Composed in 1998, as a commission from the ISCM World Music Days for the Apollo Saxophone Quartet, Andy collaborated with poet Lemn Sissay to produce 'My Mountain Top'. The piece commences with a crackle on the accompanying track, representing lying under the gaze of the sun & feeling the heat on your skin. The rhythmically free opening statements represent a mind that is active with thoughts but which gradually floats into a semi-conscious state. At this point warm keyboard pads emerge and the stage is set for Lemn’s magical words. The saxophones weave their way around the voice, gesturing and supporting, but never overpowering.
In 2003 Andy created a solo saxophone version of ‘My Mountain Top’ at the request of Gerard McChrystal, published by Astute Music, with subsequent solo versions for brass and wind instruments commissioned. Regular performances worldwide have followed, with twelve CD recordings to date. 2019 sees the publication of the original version here with the composer changing the scoring from the original four alto saxophone introduction followed by SSTB, to SATB throughout.
My Mountain Top (saxophone quartet and backing track) is only available as a PDF download
In 2003 Andy created a solo saxophone version of ‘My Mountain Top’ at the request of Gerard McChrystal, published by Astute Music, with subsequent solo versions for brass and wind instruments commissioned. Regular performances worldwide have followed, with twelve CD recordings to date. 2019 sees the publication of the original version here with the composer changing the scoring from the original four alto saxophone introduction followed by SSTB, to SATB throughout.
My Mountain Top (saxophone quartet and backing track) is only available as a PDF download