CONCERTO in Bb major Op.88

Holbrooke has written what is believed to be the earliest British saxophone concerto, finally completed in Harlech, Wales in May 1927. The work was premiered by Walter Lear at a Luton Orchestral Subscription Concert on 24th November with the Claude Powell Symphony Orchestra. It was reviewed in the Daily Telegraph the following day.

The concerto comprises three movements:
Barcarolle: Allegretto (soprano saxophone)
Serenata: Allegretto espressivo (alto saxophone)
Finale - Rondo-Danse: Con Brio (alto & soprano saxophones)

The movements are all quite unrelated. The first movement is a simple flowing song, with plenty of character and rubato in the difficult sections. The second movement is rather stronger in character with a dramatic ending. The final movement is full of fun, and should be given accurate rhythm rather than speed.

Overall the concerto is quite light in mood with a jazz-influenced final movement. The concerto requires the performer to double on soprano and alto saxophones, but there were earlier versions from 1921 requiring three or four saxophones, with the intention of demonstrating the instrument as a family.

- Richard Holbrooke (February 20th 2025)

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