Contribution of Edward A. Lefebre to the Development of Saxophone Ensemble Performance in the 19th Century (exemplified by K. Florio’s work Allegro de Concert for saxophone quartet)

Abstract

The paper examines the figure of the famous 19th-century saxophonist Edward A. Lefebvre and his contribution to the development of Western saxophone ensemble performance, the expansion of the saxophone repertoire (as exemplified by the performance of K. Florio’s piece Allegro de Concert for the saxophone quartet). In the paper, it is emphasized that the emergence of ensemble works for the saxophone during the 19th century contributed to the artistic evolution of the instrument (in solo and ensemble aspects), the performing interest to which only increased over time. The constant relevance of ensemble works (for instance, collaboration of performer Edward A. Lefebvre and composer K. Florio) is manifested today in the creation of various transcriptions of ensemble chamber-instrumental works, where the artistic and performing aspects of the collaboration between a composer and performer reverberate in the immersion and reproduction of original ideas and images and meanings. Modern stage performing practice is characterized by the experiments and reproduction of musical expressive means appropriate to the Romanticism, as well as imitation of the manner of virtuoso playing. The stylistic features of ensemble concert performance of the 19th century make an interesting reading for a contemporary concert saxophonists. These features are: technicality, emotional expressiveness, and performing vividness.