Christian Lauba: Blue Balafon: Tenorsaxophon

Balafon, the first of Christian Lauba’s Neuf Études for Saxophone, is an “African song” that uses the ancient technique of circular breathing. This soloist work - splendidlyperformed in the album “Hard” by Richard Ducros, one of the greatest interpreters of Lauba’s works for saxophone – was expanded and transformed, with the composer’s approval, by saxophonistPhilippe Geiss into a piece for Saxophone (tenor or soprano) and electronics under the title Blue Balafon. The arrangement calls for “free articulation in a ‘jazz legato’ spirit”, makingtheuse of circular breathing optional in order to favour the piece’s incredible energy.

The score comes with a CD that includes a complete version of the work performed on Saxophone by Philippe Geiss, as well as anelectroacoustic accompaniment isolat­ed for playback. This eclectic musical adventure proves itself both stimulating for the mind and invigorating for the senses.