[not so] Simple Gifts for Alto Saxophone and Piano - Chris Evan Hass

Truly one of my favorite pieces I've ever written, a zany theme and variations on the Shaker tune 'Simple Gifts' jumping through an eccentric collection of different styles and genres of music. A HUGE thank you to Katerina Pavlikova and Eva Mezerova for bringing this challenging piece to life in such a musical and compelling way! This piece is available now! https://www.hassmusic.com/solo/simple... Official Program Notes: [not so] Simple Gifts is an eclectic theme and variations on the Shaker song Simple Gifts. Rather than continuously developing the melody from variation to variation, the composition uses this familiar tune as a springboard into entirely new styles and genres of music with each variation. From the groovy rhythms and crunchy harmonies of J-Pop to the bouncy, jubilant sounds of Polka; from the eerie mysticism of a haunted waltz to the powerful chords and erratic time signatures of Math Rock, this composition takes the listener on a musical journey through wildly contrasting styles. Of course, it all ends with an homage to Aaron Copland’s majestic setting of Simple Gifts in the piano, while the saxophonist lets loose with a barrage of virtuosic patterns above. Each variation prioritizes emulating its respective style over keeping the original melody fully intact, allowing the sections to cleverly build upon, distort, and obscure the Simple Gifts theme in unique ways throughout. The result is a delightfully unpredictable musical journey that feels a bit like hitting shuffle on the most random playlist imaginable. For all your music composition needs: https://www.hassmusic.com Sheet Music from Murphy Music Press: https://murphymusicpress.com/products...