Omnifenix (saxophone solo, wind band)

Arranged here for wind ban by Scott Lubaroff, and originally Commissioned by Concorso Internazionale "2 Agosto" in Bologna, Italy, Omnifenix is a captivating composition that combines directed improvisation on saxophone and drum kit with an orchestra. Originally written for the renowned tenor player Michael Brecker, the piece showcases a unique collaboration where the drum set player acts as a translator, reinforcing the orchestra's foundation while responding to the soloist. Described as a compelling synthesis of jazz and art music, Omnifenix allows the saxophone soloist's individuality to shine, creating a remarkable and harmonious musical experience.

From the Arranger

In adapting Omnifenix to fit the instrumentation of the contemporary wind ensemble, I added parts for additional mallet instruments and piano that—in addition to aligning with typical wind ensemble instrumentation—were also designed to accommodate some of the pizzicato techniques and other string effects in the original orchestral version. Perhaps the greatest challenge was determining a way of creating the portamento string effects in the middle of the piece. I settled on an overlapping portamento in muted trumpets (harmons, stems out) and trombones that worked very effectively.

Scott Lubaroff

‍

‍

Programme Note

Omnifenix is an unusual concerto in that the majority of the two concertante parts consist of instructions for directed improvisation. Originally written for legendary jazz saxophonist Michael Brecker, its title refers to jazz and classical music being “omni-genres”, sustained more by philosophies of music and culture than by any specific concepts of style. It describes a piece of music that is reborn differently each time. Like a phoenix, the improviser will continue to emerge anew and redefine the rules of their dynamic dialogue with the orchestra each time the work is performed.

Full Instrumentation

Solo Tenor Saxophone in Bb

Piccolo
Flutes 1 & 2
Oboes 1 & 2
Clarinets 1-3 in Bb
Bass Clarinets 1 & 2 in Bb
Bassoons 1 & 2

Soprano Saxophone in Bb
Alto Saxophone in Eb
Tenor Saxophone in Bb
Baritone Saxophone in Eb

Horns 1-4 in F
Trumpets 1-3 in B
Trombones 1 & 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba

Double Bass
Drum Kit

Timpani
Xylophone & Crotales
Marimba
Vibraphone
Percussion 1: bass drum, snare drum, suspended cymbal, 4 tom-toms (shared).
Percussion 2: china cymbal, large suspended cymbal, 4 tom-toms (shared) tubular bells.
Percussion 3: cowbell, mark tree (double row), tam-tam, triangle.

Piano

‍

‍

‍