Area 9 Saxophone Quartet
The Area 9 Saxophone Quartet will bring audiences on a compelling musical journey that celebrates both tradition and innovation, showcasing the remarkable versatility and expressive depth of the saxophone quartet. This thoughtfully curated program spans centuries, styles, and sound worlds, highlighting the ensemble’s commitment to exploring the rich and ever-expanding chamber repertoire for saxophone.
The program opens with selections from Johann Sebastian Bach’s The Art of Fugue, a monumental exploration of counterpoint and musical architecture. Featuring Contrapunctus I–IV, these works reveal the clarity, balance, and intricate interplay of independent musical lines, offering a striking introduction that underscores the quartet’s precision and cohesion.
From there, the ensemble moves into the Romantic elegance of Jean-Baptiste Singelée’s Premier Quatuor, Op. 53. A pioneering figure in the development of the saxophone repertoire, Singelée brings lyricism and charm to the forefront through contrasting movements that range from expressive lyricism to spirited virtuosity.
The sound world shifts dramatically with selections from Salvatore Sciarrino’s Pagine, where texture, timbre, and silence take center stage. These atmospheric works challenge traditional expectations, inviting listeners into an intimate and imaginative sonic landscape that highlights the ensemble’s sensitivity and control.
A vibrant contrast follows with Gordon Goodwin’s Diffusion for Saxophone Quartet, a dynamic and genre-blending suite that draws from jazz, swing, and contemporary popular styles. With movements titled Allegro, Waltz, Swing, and Hip Hop, this work showcases the quartet’s stylistic flexibility and rhythmic vitality.
The program concludes with a deeply reflective movement from David Maslanka’s Songs for the Coming Day. “The soul is here for its own joy” offers a meditative and spiritual close, inviting audiences to connect with music on a profoundly personal level.
Based in Boston, the Area 9 Saxophone Quartet is dedicated to presenting diverse and engaging performances that bridge classical tradition and contemporary expression. The ensemble has performed works by composers ranging from Bach and Debussy to Sidney Bechet, Paul McCartney, and Herbie Hancock, demonstrating a wide-ranging artistic vision. Area 9 is also committed to expanding the repertoire through new commissions, including premieres by Jun Feng and Michael Kosch.
The quartet features Dr. Sean Mix on soprano saxophone, Cara Hachten on alto saxophone, John Rabinowitz on tenor saxophone, and Dr. Seychelle Dunn-Corbin on baritone saxophone. Together, they bring a dynamic blend of artistry, experience, and passion to every performance, creating engaging musical experiences that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
