Something Not Too Complicated

New York, NY — David Pearson (saxophonist) and Thomas Deneuville (composer) are both committed to the unconventional idea that modern classical music should appeal not just to the mind, but also to the ears and heart. Having seen one too many concerts sparsely attended by only musicians and music students, they would like to think that it doesn’t have to be so. Something Not Too Complicated illustrates this desire to communicate to an audience with music that is challenging, engaging, and has a genuine emotional impact. For this concert, David Pearson has selected works that best display the saxophone’s expressive possibilities and ability to sing. Nikolai Roslavets’ Poème Romantique, originally for violin but for the first time being performed on alto saxophone, and Fernande Decruck’s Sonata both contain the kind of French lyricism and romantic sensibility perfectly suited for David’s highly emotional style of playing. Thomas Deneuville’s Delicate Structures, commissioned by David, and Richard Miller’s untitled work for soprano saxophone and guitar present a musical style that is contemporary and accessible at the same time. Thomas Deneuville will present the premiere performance of two song cycles for soprano based on the works of New York poet D. Nurkse and of late nineteenth and early twentieth century American women poets. Although these two cycles both reflect on relationships, the first has a more personal echo while the second shows the relevance of earlier poetic sources to our present lives. Rivages and Phototactic (Premiere), two of Deneuville’s solo piano compositions influenced by Asian folk music and American minimalism, will also be performed.