Jeu D'Esprit: for Two Soprano Saxophones

Augusta Read Thomas

2010, 2016 saxophone version

Soprano saxophone (2)

Oboe (2)

Clarinet (2)

Jeu D'Esprit is a highly virtuosic three-minute fanfare whim, which connects, combines, and transforms majestic motives with ornamental materials (which are almost Baroque-like in their arabesques and trills). Given that there are only 2 instruments, and they can each only play one note at a time, I worked hard to give the illusion that this fanfare is about harmony. This, despite that we never hear more than two notes played together. It is at times fiery, at times fluid and generally ablaze with energy.

This work, from this very same score, can be performed by: 2 soprano saxophones in Bb (sounding a major second lower), 2 oboes, 2 clarinets in Bb (sounding a major second lower.

Also available in version for 2 trumpets in C or 2 horns in F.