SAXOPHONE QUARTET AS A FORM OF ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE: HISTORY AND SPECIFICITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/art/2025.2.22Keywords:
saxophone, saxophone quartet, ensemble performance, history of saxophone quartets, repertoire for a quartet of saxophonistsAbstract
The article explores the history and specifics of the saxophone quartet as a special form of ensemble performance. The research covers the period from the invention of the saxophone by Adolphe Sax in 1842 to contemporary Ukrainian saxophone quartets. The author meticulously traces the evolution of the saxophone quartet as an established musical ensemble, beginning with the early attempts by Edward Lefebre, and provides a detailed analysis of the iconic “Marcel Mule Quartet”, founded in 1928, which played a significant role in saxophone art history.The paper presents an analytical overview of the saxophone quartet repertoire from various periods – from early transcriptions to original compositions by French composers (P. Vellones, G. Pierné, J. Absil, E. Bozza, C. Pascal, A. Desenclos). The author traces the spread of this form of ensemble performance across different countries, with particular attention to the emergence and development of saxophone quartets in Ukraine. A significant portion of the article is devoted to the history of the first professional Ukrainian saxophone quartet – the Kyiv Quartet led by Yuriy Vasylevych, established in 1985. The author analyzes the ensemble's repertoire policy, which includes both classical pieces for saxophone quartet and numerous works by contemporary Ukrainian composers (Y. Stankovych, V. Runchak, I. Karabyts, L. Yurina, K. Tsepkolenko, and others). The study also examines other Ukrainian saxophone quartets: “SaXes”, Lviv Saxophone Quartet, “Avangard Quartet”, “Saxophobia Quartet”, and others. The author notes the importance of quartet performance for the professional development of saxophone musicians and substantiates the value of this form of ensemble music-making in the context of contemporary Ukrainian musical culture.
References
Апатський В.М. Історія духового музично-виконавського мистецтва. Київ : НМАУ ім. П.І. Чайковського, 2012. 408 с.
Богданов В.О. Історія духового музичного мистецтва України. Харків : ХДАК, 2007. 330–350 с.
Київський квартет саксофоністів [Електронний ресурс]. URL : https://www.filarmonia.com.ua/about/artists/kamerni-ansambli/kyyivs%60kyykvartet-saksofonistiv/.
Круль П.Ф. Генезис духового та ударного інструментального виконавства України. Київ : НАН України, 2001. 30 с.
Черних О.А. Духове інструментальне мистецтво в музичній культурі України XVI–XIX століть. Київ : Наукова думка, 1997. 318 с.
Чехуніна А. О. Бахіанство як установка композиторської та виконавської творчості XIX–XX сторіч : автореф. дис. ... канд. мист-ва: 17.00.03. Одеса, 2010. 20 с.
Чжань Цзянянь. Деякі положення методики навчання гри на саксофоні. Науковий часопис НПУ імені М. П. Драгоманова. Серія 14. Теорія і методика мистецької освіти. Київ : Національний педагогічний університет імені М. П. Драгоманова, 2014. Вип. 16 (21). С. 96-99. URL : http://nbuv.gov.ua/UJRN/Nchnpu_014_2014_16%282%29__25
Bloom, Eric (ed.). Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians. VII, 5th ed. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1954. 107 с.
Holloway, James. He Invented the Saxophone. The Music Journal, 18:30-31, January, 1960. 31 с.
Pascal Terrien. The "Modernity" of Saxophone Instruction in France: 1846–1942. A history of the saxophone through the pedagogical methods published in France: 1846–1942, 2015. 10 с.
Richard Ingham. The saxophone quartet. Cambridge University Press. 1998. С. 64–74.
