Countryside emerged as a reflection of a trip by
JOE DEGADO
to the northeastern United States, notably the incomparable New York and its surrounding countryside. The piece musically transforms some of the contrasts found in and around New York. Here urban density meets relaxed country idyll, into which a pinch of blues has crept.
Countryside is a quartet for two altos, one tenor and one baritone saxophone. However, the first voice can also be taken over by a soprano and the baritone voice by a tenor. In the latter case, octaves must be made in some places, but this does not significantly harm the piece. Corresponding transpositions of the individual parts as well as the score are optionally available. Also available are versions for mixed ensembles such as trumpet / alto / tenor / trombone (or clarinet quartet) as well as a non transposed score in C. In the first (alto or soprano respectively trumpet) and third part (tenor) are some notated solos. These are to be understood as an option or suggestion and can be replaced by an own improvisation.
