Duration:
8'

Instrumentation:
4sax SATB

‘Theo Verbey‘s Passamezzo is the most contemplative selection of this disc. It is based on the melodic material of a four-tone theme used by Verbey to allude to early Baroque forms such as the Passacaglia and the Chaconne. The four-tone theme takes rhythmic shape in durations governed by the proportions 5 : 3 : 2 : 6. These numerical ratios in addition determine the proportions between the four movements of this composition – a procedure as old as notated music. Verbey explains: ‘I try to compose a sort of music that is influenced to the point of saturation: not just by fifty years of tradition, but by hundreds of years.’ – by © Huib Ramaer, translated by Ruth Rose. Source: NM Classics CD #92053 liner notes, ‘Saxophone Quartets’ played by the Aurelia Saxophone Quartet.

Find on CD: