to gradually master through progressive exercises from simple to complex, and the practice methods proposed in this research provide practical technical guidance for saxophonists. However, the study also points out limitations in the application of the Biphonie technique, including the impact of the performer's physiological conditions (such as tooth shape and finger coordination ability) on technical mastery, and differences in performance effects across various saxophone combinations. Overall, the Biphonie performance technique pioneered by Daniel Kientzy represents a high-level integration and innovation of composition and performance art in contemporary saxophone music, expanding the expressive range of the saxophone, providing composers with new creative dimensions, and showing broad application prospects in modern music.