THE ESSENCE OF BEING
for saxophone choir, contrabass, and percussion
(2020, arr. 2022)
PUBLISHER: T.U.X. PEOPLE’S MUSIC, LLC | ca. 12 minutes | GRADE 5/ADVANCED
KEVIN DAY/ARR. JOSH TRENTADUE | © 2022 T.U.X. PEOPLE’S MUSIC, LLC
arranged with permission by the composer
INSTRUMENTATION
SAXOPHONES: Soprano, 2 Altos, 2 Tenors, Baritone
STRINGS (optional): Double Bass
PERCUSSION (optional): Timpani, 6 Percussion (one player per part)
PERCUSSION LIST
Marimba, Suspended Cymbal, Xylophone, Triangle, Tam-Tam, Glockenspiel, CYMBALS (Hi-Hat, Crash, China, Splash), Crotales, DRUMS (Small Bass Drum, 4 Toms, 2 Bongos), Vibraphone, Bass Drum
ORIGINAL VERSION DETAILS
original version for string quartet commissioned by the Sheffield Chamber Players (Boston, MA)
WORLD PREMIERE: January 27, 2022 | Sheffield Chamber Players | Lyman Estate, Waltham, Massachusetts
SCORE FOLLOWER
ABOUT THIS ARRANGEMENT
The Essence of Being is a saxophone choir arrangement completed by Josh Trentadue of my fifth string quartet of the same name. This is a work of two contrasting movements, one that is introspective and reflective, and the other being one that channels energy in motion. It had been about 5 years since I wrote my last string quartet composition, and with this fifth one, I was eager to try some sounds and melodies that I haven't delved into before. The two contrasting movements represent the two halves of my writing that I have been seeking to grow deeper in the last few years. This work is an exploration of self, as I continue to understand more about what it means to be a composer, and ultimately, what is my place in the world.
-notes by Kevin Day
—please credit Kevin Day when reproducing these notes in excerpts or in full