I composed Ballad for alto saxophone and orchestra in 2016 for the legendary Japanese saxophone player Nobuya Sugawa. I wanted to use a more song-like style that brings out the full potential of the instrument. The work begins with a long meditation in search of happiness and peace. This facet of the piece elicits emotions reminiscent of sounds of the sea shore. In this way, I leaned towards the atmosphere of my previous compositions, Patara and ‘Gliese 581 g’ from the Universe Symphony, bringing out the saxophone’s particular colour palette. The end of the piece begins with a dance of compelling and dizzying repetitions beginning in 8/4 time and ending in 7/8. Fazıl Say
1 · 0 · 1 · 1 – 1 · 1 · 0 · 0 – S. (I: Cong. · 3 Woodbl. · Oceanwaves · Frog; II: Trgl. · Bong. · Tenortr. · Bar Chimes · Guiro · Clav.) (2 Spieler) – Str. (8 · 6 · 6 · 4 · 2 oder 6 · 4 · 4 · 3 · 1)
