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Another one of the frequently discussed, rarely performed and otherwise unknown works inspired by the artistry of Sigurd Rascher has now come to light in the 21st century.  The Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra, Op. 31 by Peter Jona Korn was composed shortly after the premier of Korn's 3rd Symphony in 1956.  The world premiere took place on January 6, 1957 in Elkhart, Indiana with the Elkhart Symphony, conducted by Zigmont Gaska.  The only other documented performances by Rascher were with the Oklahoma Symphony in 1957, the European premier with the North German Radio Orchestra on April 1, 1958 conducted by the composer, and finally  a performance in Brisbane Australia with the Queensland Symphony on October 26, 1959.

ALERT: ClassicSax.com EXCLUSIVE!

In decades past, musicians/saxophonists have bemoaned the abscense of truly artistic saxophone recordings that take their place alongside the recordings of other world-class, classical instrumentalists.  Thankfully, saxophonists from all "schools" of playing are changing this dynamic!  The mostly unfiltered democracy of the internet is giving people around the world a chance to hear, compare, contrast, and appreciate these different artistic approaches to saxophone playing. The saxophone tradition that began in Berlin in the 1930s is producing some of the most intelligent, exciting and expressive classical playing in concert halls and on recordings. Highlander's Lament, the debut solo recording by saxophonist Elliot Riley and pianist Scott Mitchell, stands as a brilliant testament to this tradition.